Kilimanjaro Trek and Tanzania Safari: A Women's Adventure That Exceeded All Dreams

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Jan 5

There are trips you dream about for years… and then there are trips that somehow manage to exceed even those dreams.

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro with Extraordinary Women

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of badass women was already one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The challenge, the altitude, the early mornings, and the long days on the mountain pushed us in ways I'll never forget. The bonds formed there—through shared effort, encouragement, and determination—were powerful, and I truly didn't think anything could top it.

But then…it did.

From the Roof of Africa to the Ultimate Safari Experience

After standing on the Roof of Africa, tired, emotional, and completely in awe, some of the women added on a Tanzania safari, and that was the icing on the cake. Or maybe the icing on the Kili!

As a former zookeeper for nearly two decades, I've had a lifelong love for wildlife, and seeing animals in their natural habitat has always been high on my bucket list. I spent years raising Kori bustards, obsessing over their care, behavior, and growth, and developing a deep appreciation for African bird species long before I ever set foot on the continent.

A Safari Dream Come True: Spotting Ground Hornbills in the Wild

But there was one species that sat firmly at the very top of my wildlife bucket list: ground hornbills. Seeing them in the wild was my number-one safari dream.

So when we spotted them - those striking, prehistoric-looking birds moving through the grass exactly the way they're meant to - it felt surreal. No glass, no barriers, no enclosures. Just ground hornbills being ground hornbills in the African savanna.

It was one of those moments where everything slows down, and you realize you're witnessing something you've carried with you for years. A true full-circle moment that brought childhood dreams to life in the most unexpected way.

Why Women's Adventure Travel Creates Unforgettable Connections

And as incredible as the mountain and wildlife were, what truly made this trip unforgettable was the women I got to share it with.

This group was something special. Strong, supportive, hilarious, and inspiring. Women from different backgrounds and walks of life who came together with a shared goal and left with genuine connections, countless laughs, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Power of Shared Adventure

This trip reminded me why I love adventure travel so much. It's not just about the destination, it's about the people you experience it with, the growth that happens along the way, and the moments that stay with you long after you return home.

Kilimanjaro challenged me.
The safari fulfilled a lifelong dream.
And these women made it all unforgettable.

Forever grateful for the mountain, the wildlife, and the community that made it all possible.

Planning Your Own Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari?

If you're considering a Mount Kilimanjaro trek or Tanzania safari adventure, here are my top tips:

Women Who Explore has 2 group treks in 2026. One is women’s only and the other is co-ed. Highly recommend booking either!
Add the safari extension – it's absolutely worth it for the wildlife experience
Train properly for the altitude and physical demands
Bring quality gear and layers for varying temperatures
Keep your expectations open – the best moments often surprise you