Cannot say enough great things about Sabino and the rest of the team at Popote!! They were strongly recommended to me by a friend, and even with that, my actual experience exceeded expectations in fun and meaningful ways.

BOOKING / PREPARATION:
From our first email exchange, Sabino offered helpful advice on choosing a route and duration based on my preferences, ultimately agreeing on a 7-day Lemosho trek of Kilimanjaro followed by a 3-day mid-range safari. I originally booked for June 2020 so when my initial trip had to be cancelled, he communicated clearly and professionally about my options to reschedule (I chose to go in November 2021). As I got closer to my trip date, he also helped me prioritize what gear to bring/buy vs. rent from them, how much I should plan to tip, and Covid testing guidelines.

ARRIVAL / SETTLING IN:
Bottom line here is the Popote team will take care of you from the second you walk out of the airport until you return to check-in for your departing flight. Even though I arrived late at night, their very friendly driver was waiting for me at the airport and took me right away to our lovely hotel in Moshi. The next morning, I was greeted by Sabino and our trek guides (Stanly and Thadeus), who not only provided a helpful overview of the day but also had the exact pieces of gear I asked to borrow from Popote (duffel bag, gaiters, and trekking poles). Once I re-packed, Sabino also took my bigger checked bag to keep safe in the Popote office until I returned for my safari. Seamless and worry-free.

THE TREK EXPERIENCE:
I was joined by one other woman for my trek and we had the BEST time; seriously, we compared notes with some other trekkers on our same route and felt that we really got the best value and experience. From the friendly support of our guides, porters, and cook to the copious hot drinks and food to the always-ready portable bathroom, they made the trek as easy and luxurious as possible. I felt fully supported, emotionally and physically, the whole time - with things like nightly health and pulse ox checks, ginger tea carried by our cook (Joseph) on one long day when we weren't able to stop for hot lunch, and hot water bottles to put in our sleeping bags on the cold nights. A huge bonus was that we happened to be the first group of the day to reach the summit - perfectly timed by our guides, who ensured we didn't get there so early that it would still be dark, yet early enough to see the sun rise behind Mawenzi Peak.

I'd read online and in guide books that tipping on Kili can become this weird act of guilt-tripping to get more, or sketchy behavior of one person taking all the cash to 'distribute' later, so I was THRILLED when our guides walked us through a transparent approach where we handed each of our team members their share and everyone seemed genuinely appreciative.

THE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
I was solo for my safari and had a GREAT 3 days with Beatus. The label of 'mid-range lodge' does not do their selected hotel any justice; I had 4-course dinners each night from the most gracious servers, and even got to enjoy some afternoon cocktails by their pool. It was a great way to see more of Tanzania after the hike up Kili. Props especially to Beatus who made sure I was able to get my pre-departure Covid test, eat a real dinner before boarding my 9pm flight, AND pick up some gifts to bring home - all on the way back from Lake Manyara.