In our latest Travel Journal, we interview fellow Clymb member and avid adventurer, Bill, about his incredible experience hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. Plus our very own Travel Program Coordinator, Courtney Gerard, tells us how her trek changed her perceptions about group travel.
Trip Highlights
Tanzania is full of wildly diverse ecosystems. As a self-proclaimed nature geek, trekking through Kilimanjaro’s lush forests, highland valleys, and expansive red deserts was a dream come true. When I pictured Africa I had this idea of sweeping plains studded with baobab trees, and while we did get to see those amazing landscapes, Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems delivered so much more.
Pleasant Surprises
I’ve never been one for group travel. I generally find myself using travel as means of finding freedom and I was hesitant to get caught up in an organized itinerary. This experience really changed my perceptions.
The people in our group were incredible and so full of life and wisdom. From our guides singing to us as we hiked through the night to collectively shedding tears as we watched the sunrise over Kenya on the summit, I couldn’t imagine this experience without their spirit and encouragement.
Why OneSeed Expeditions?
Every time you book a trip with OneSeed, 10% of the trip cost goes back to local communities through micro-finance loans that help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. While I was there I was fortunate enough to meet Judith, an entrepreneur who started a bakery with the help of OneSeed funds. After years of hard work, she now employs over 250 individuals and has forged a path for women from rural villages to gain valuable work experience that will help them lead independent lives for many years to come. Seeing the pride on the faces of Judith’s crew was worth every penny.