Enjoyable Read This book was very entertaining as a hiker who was considering Kilimanjaro. It helped me decide that this hike... read moreThis book was very entertaining as a hiker who was considering Kilimanjaro. It helped me decide that this hike isn't for me, but it was still very enjoyable to read and I'm so glad I found it!


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A Must Read I couldn’t put down the book. I felt like I was with the group hiking/climbing breathless, my brain hungering... read moreI couldn’t put down the book. I felt like I was with the group hiking/climbing breathless, my brain hungering for oxygen, my legs could no longer carry me. A very well written book by Alexandra, who did a tremendous amount of research before she embarked on an unforgettable and challenging climb to Kili. The book is loaded with tons of information and data to help the would-be climber make a well-informed decision before taking on such a daunting effort. I’m a 64 year- old woman, hike 5 times a week and the most elevation gain I have done is 3,000 ft. I felt like I’ve summited Kili vicariously through Alex and her team mates experiences. Very well done Alex! read less

A comprehensive and compelling guide to hiking Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Alex has done a great job summarizing the complete experience of hiking Kilimanjaro, from preparation to after thoughts. It's well... read moreAlex has done a great job summarizing the complete experience of hiking Kilimanjaro, from preparation to after thoughts. It's well written, and her personal style is well delivered.Her writing is so descriptive, you feel as though you journeyed with her. read less

Cold + Altitude Very interesting story telling, which suited me nicely. I am now wondering if I should bring more things as... read moreVery interesting story telling, which suited me nicely. I am now wondering if I should bring more things as you did (snacks included) for my trip next month. I am prone to cold as I live near the equator for almost all my life, cold is my first concern with altitude sickness second, but learning from your book I am hoping that I will manage with proper clothing and definitely Diamox. read less

This book is perfect. She answers every question I thought of and ... This book is perfect. She answers every question I thought of and didn’t think of. It’s a great resource fir... read moreThis book is perfect. She answers every question I thought of and didn’t think of. It’s a great resource fir anyone thinking of taking on this challenge read less

Very good read for those planning a Kilimanjaro trek...or those simply attracted to an interesting story. This book is a very good account of a first-time Kilimanjaro climber's experience with planning and carrying out a successful... read moreThis book is a very good account of a first-time Kilimanjaro climber's experience with planning and carrying out a successful climb. By the author's admission, she is a very thorough person...which is very helpful for a reader interested in how best to get ready for a Kilimanjaro climb. The author, Alex, also provides a comprehensive account of her experience in trekking the Northern Circuit of Kilimanjaro, a route that hasn't been reviewed prior to now, at least not to the extent of Alex' book.Another big attribute of the author's approach is that she clearly has a commitment to fairness and equity within the Kilimanjaro trekking operator industry. This is evident in her strong support for the Kilimanjaro Porters' Assistance Project (KPAP) which serves to ensure safety and fair compensation for the porters, who are the shining stars of Kilimanjaro trekking.Lastly, this book is written in an engaging, interesting style, with the author describing the dynamics within her group and how things unfolded over the nine days on the mountain. Given the physical and mental challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro, as one might expect there were times of closeness among the climbing group members along with times when tension surfaced. It was interesting and useful to hear Alex' first-hand account of this experience. read less

Entertaining and real What amazed me is the level of detail the author used to prepare for her trip to Kili - this... read moreWhat amazed me is the level of detail the author used to prepare for her trip to Kili - this book should be called "The Perfectionist's Guide to Climing Kilimanjaro" and should answer many questions for your own preparations (in particular those that you would have never thought about). I also enjoyed reading the authors personal story and how this trip changed her perception of life, and appreciated the humility and self-mockery. But what really stood out was that the author did not only write about her personal experience from a typical egoistic perspective, but the broader social aspects of Kili-tourism and how foreigners (knowingly or unknowingly) exploit local people to have a cheap climb.


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Simply good stuff. First I am not such an extreme sportfan or adventure freak. But when I accidentially got to this book I... read moreFirst I am not such an extreme sportfan or adventure freak. But when I accidentially got to this book I am fascinated, being drawn in an adventure both exciting and authentic. The story is told with humour and intelligence. Pragmatic enough to follow as a guide, entertaining enough to join an extraordinary adventure. Simply good stuff. read less

This book addresses pretty much everything and anything you could possibly think of ... I do not even know where to begin! This book addresses pretty much everything and anything you could possibly think... read moreI do not even know where to begin! This book addresses pretty much everything and anything you could possibly think of in regards to preparing for your climb. From the very first to the very last page I was completely sucked in! I laughed, I cried, I researched, took notes, highlighted and shopped. I have my climb in Dec. 2017 and thought I was prepared. Not so! This book was an absolute wealth of knowledge. I was blown away by the attention Alex gave to even the smallest detail. I was deeply touched by the respect, concern and consideration given to the guides, porters, cooks and all others who even make an experience like this possible! Her writing style makes for a very easy read and I almost feel that a have made a new friend and climbed right along side of her and her group. Very well done!!! read less

Makes me want to go back to Kili! Really well written. I've been to the top of Kili and the story took me right back to all... read moreReally well written. I've been to the top of Kili and the story took me right back to all my experiences then. Would have been good to have read this book before hand, and I even enjoyed reading the more detailed technical/packing details. A good read especially if you are planning on heading to Africa and Kilimanjaro, but just as good if you aren't. read less