The Ibhanilfa Journal
Stories, field notes and planning guides from East Africa
A collection of field notes and practical guides from across East Africa — the rhythm of the Great Migration, what to actually expect on Kilimanjaro, the people and places behind our cultural journeys, and the planning detail that makes a safari work. Written to be useful before, and after, you travel with us.
Featured story
Multi-Country East Africa Itineraries: Combining Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda
How to realistically combine Tanzania with Rwanda or Uganda in one trip — flight connections, pacing, and planning considerations.
Read the storyExplore by interest
Kilimanjaro & Adventure
Kilimanjaro Climbing Seasons: When to Climb and What the Weather Actually Does
How Kilimanjaro’s dry and rainy seasons affect climbing conditions, and how to weigh weather against crowding when picking dates.
Kilimanjaro Success Rates: How Route and Duration Affect Your Summit Chances
Why longer Kilimanjaro itineraries generally report higher summit success, and how to weigh time, cost and acclimatisation.
Kilimanjaro Porters and Responsible Climbing: What Travellers Should Know
How porter welfare works on Kilimanjaro, what KINAPA regulations require, and what to ask an operator before booking.Mount Meru: Tanzania’s Underrated Acclimatisation Climb
What climbing Mount Meru involves, how it compares to Kilimanjaro, and why some climbers use it as acclimatisation.
Combining Kilimanjaro with a Tanzania Safari: How to Plan the Order
Whether to climb Kilimanjaro before or after a safari, how much time to allow, and how the two experiences fit together practically.Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness: What Climbers Should Know Before They Go
How altitude affects Kilimanjaro climbers, what acclimatisation actually means for route and duration choice, and when to seek medical advice.How to Choose a Kilimanjaro Route: A Practical Comparison
A practical comparison of Kilimanjaro’s main routes — scenery, traffic, acclimatisation profile, and how to match a route to your priorities.A considered next step
Planning a journey through East Africa?
Use the insights in the Journal as a starting point, then speak with Ibhanilfa about shaping a journey around your interests, season and available time.