"I wanted to let you know what a tremendous experience this was for us and how pleased we were with the whole IMG program from start to finish. From the initial contact with you (Eric Simonson) and Phil Ershler, through the whole trip planning process, to the expedition itself, everything was highly professional and first class in every respect. Your personal communications to me by email and rapid response to any questions or concerns in advance of the trip were greatly appreciated. The local arrangements through the Keys Hotel and the assistance of and experience with the African guides, cooks, and porters were beyond expectations. I also cannot speak highly enough about Adam Angel. Not only did he do a great job coaching us through our progressive trek into high altitude, but he also became a wonderful companion and friend, and undoubtedly greatly facilitated the camaraderie that quickly developed amongst the climbers.
I don't know when I may get another chance to climb, but when I do, you can be assured that if at all possible, it will be with IMG. It appears that you set the standard in guided mountaineering, and I thank you for making possible this once in a lifetime experience for my son and me."
—Michael B.
"We had an incredible experience on our trip. The climb was awesome! IMG had everything well organized from the excellent accommodations before and after the climb to the coordination of the porters and cooks on the climb. Adam was a pleasure to climb with. He took a personal interest in each person achieving their goals for the climb and did everything he could to help make that happen. He had a great sense for when he needed to provide specific direction to the group and when it was okay to let the group just experience the mountain. Hope we have the chance to climb with him again. We look forward to our next adventure with IMG."
—Rob & Julie L.
"What a fun trip. And all I have to say is who ever thought up the porter concept was brilliant. It's not bad strolling up and down a mountain when you don't have to schlep your own stuff. Seriously, Tanzania is an amazing country. Kili is a beautiful mountain and the safari was just the right length of time. I also very much enjoyed climbing with Adam Angel. He's a very nice guy and excellent tour guide. The group was lots of fun and got along very well. Just a wonderful trip all the way around."
—Monica R.
"I just wanted to send a short letter to thank you and Adam for a excellent trip to Kilimanjaro. Adam did a great job throughout the climb and I would definitely recommend IMG and Adam for anyone wanting to do a climb."
—John S.
"I think I should first speak of Adam, for without his expert guidance and leadership, our climb could have been quite different and not as successful... at least for me. Although I have done some climbing, I was perhaps the least experienced of the group. And although I had trained religiously for months, I was not prepared for many of the challenges that confronted us. Adam was there for me and everyone, for every step of the way.
Not a headache was to go by without him knowing about it. When they did occur, Diamox was not the preferred cure; rather going back to the basics of breathing and drinking. He talked about what we should wear each day and how often we should snack and drink water. He instructed us as to the use of our poles: how long or short they should be or if we needed one or both. And when I encountered some problematic spots on the Baranco Wall or wherever, he was there to get me safely to the next point. By the time we had reached Barafu Hut, he had laid the groundwork: he had instilled so much confidence in us of his abilities as a leader. Little did we know how important that confidence in him was for us to reach the summit.
I know that Adam spoke to you about the wind and the less than perfect conditions on summit night. Regardless, Adam was unbelievable. He was decisive. He shouted out instructions all along the way: to eat, to drink, to breathe, to rest step and for me to stand up straight. He was quick to have our packs taken off and carried by a Chagga, when we were being carried and thrown down by the wind. And he yelled encouraging words that we were doing so well and that our bodies could do it and not to let our minds tell us it couldn't!! And because of his leadership and good judgment, no one was hurt, and we reached the summit safely.
All in all, it was an experience of a lifetime. And I thank you for including me in the group."
—Susan G.
