I was hoping to use this book to plan a trip to Africa to climb Kili but really there's not enough substance here. The author's constant reminder of all the feats he's accomplished and other people he's bettered (Whitney climb, Grand Canyon hike etc) is just plain annoying. Its an easy read and if that's what you're looking for, great. If you want some details for a trip keep looking.

You're planning a outdoor adventure. You go to your local outdoor equipment store, or sign on to the Internet. You browse through maps and atlases, "how-to" books, and photojournalist accounts. But what you want is a lay-person account of someone that's done it before. Kilimanjaro Adventure is that book. Hal Streckert has taken his desire to climb Kilimanjaro and not only recorded the quantitative (travel agencies, vaccinations, exercise regimens and hiking paths), but also thoughtfully documented insights, reactions, and the history behind the adventure.

This beautiful verbal slide show entertains and educates. The Streckerts take the readers from San Diego to Tanzania via Hawaii, Switzerland and Mexico.. Their tale incorporates previous trips through the Grand Canyon, and up the Breithorn and Popocatepetl. Hal's comfortable story-telling style moves the book from chapter to chapter, from sea level to the top of the African continent.

Particularly engaging is the attention Hal focuses on his wife Diane, and his son, Kyle. Their reactions to the climb, the people and the author himself make the story even more inviting and tangible. It's exciting to follow the Streckerts as they make their way towards the peak of Kilimanjaro. And, as a refreshing denoument, we join the family on a Safari adventure after returning from the mountain top.

These are what make this an endearing and appropriate guide for another couple or family planning a similar adventure. The book is a way for the Streckert family to share their knowledge and experience with more than just their immediate friends. I hope they choose to publish future travels; more peaks await their footsteps.

I was curious about this book and read the on-line reviews, which made me even more curious. Based on these I decided to buy it and make up my own mind. I think it is a great story. It's fun and easy to read. Here is an adventurous family that goes to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro and we learn how they think and feel along the way. Then they go on safari. Wow. I don't know too many families like that. I liked it. The story is so well put that it makes me think I could try it sometime.

The reader from USA (below) claims the author made a "big error" by saying:"...three more Americans...a young man from Canada". In the American Heritage dictionary, the first definition of American is: relating to the United States of America. The second is: relating to North or South America. So according to the dictionary the author's statement is correct. Some little error doesn't distract from the real story.