The WHOA travel Blog is where real women share real stories—raw, reflective, and rooted in adventure with purpose. From summiting Kilimanjaro to supporting grassroots changemakers in Peru, our blog offers firsthand insights from experienced travelers who lead with heart. Every post is a window into meaningful exploration, grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, and connection. Whether you're here to get inspired, plan your next adventure, or reflect on your own journey, you'll find a welcoming space that empowers you to rise!
Two of our awesome June 2018 climbers: Sara (aka Mama D) and Jackie
Embarking on this epic journey with such an international group is one of the many things that makes WHOA's Kilimanjaro climbs extra special! With no further ado, let us introduce you to the 2 amazing Tanzanian ladies who will be joining our Kilimanjaro June 2018 Full Moon Summit: Mama D and Jackie!
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Cocaya and her grandma
Cocaya is the founder of Shirikisha, although she would say it evolved as a collaboration of efforts and hearts of many. Through Shirikisha, she works with other women, and some men in her community, many who are physically and mentally challenged.
Read moreAt WHOA, we're all about sharing experiences, connecting, and supporting local women in every possible way throughout our adventures. One of the ways we do this in Tanzania is by inviting local women to join our Kilimanjaro climbs.
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Originally posted March 8, 2017 on wanderlisa
I’m currently in New York City but my heart is in Tanzania. It’s hard to believe that exactly a year ago, on March 8, 2016, International Women’s Day, I reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, along with a group of 22 women, organized through WHOA Travel. It was hands-down one of the best experiences of my life, and also one of the hardest.
I metaphorically carry that mountain with me every day – not as a weight that pushes me down, but as a strength that lifts me up. Whenever I’m having a hard day I say to myself “I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. I can get through this.”
I think about Kilimanjaro all the time. It’s one of my proudest accomplishments, and when I reflect on it I smile. It was so hard. SO HARD. But I made it. And I met an incredible network of women through WHOA Travel, and we all have a special bond now from sharing this tough experience.
I would climb Kilimanjaro again in a heartbeat if I had the time and the money. I’m not sure when I’ll conquer that mountain again, but I definitely will one day.
I’ve been inspiring a lot of my friends to want to climb Kilimanjaro. You can do it!*
*if you’re able-bodied, in decent shape, and don’t have asthma
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WHOA Travel is so pleased to welcome Claudio Shio on our 2016 New Years Eve Kilimanjaro Adventure! We’re so excited to have such a driven, diverse and inspiring group coming together to reach the summit. Sharing this epic journey with such an international group is one of the many things that will makes WHOA Kilimanjaro climbs extra special!
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When people ask us what makes traveling with WHOA different, one thing comes to mind immediately: OUR PARTNERS. Because empowering and connecting women through adventure is at the heart of everything we do, we hold a strong commitment to social responsibility with every single journey we take. It’s extremely important to us that our partners and our work are both ethical and sustainable. That's why we partner with amazing organizations doing positive grassroots work in each of our destinations, and we work closely with each organization to address their greatest needs. Working together and sharing experiences is what makes our adventures extra special for everyone involved! We are so grateful for each and every one of them and want to share a little more about them with all of you.
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PHOTO CRED: NICOLA BAILEY
If you’re a seasoned traveler, you probably have somewhat of a trip routine set up: choose destination, book flights, find a hotel, plan activities, etc. And, while traveling to any new place will certainly be an exciting adventure, there are ways to make your next trip even more out there.
In fact, there’s an entire genre of getaways known as “adventure travel,” in which participants explore unexpected places and sign up for adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you end up spelunking into an ancient, dark cave; swimming with sharks; or cycling the French Alps; you’ll be on an adventurous trek that you’re not soon to forget.
Need a bit more coaxing to make your next vacation into a heart-pumping, life-changing escape? Here are six more reasons why adventure travel is the way to go.
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It's 7:45pm on November 9th and I am about to board a flight from Ahmedabad, India to Mumbai. Everyone around me is mingling with their loved ones donning bright smiles and sharing laughs. Children are chasing each other, giggling, and spirits generally are high.
It's almost my turn to board so I reach for my passport and boarding pass, as I have done one thousand times before, and notice myself placing my left palm over the front cover of my passport bearing the Great Seal of the United States with "United States of America" embossed in gold lettering, shielding it so no one can see. My eyes start to well up and I try to hold back tears, but a few find a way to trickle down my cheek. This feeling is so foreign and uncomfortable and I become paralyzed with emotion, but I continue my walk down the gangway, ashamed and confused.
