#Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

[keitoursandsafarisblog]

Tune in to discover the essential gear you need for Tanzania mountain climbing. Learn the best clothing, footwear, and accessories to enhance your Kilimanjaro mountain climbing experience.

Read More: https://www.keitoursandsafaris.com/blog/tanzania-mountain-climbing-packing-guide/

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Choosing one of the best kilimanjaro tour operators in tanzania is essential for a safe and memorable trek to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. Reputable operators offer experienced guides, proper acclimatization support, quality equipment, and ethical treatment of porters. They provide various route options to suit climbers of different experience levels. Companies like Kiliwarriors, Alpine Ascents, and Zara Tours are known for their expertise, safety protocols, and commitment to client satisfaction, ensuring a rewarding and well-organized Kilimanjaro climbing experience for all adventurers.

[professionalsafariafrica]

Tanzania Family Safari Tour is Designed for the Families Who Want to Explore the Best Safaris of This East African Country!

One of the most rewarding parts of travel is the opportunity to take yourself in a different culture. Tours also include activities that allow you to experience the local culture directly. This might involve visiting a traditional market, attending a cultural performance or even dining with a local family. These experiences give you a better understanding of the place that you are visiting and allow you to connect with the local people. Planning a trip can be time consuming and stressful and especially if you are visiting a place for the first time. A tour takes away this stress. The tour company handles all the logistics so you do not have to worry about anything.

So many things to do during these nine days

If you are thinking about going on 9 days safari trip Tanzania Zanzibar then this tour planner makes it easy and enjoyable. They are great at organizing trips and they will surely help you to make the most of your adventure. Booking your 9 day safari trip with this tour planner is simple. They handle all the details properly so you do not have to worry about planning each part of your trip. From arranging flights and accommodations to organizing safari activities and transfers they take care of everything perfectly. This makes the planning process stress free and lets you focus on looking forward to your adventure

Family safari at its best

If you are planning a Tanzania family safari then this tour provider is the best choice for a great experience. They specialize in family friendly safaris and offer excellent customer service to make your trip enjoyable and memorable too. This tour provider creates itineraries that are perfect for families and they know how to plan a safari that is exciting for both kids and adults. Their tours include activities that are enjoyable and safe for children. They make sure that the activities are suitable for all ages so that every family member has a great time.

[jasperdream]

Unmatched Kilimanjaro Trek with a Dream Team

It was after more than a year and a half of planning, that I and my partner decided to finally set off for our Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure. We always knew that it would be a challenging thing.  What we didn’t expect was how much the team from African Scenic Safaris would make the journey special.

We had planned for an eight-day trek on the Northern Circuit Route, but due to low oxygen levels, we had to shorten it by a day and a half. Even with this change, the experience was incredible. We spent over a year planning every detail with Priyank from the AS team, who patiently helped us adjust our plans as needed.

When we finally began the climb, the team’s focus on our safety and comfort made all the difference. Their support turned what could have been a tough situation into a memory we’ll always treasure.

“Reaching Kilimanjaro’s peak is just one part of the climb; the real journey is shaped by those who help you get there.”

A Team Like No Other

From the start, it was clear that our guides, Godwin and Nestor, were focused on our safety and well-being.

Godwin, our head guide, had a deep knowledge of the mountain and a calm, reassuring presence that made a huge difference as we faced the challenges of the climb.

He was a mentor who loved to share insights on the best Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes and offered tips on how to acclimatize effectively.

When we had to make the tough decision to turn back because of the Kilimanjaro Altitude, Godwin’s care and concern for our health were evident. His commitment to making sure we were safe and enjoying the experience meant the world to us.

"Our guide Godwin wasn’t just leading us up the mountain—he was sharing a piece of his world with us."

Meet our Heroes of the Climb – The Kilimanjaro Porters

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A post shared by Safari & Trekking | Tanzania (@africanscenicsafaris)

The Kilimanjaro Porters on our trek were simply amazing. These hardworking individuals were always there to support us, carrying our gear, setting up our camp, and greeting us with smiles and encouragement after a long day.

Their dedication made our trek much more comfortable and allowed us to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro.

We were truly impressed by how much they went above and beyond to make our journey smooth and memorable.

“Despite the physical demands, they always had smiles on their faces, ready to lend a helping hand.”

Safety First, Always

As we climbed higher, the importance of Kilimanjaro Health & Safety became even more clear. Our team regularly checked on us, making sure we were staying hydrated and adjusting well to the altitude.

When it became clear that continuing the climb could put our health at risk, Godwin made the wise decision to turn back.

Although it was disappointing, we knew that our safety was the most important thing, and we were grateful for the care and attention we received.

"It’s not just about making it to the majestic heights of the summit—it’s about making sure everyone gets home safely."

Reflecting on the Experience

As I reflect on our Mount Kilimanjaro Hike, the memories that come up again and again aren’t just about the physical challenges. What I remember most are the incredible people who made the journey so special.

The camaraderie, the shared stories, and the deep connections we formed with our guides, porters, and each other are what made this experience truly unforgettable.

While we didn’t reach Uhuru Peak, we gained something even more valuable—friendships that will last a lifetime.

"We may not have reached the summit, but the friendships we made along the way are the real highlight of our journey."

What’s Next?

I hope our Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure has sparked your interest in planning your own journey.

If so, be sure to catch our next blog, where we’ll take you on a thrilling Tanzania Safari adventure.

From lion packs to a cheetah hunt, the excitement is just beginning!

Meanwhile, you can spend your time checking out Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages from the African Scenic Safaris and plan your dream climb!

[tanzaniatribesafari]

How to Choose The Right Kilimanjaro Guides: Essential Tips for A Safe And Successful Climb

Choosing the right and experienced Kilimanjaro Climb Guide is important but at the same time, it's daunting. Here are some tips to help you select the best guide for your Climb Mount Kilimanjaro expedition:

Choose a Reputable Tour Company

A reputable tour company provides experienced and highly – trained guides. So, to get the right Kilimanjaro guide, you first need to choose the right Kilimanjaro tour company.

Experience and Success Rate

Inquire about the guide's experience, including the number of successful summits attempts they have led. An experienced guide with a high success rate is more likely to help you reach the summit safely.

Communication Skills

A Kilimanjaro Guide should have proper communication skills, and they must understand and speak multiple languages.

Compatibility with Your Goals and Preferences

Consider your specific goals, preferences, and expectations when selecting a guide. Discuss your objectives with the company and ensure they can match you with a guide who aligns with your needs.

By following these tips, you can choose a Kilimanjaro guide who ensures your safety and enjoyment. Consider combining your climb with a Tanzania Tribe Safari for a richer cultural experience.

[razan-safaris1]

The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes Altitude Acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. 

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Hut: Mandara Hut. We head to the Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest near the upper edge of the forest line, where we sometimes see playful blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath / Moorland Our second day on the trail starts up with a steep ascent through the forest and opens into high moorland. If the sky is clear, we might get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Those two volcanic peaks  make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Habitat: Heath This extra day is used for Adaptation. We hike towards or all the way to Mawenzi Hut and back. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert On this day we climb gently, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite, which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at Camp, we rest and enjoying an early dinner and prepare for summit day.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Point to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 22 km Hiking Time: 10-13 hours Habitat: Arctic We wake up in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman’s Point is very steep, and the ascent will be slow and steady. From Gilman’s, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. We stay at the summit for a short time, to take photos and enjoy the views, before retracing our steps all the way back to Horombo Hut.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once we reach the park headquarters, there at Marangu Gate, we pick up our certificate, that proves our achievement, and catch our vehicle transfer to the Hotel in Moshi.

Included o    Park fees, o    Hut fees  o     Rescue fees o    18% VAT on tour fees & services, which cost nearly 55 % of the total cost charged. o    Transportation to & from the Mountain Gate o    Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters o    3 meals daily while on the mountain

Not Included o    Both national and international flights o    Medical Insurance o    Tips to Mountain Crew o    Items of a personal nature o    Laundry Services o    Alcoholic beverages

Contact Us via WhatApp +255 786499087

Email us Direct: razantourssafaris@gmail.com

[kileleclimbtour]

The Kilimanjaro Safari Tour is an unforgettable experience that provides a unique opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of Africa. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

For More Details Visit: KileleClimb.com

[goodearthexpeditions]

Top Experiences of Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventures

Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most popular trekking destinations. Thousands of visitors every year book Kilimanjaro guided climbing tours to experience incredible adventures.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience that offers trekkers to witness the breathtaking scenery. The Kilimanjaro guided climbing tours ensure unique experiences for a memorable adventure trip! 

Let us explore the unique experiences of Kilimanjaro trekking adventures:

Scenic Beauty: 

Witness stunning landscapes that change as you ascend the mountain. Experience the diversity by exploring the lush rainforest or the alpine desert at higher altitudes. The views from the Kilimanjaro summit are particularly awe-inspiring. 

Diverse Wildlife: 

Kilimanjaro has diverse wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and antelopes. Expect to see various animals as you trek through the diverse ecosystem of Kilimanjaro Mountain. Some of the most spotted animals include baboons, colobus, and blue monkeys. The birdlife on Kilimanjaro is also impressive, with over 180 species recorded.

Cultural Immersion: 

The region around Kilimanjaro is home to several tribes, each with its unique culture and traditions. Interact with locals like The Chagga tribe and learn about their rich history and culture. Learn about their banana beer-making and see dance performances are popular among visitors.

Personal Accomplishment: 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a significant personal achievement for most trekkers. The Kilimanjaro trek requires a high level of fitness and determination. Reaching the Kilimanjaro summit is a testament to physical and mental strength. Experience accomplishment and pride upon reaching the top that proves to be life-changing.

Unique Route Options: 

Kilimanjaro offers a variety of route options, each with unique challenges and rewards. Choose from routes such as the Machame, the Marangu, and the Lemosho, each offering a different experience. The Machame Route, for example, is famous for its scenic beauty. The Marangu Route is the shortest way to climb Kilimanjaro Mountain.

Altitude Challenge: 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a significant altitude challenge, with the summit reaching 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Altitude sicknesses like nausea, fatigue, and headaches are common problems for most trekkers. With proper preparation and acclimatization, you can conquer the mountain.

Nighttime Adventure: 

The final push to the summit of Kilimanjaro starts in the middle of the night. You may ascent in the dark, with only headlamps to light the way. The nighttime climb adds an extra level of adventure. Experience solitude as you climb Kilimanjaro during the night.

Stunning Sunrises: 

The early morning hours during the Kilimanjaro climb help you to see the most stunning sunrise view. Witness the sun rising over the horizon, casting the warmth of golden rays over the stunning landscape. The sunrise at the summit is impressive and memorable. See the sun illuminating the glaciers and snowfields of the peak.

Learning about the Environment: 

Kilimanjaro is a unique and fragile ecosystem. You can learn about environmental challenges.

Disconnect from Technology: 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse in nature. Without the distractions of phones, you can appreciate the beauty of nature. It helps you connect with your surroundings. 

Conclusion:

The Kilimanjaro trekking adventure offers grounding and rejuvenating experiences. Do not waste time! Consider booking one of the best Kilimanjaro guided climbing tours to live your dream! 

Contact Good Earth Expeditions to learn more about Kilimanjaro guided climbing tours!

[keitoursandsafarisblog]

Discover the best Kilimanjaro mountain climbing packages with Kei Tours & Safaris. Explore breathtaking views and diverse ecological zones with expert-guided treks tailored to all skill levels.

[rabbitcruiser]

Towel Day

Towel  Day on May 25 is an annual holiday created to celebrate author Douglas  Adams by his fans. Adams wrote the classic sci-fi novel, “The  Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” This day was organized in memory of  him after he suffered a sudden heart attack at the age of 49. His fans  wanted to find a way to commemorate his life’s work, and after having  one towel day, its success made it a yearly event. On this day, fans  carry towels around everywhere they go. Today, we are celebrating this  holiday with a towel wrapped around our necks because, we too, love  Douglas Adams!

History of Towel Day

Towel  Day is celebrated on May 25, two weeks after the date of Adams’s death  in 2001 — May 11. The day has, over time, received the status of being a  kind of ‘‘geek holiday’’ due to its connection with the popular series.

Why  a towel? It’s said the towel holds much importance in “The Hitchhiker’s  Guide to the Galaxy.” Adams wrote about towels as being the most  helpful item for an interstellar traveler. In chapter three of the book,  he writes, “A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing  an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value  — you can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold  moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble sanded  beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapours; you can sleep  under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of  Kakrafoon…” and so the uses go on.

Adams’s strongest advice was  “Never go anywhere without your towel.” This day has been celebrated now  for 19 years and is a great occasion for science fiction fans all over  the world to come together and rejoice … with their towels. It is said  that Adams was a humorous writer and witty character and that this day  reflects his lovable silliness.

Towel Day timeline

1978 An Oeuvre is Born

Douglas  Adams's radio series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is  broadcast for the first time — kickstarting a long line of adaptations  into other formats.

2001 Wrap It

The first Towel Day ever is celebrated on May 25, 2001, just two weeks after Adams's death on May 11.

2012 Mind Bogglingly Big

In January, the Huffington Post lists Towel Day as a cult literary tradition.

2013 The Good Towels

The Norwegian public transport company Kolumbus gives away special towels to customers.

2015 What is the Universe for?

On  Towel Day, astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti signals a Towel Day  greeting and reads from ‘‘The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy’’ from  the International Space Station.

Towel Day Activities

Carry a towel

Use a line from the series

Visit the website

The  hardcore fans of ‘‘Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy’’ will be carrying a  towel around for the day, so grab your towel and join in! Just make  sure that it’s clean. Take a photo of you wearing your towel, and upload  it to social media with the hashtag #towelday.

Weave  in some of the phrases from the ‘‘Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy’’  into your conversations. Try "Life, the Universe, and Everything",  "Humans are not proud of their ancestors, and rarely invite them around  to dinner", "Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so", or "I love  deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by." It may  confuse folks around you, but those who know, know.

Check  out the towelday.org website and see what everyone else is up to on  this day. Inspire yourself and find other ways to celebrate or join in  with others as a group in your area or even your country. Or be a  go-getter and make your own Towel Day event that fans can attend.

5 Facts About Douglas Adams

An asteroid is named after him

He appeared in a famous TV show

He was friends with David Gilmour

He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro ... but there's more

He wrote a few "Doctor Who" episodes

In 2001, Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research project discovered an asteroid and named it 25924 Douglasadams.

Adams  apparently made a brief appearance as an extra called Dr. Emile Konig  in an episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus — he also contributed to  the writing of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

An  avid musician himself, Adams owned between 24 and 35 left-handed  guitars, appeared on stage at Pink Floyd's 1994 gig at Earl's Court in  London, and named the band's album that year, "The Division Bell."

Adams  was an environmentalist and loved animals, campaigning on behalf of  endangered species for most of his life — in 1994, he climbed Mount  Kilimanjaro in a rhino suit to raise awareness for Save The Rhino.

He was a contributing writer for several episodes of the famous British series, "Doctor Who."

Why We Love Towel Day

Online antics

Book marathon

Galaxy binge session

You  can get loads of information on the day from the twitter account  @towelday and the official website, towelday.org. You can find out stuff  like information on the life of Douglas Adams, details on the  “Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy” radio series, and interact with the  7,000+ fans who follow this day.

This  holiday gives us a chance to read or reread Adams's life’s work. Go  back and immerse yourself in the trilogy of  “The Hitchhiker's Guide to  the Galaxy” as well as “Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency”, “The  Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul” and many more titles that made Adams so  beloved.

This  day also gives us a chance to binge on the shows linked to Adams. So  watch a movie or a TV series derived from his books. Do it with your  friends and carry your towels together. Celebrate this great author and  come together to watch some good and classic TV.

Source

[professionalsafariafrica]

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours are Arranged by the Top Tour Planner!

Going on a tour is important for various reasons whether you are exploring a new city, visiting a historic site or even experiencing nature, a tour can make your travel experience richer, easier and even more enjoyable. One of the most important reasons to go on a tour is the convenience. When you join a tour everything is planned and organized for you. The tour company takes care of all the details and including transportation, activities, meals and accommodation too. This means you do not have to worry about figuring out how to get from one place to another, where to stay or even what to do.

Relax and focus on the safari tour

The convenience allows you to relax and focus on enjoying your trip. Whether you go alone or with family, Western Tanzania safari tour cost is affordable without compromising on quality. When it comes to exploring the wild beauty of Western Tanzania this is the best service provider that offers the best safari experience at a great cost. They specialize in organizing safaris that allow you to experience the amazing landscapes, wildlife and also culture of this less traveled region of Tanzania. Western Tanzania is known for its remote and untouched wilderness areas. One of the main reasons this provider stands out is their ability to offer competitive pricing for their safari tours.

Selecting the right tour planner is essential

If you are looking to climb Mount Kilimanjaro then choosing the right tour planner is crucial for a successful and memorable experience too. There is one tour planner that stands out as the best for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours. And they are known for offering top notch service, experienced guides and also a well organized approach that ensures you have the best chance of reaching the summit safely. This tour planner specializes in Mount Kilimanjaro treks and they also know every route, challenge and also detail involved in the climb .

[dingoat]

Artificial

Libby had wanted to hike Mount Marvellous for as long as she could remember, and she was beside herself when she finally had the opportunity to book a tour and be guided up the mountainside after years of training and research. She adored the hiking kit she’d crafted over the years, her camera was a prized possession, her boots were worth almost half a week’s pay. The sightseeing up the mountainside was globally renowned, and the adventure was supposed to be one in a lifetime.

She arrived at the tour hut at the base of the mountain, and was a little perplexed by the vehicle that she was piled into with her fellow hikers when the trailhead was visible just beyond the hut, but she accepted the lead of her guide.

They were driven all the way to the mountain’s peak, pausing half a dozen times for the group to pile out and collect their trophy photos at the most spectacular views and sights along the way. They reached the top before Libby knew it, a miniscule fraction of the time it would have taken to climb on foot.

“Congratulations on completing the hike!” she was told by others who’d taken the trip up an hour earlier and were still reclined at the summit with their feet up, patting on another on the back and praising each other’s identical photographs. “An incredible thing to have achieved, isn’t it?”

Libby stepped back, confused. “But I didn’t do anything..?”

“You did everything, dear! You chose to go on this hike, didn’t you? Searched up the mountain on the internet, put in the keywords for the sights you wanted to see? That’s all you!”  “You’re a champion hiker now, getting to this peak puts you in the same league as those who’ve conquered Kilimanjaro.” “Just look what you’ve done! Look how high you’ve climbed!” “I never imagined I’d have the skill to get up here.”

“What are you talking about?” cried Libby. “We were driven up here! None of us hiked! If there’s any skill involved it’s from whoever built that vehicle!”

“Nonsense,” they said. “We still reached the top, and that’s the part that’s important isn’t it? We have the pictures to prove we made it up here, no different to the pictures from somebody who walked all the way. What does it matter that I didn’t spend the time walking, I still saw exactly what I wanted to see, when I show my photos to my family it’s the same as if I’d hiked it on foot. Plus we’ve done it in a fraction of the time, I could hike ten more mountains today if I wanted! Incredible!”

“We haven’t hiked anything! This isn’t what I wanted, this isn’t an achievement! I… I worked for this. I wanted to walk. I wanted to do this myself!”

Her words fell on deaf ears, drowned by the praise the others lavished upon one another. “Hiking is so accessible now! I love how outdoorsy I can be now that they have these steep terrain vehicles! I hike all the time, you wouldn’t believe where I’ve gone! I can’t believe people who walk the trails feel so threatened by this, they’re just jealous.”

[rhysdarbinizedarby]

Rhys’s Pieces: Interview with ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ Actor Rhys Darby

by: Jesse Rifkin • December 20 2017

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, one of the most anticipated films of this holiday season, stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black as players who accidentally get sucked into a dangerous videogame world of magic and attacking animals.

Rhys Darby portrays Nigel, a guide to the newcomers in the videogame world, who entrusts them with their mission: returning a sacred jewel called the Jaguar’s Eye to the distant statue where it belongs. Darby is best known to American audiences for comedic roles as Jim Carrey’s boss in Yes Man and inept band manager Murray Hewitt in the 2000s HBO show Flight of the Conchords.

Ahead of the film’s December 20 theatrical release, Darby spoke to Boxoffice about filming in Hawaii, the children’s book he started writing on the set, and how his training in the New Zealand Army helped prepare him for the role.

What was it like working with this cast?

Amazing. The Rock is so huge in every way. He has a connection to New Zealand. He actually went to a school in New Zealand when he was a kid. And he’s from Samoa. [Johnson is of Samoan heritage, though he was born and primarily raised in America.] So there was kind of a spiritual connection there. I felt like I already knew him. When we hung out a bit on set, he knew who I was from Conchords. He was very upbeat and fun to be around.

Was it disappointing working with The Rock, after you grew up in New Zealand which already has the world’s largest rock?

That’s in Australia. You’ve got to do your research!

I did my research. I am speaking to Hugh Jackman, right?

Absolutely! [Laughs.]

What was it like shooting in Hawaii? Had you ever been there before?

That’s right, Oahu. I had been a few times. I love Hawaii, it’s a very special place. So it was fantastic to be able to shoot there. I do this TV show called Wrecked [airing on TBS, about a group of people stranded on an island] and we film on a tropical island as well. We started in Puerto Rico, then we did season 2 in Fiji. So I feel like a lot of my acting work seems to be in tropical islands.

When you were a soldier in real life, where were you stationed? Were you ever on an island then?

I was on the island of New Zealand! [Laughs.] I was in the north island, then the south island. But I never left New Zealand with the army.

Did you use any of what you learned as a soldier when performing your role as Nigel? He’s a tough guy trekking in nature.

It’s really a mind fit, that kind of outdoorsman. I’ve certainly been that in the past. I enjoy adventure, it’s one of the things I do. I mean, I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in real life. I’ve wandered through Rwanda looking for mountain gorillas. So for me, those kind of experiences, wearing that kind of outfit and driving a Land Rover, is almost second nature. I used to drive Land Rovers in the New Zealand Army.

Did you see the original Jumanji when it was released in 1995? How much were you guys trying to go for an original Jumanji vibe, versus doing your own thing?

I think I probably saw it a few years later, on video. They liked to keep the spirit of the original, but definitely do a new thing. We couldn’t copy the original, that one was so good. This was rebooting the world, but modernizing it and turning it into a video game. That was the big difference, which I think is going to be great for the kids. I’d love to say that board games are coming back, and I think they might be. But I know most kids can relate to the video game concept more.

You co-host a podcast called The Cryptid Factor, about fictional or mythical animals. Were there any that you tried to get included in this film? Which mythical animal would you have most wanted to see included?

In the Jumanji world, there are pretty regular animals, except they’re a lot bigger than in real life. So they are gigantic and they seem to be a bit possessed. They’re quite dangerous. If I was to add any animal into this world, it would be something like the Mongolian death worm. [The animal, rumored but never confirmed, is an enormous worm supposedly residing in the Gobi Desert]. That would have fit in there. Obviously, it wouldn’t be Mongolian. Maybe the Jumanjian death worm.

What’s your best Jack Black story?

Nick Jonas [the superstar pop singer who plays a pilot named Jefferson “Seaplane” McDonough] contacted me and invited me out to dinner with Jack Black. We went out and had dinner one night. That’s the only context in which the three of us would ever be together!

I didn’t hang out with those guys [the stars of the cast] or anything like that. I was mostly just alone in my hotel. I only worked about seven days, but I was trapped in Hawaii for two months, because the scenes I was in were predominantly either in the Land Rover or some other backstory scene wandering through the jungle. They were waiting for it to rain to film my scenes, for some reason. It was all very weirdly determined. And it never rained! So I just sort of waited, going slowly insane. Then finally I got brought on to the set.

That must have been terrible, spending two months in paradise not working but still getting paid.

I spent that time writing a book! It hasn’t come out yet. It’s a children’s book. I’m still working on it. It’s an adventure book about a 12-year-old who goes on this crazy adventure to find his parents.

Your standup has generally been pretty alternative, Flight of the Conchords was rated TV-MA, [Darby’s previous film] What We Do in the Shadows was rated R. Now you’re doing a children’s book and a family movie. Is this a new direction you’re trying to go in your career?

I naturally go towards stuff that is more friendly, less violent. I think it’s just the jobs I’ve gotten. I also do Voltron [a Netflix original animated series in which Darby voices the royal advisor Coran]. That lets me do funny character work that all ages can enjoy. I’ll do whatever is funny. If we can keep that in the zone for younger people to laugh at as well, that actually means I have to be cleverer.

AT THE MOVIES

What is your favorite moviegoing memory or experience?

It would have to be going back to childhood, seeing Return of the Jedi in this amazing cinema in Auckland called The Civic. It’s gloriously decorated on the inside. It has gold lions on stage whose eyes light up. The whole ceiling is kind of like space, it’s all twinkling stars. You feel like you’re in another world. I got to see Return of Jedi there when I was young, on the big screen. I also saw Indiana Jones in that same theater. So those two.

And your favorite snack at the movie theater concession stand?

Oh, wow. For me, it’s a combination of ice cream and popcorn. So I get the popcorn and then I like to get a vanilla ice cream, or what they call a Choc Top in New Zealand. [The treat consists of soft serve ice cream dipped in a hard chocolate coating, served inside a waffle cone.] You can bite into it, then you just dip it into the popcorn. So you end up with popcorn sticking onto your ice cream and you can eat them both.

Source: Boxoffice