Airfare Cost for June 2010 Kilimanjaro?
 

Hi all - I'm going on my first safari in June 2010. Been looking at airfares from Chicago... around $2000 right now to fly to Amsterdam and then on to Kilimanjaro. A few questions for those of you who have flown at that popular time of the year.... does this seem high or about the norm? The easiest connections will be on KLM for us. I don't want to save $200 and add one or two more stops (and time), so I'm not interested in going through Nairobi. How far ahead should I worry about booking flights? I'm assuming there are not that many flights coming in each evening so I don't want to risk not having a reservation secured well in advance, but I'd sure like to get a fare less than $2000.

July 1, 2009, my cost from NY to Kili via Amsterdam was $1985, I believe. I've heard that others got cheaper flights, but I dont know if they had worse connections or constricted dates.

My search on Kayak (2nd Jun - 16th Jun - mid-week) is bringing up $2,100 from JFK/AMS/JRO, so $2,000 from ORD appears quite good.

However, fares JFK/LHR/NBO are coming in at $1,265, a $835 difference which would certainly cover the air between NBO/JRO/NBO.

You might want to check fares into NBO.

Not saying a better deal is impossible, but 2k for June into JRO sounds about right. I paid around $2300 from SFO June 2006.

Right now, KLM is about your only direct option to JRO (other than Ethiopian Airways). There has been "talk" of other major airlines going into JRO, but I don't think anything has come of it. Some safari companies have had contracted rates with NWA/KLM in the past (Born Free Safaris, for instance.) However, their contracted rates were so often more than the internet fares, that I've heard they are shutting down their air department. The airlines bump up the airfares around the end of May from their "shoulder season" fares to their full fares, so your $2k rate is probably the best you'll find on KLM.

I just got a fare from my southeast city to JFK-AMS-NBO in Sept for $1500. I thought it was good - any thoughts or should I wait til after the New years for any discounts?

FP

fp - "from your southeast city" and including JFK/AMS/NBO in Sept for $1500... darn good.

Just checked KLM from DUE via AMS to JRO. That alone sums up to roughly 1500US$/1000€.

Waiting means gambling. Nobody can assure anything for 2010. If it's going to be another year of eco decrease there might be some specials coming out. But WHO KNOWS?

SV

Thanks Sandi, I always appreciate your input as I know it's real.
I thought it was good so we are going with it; normally I wait til a few months out, but this time "BOOK IT Dano!"

I wouldnt have found it as I went looking on line for weeks and it was about 2,200-2,400 with many more changes. I lucked out by going to a "honeymoon expert" for air. Was worth the $40 she charged and I gladly paid it!

Now I am just counting the MONTHS...

Thanks everyone. Sounds like $2000 is what I should expect to pay. Of course, the momentary price is $2200!!