Kilimanjaro Climb Safari- Tour Companies
Oct 25th, 2006, 11:51 AM
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Kilimanjaro Climb Safari- Tour Companies
Hello,
I have searched this site and called the following companies to try to get more information on a Kilimanjaro climb and safari.
Thomson offers the Umbwe route with a 3 or 6 day safari afterwards. This looks like a very good company and there have been positive posts about their service. They are a bit pricey, however, charging $5,000 for the climb and short safari and $6,000 for the climb and long safari. Is it worth it?
Tusker also has recieved some pretty good posts. But, the Safari portion seems really "up in the air." After speaking to their rep and looking at the web, they just state "lodge or camp" for the safari dates. At least the other companies give you specific information as to where you'll be staying. Has anyone done a safari with them? Are they good?
Kiliwarriors: Any experience with them?
Alpine Ascents: seems to be a solid climbing company, but they subcontract their safari to "bush back"-you stay in Sopa lodges for the safari- Anyone have experience with them?
Mountain Maddness: Very pricey- for the Shira climb and 5 day safari they want appx. $6,000- and they only have one day in the lodge (day after the climb). Is it worth it?
I'd really appreciate any perspectives. It costs a lot to get to Tanzania and I really want to choose the right tour company. For the climb, I want a company that is good to their staff/porters, good service, good food, reliable, etc. For the safari, I don't just want to be taken around in a Land Cruiser taking pictures from my car all day. I'd like to be able to get out of the car and have our guide do in-depth explanation, maybe also visit a Massai village that would not be touristy.
Any of you Tanzania buffs: please help!
I have searched this site and called the following companies to try to get more information on a Kilimanjaro climb and safari.
Thomson offers the Umbwe route with a 3 or 6 day safari afterwards. This looks like a very good company and there have been positive posts about their service. They are a bit pricey, however, charging $5,000 for the climb and short safari and $6,000 for the climb and long safari. Is it worth it?
Tusker also has recieved some pretty good posts. But, the Safari portion seems really "up in the air." After speaking to their rep and looking at the web, they just state "lodge or camp" for the safari dates. At least the other companies give you specific information as to where you'll be staying. Has anyone done a safari with them? Are they good?
Kiliwarriors: Any experience with them?
Alpine Ascents: seems to be a solid climbing company, but they subcontract their safari to "bush back"-you stay in Sopa lodges for the safari- Anyone have experience with them?
Mountain Maddness: Very pricey- for the Shira climb and 5 day safari they want appx. $6,000- and they only have one day in the lodge (day after the climb). Is it worth it?
I'd really appreciate any perspectives. It costs a lot to get to Tanzania and I really want to choose the right tour company. For the climb, I want a company that is good to their staff/porters, good service, good food, reliable, etc. For the safari, I don't just want to be taken around in a Land Cruiser taking pictures from my car all day. I'd like to be able to get out of the car and have our guide do in-depth explanation, maybe also visit a Massai village that would not be touristy.
Any of you Tanzania buffs: please help!
Oct 25th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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I did a day visit to a school with Wilbur from Kiliwarrior in June, and I cannot say enough about him. He is a phenomenal guy. We met his mother, his baby nephew, his sister, another brother. From what I understand, that's the Kiliwarrior way. It sounds like the perfect company for you based on what you've said you're looking for.
I have zero-zip-nada interest in climbing Kilimanjaro, so I can't say "Oh, I'd book a climb with them" because that's really something I <b>don't</b> want to do. But it does sound like a good match for you.
One of the Kiliwarrior partners posts here occasionally, but of course he cannot discuss his business here on Fodor's. However, as an avid reader of his posts, I have the utmost respect for him and his knowledge of Tanzania, its safari destinations, Kili climbs and East Africa in general.
Good luck!
I have zero-zip-nada interest in climbing Kilimanjaro, so I can't say "Oh, I'd book a climb with them" because that's really something I <b>don't</b> want to do. But it does sound like a good match for you.
One of the Kiliwarrior partners posts here occasionally, but of course he cannot discuss his business here on Fodor's. However, as an avid reader of his posts, I have the utmost respect for him and his knowledge of Tanzania, its safari destinations, Kili climbs and East Africa in general.
Good luck!
Oct 26th, 2006, 12:00 PM
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I went with Tusker, and was very impressed with their organization. Excellent guides with a strong emphasis on safety, health, and well-being of the climbers. They provide great equipment (tents, sleeping bags, pads, dining tent) and carried a great deal of safety equipment (stretcher, Gamow bag, oxygen, first aid supplies, medicines). The guiding was top notch as they really seem to know what it takes to get climbers up to the top safely and successfully. Treatment of the porters is excellent, and I was happy to see all of them well-clothed and well-equipped with their own tents and sleeping bags. They care as much for the welfare of their porters and guides as they do for the climbers themselves. The food was very good. I highly recommend them.
I didn't use Tusker for the safari portion, however. They contract with Hoopoe to do their safaris, and their quote was quite a bit more expensive than the operator I did choose - Roy Safaris.
It wasn't a big deal to deal with two separate operators. I just had to synch up the schedules and arrange for a transfer between Moshi and Arusha.
I think I spent around $3500 with Tusker for the climb including tips, but park fees have gone up considerably since then. And, my 10-day northern circuit safari with Roys cost around $3000 per person including tips and internal air for 4-people.
I didn't use Tusker for the safari portion, however. They contract with Hoopoe to do their safaris, and their quote was quite a bit more expensive than the operator I did choose - Roy Safaris.
It wasn't a big deal to deal with two separate operators. I just had to synch up the schedules and arrange for a transfer between Moshi and Arusha.
I think I spent around $3500 with Tusker for the climb including tips, but park fees have gone up considerably since then. And, my 10-day northern circuit safari with Roys cost around $3000 per person including tips and internal air for 4-people.
Oct 26th, 2006, 12:21 PM
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Hi
I went to Kili in 2003 and used Marangu hotel as the outfitter. We were very satisfied with their help and they seemed to be serious about their business. I have posted a trip report with some pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/kilimanjaro_index.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
I went to Kili in 2003 and used Marangu hotel as the outfitter. We were very satisfied with their help and they seemed to be serious about their business. I have posted a trip report with some pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/kilimanjaro_index.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
