FWIW, I don't see any "touting" in cheetahs' post, just clarification.

travellingjoe & cheetah,
Sorry about the welcome you received. Hope you both stick around.

Anyone familiar with African Spice Safaris? They were recommended to me as former Micato guides that have started their own company in Kenya. I am considering using them for a private safari for my family in June of 2008. Would appreciate and feedback.

No I have never heard about African Spice Safaris - but I am always dubious of companies that open as a result of working for one company and then taking all their information, clients and methods for their own benefit - but that is considered business for some; against professional ethics for others, to each their own.

They(ASS)seem pretty set up with a great website and information.....but of course that is sometimes just a front. Send a few questions through and see what you get back, and hopefully soon someone will have some real feedback for you.

Goodluck!

I went to KCMC today and met a couple of Kilimanjaro porters that had come off worst for wear from the mountain - because of the excess snows at the summit these days as a result of our unusually 'long' short rains. I did ask their company's name because they seemed to come alone and looked lost, I guess fearing that it was going to cost them their whole wage to fix themselves. When I heard the companies' names.....unfortunately I just shrugged as it seems their norm to leave staff members to fend for themselves in terms of health and safety! Although these companies have hundreds of trekkers per year paying good money to climb...if they only knew behind the scenes!?

I think that every tour operator on Kilimanjaro should join some sort of porter association - compulsory,no ifs and buts - then at least these poor guys with their poor trekking gear will have a few shillings left to take home to their families to buy some rice after the hardest week's work of anywhere in the world!

I am sure that every safari outfitter (the in-country ones that are used to handle your ground safari) once started with 1-2 vehicles and a few guides, if that. You've gotta start somewhere and it's expensive. It'll take years for them to have sufficient funds to expand, unless someone somewhere is financing them.

So it's not unusual now, after years of low tourism with things turning around these past 3/yrs, that others are getting into the business - former guides, office staff, etc. Yes, there are lots of new names out there.

While the new guys on the block should be given a shot, you have to inquire of them the same questions you pose to those well-established firms. Especially, age of vehicles, back-up vehicles, how many guides, insurance, and assurances. Hopefully, they have the ability to negotiate good prices with camps and lodges, and on and on and provide the same reputable services of the known outfitters.

Just something else to put on your list when considering your financial outlay for your safari.

Competition is good... we should be so fortunate to see this when if comes to cable options :)