Planning to hike Mt. Kiliminjaro and want to know best guides (in reasonable price range) to choose!
Dec 26th, 2006, 11:18 AM
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Planning to hike Mt. Kiliminjaro and want to know best guides (in reasonable price range) to choose!
My son and I plan on doing the 7 day Machame hike up Mt. Killie in late May (we are not flexible on the dates). There are lots of tour companies out there and I am most interested in one that is dependable, reasonable priced, offers quality food, time for acclimization, etc. I am not looking for a luxury trip but a safe and good one!
Dec 26th, 2006, 12:08 PM
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Hello roma_allen:
I have chosen KiliWarrior Expeditions.
I went on a safari in June 2006 with KiliWarrior Expeditions and think very highly of them and plan to do a charity climb with them in 2008 (hopefully). The company is most known for their climbing and I was pleased to learn while I’ll was in Tanzania doing various activities before I went on Safari with them how highly regarded they are locally amongst their peers. It was good news to hear since I could not have changed companies at that point!
They have an office in the USA run by one of the partners and his wife. The owner in the USA, Eben, he is a South African and knows Africa very well, he is married to Carol, a gal from Virginia.
I have yet to meet Carol and Eben but have had many fun e-mail and telephone conversations with them. You can read Eben’s postings on this forum by searching for him under the name climbhighsleeplow.
The guy’s in Tanzania are whom I am much better acquainted with as we are in contact by text, e-mail and telephone often just visiting and also working on some projects together.
Their website is a great resource to learn about things to consider in your decision making to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro whether or not you use choose to use this company.
This Home Page for KiliWarrior Expeditions Climbing and best to get to know them from:
http://www.go-kili.com/
The Home Page for KiliWarrior Safari’s:
http://www.kiliwarriors.com/
This website is valuable RESOURCE for anyone planning a trip to Africa:
http://www.go-safari.com/
Asante sana,
Den
I have chosen KiliWarrior Expeditions.
I went on a safari in June 2006 with KiliWarrior Expeditions and think very highly of them and plan to do a charity climb with them in 2008 (hopefully). The company is most known for their climbing and I was pleased to learn while I’ll was in Tanzania doing various activities before I went on Safari with them how highly regarded they are locally amongst their peers. It was good news to hear since I could not have changed companies at that point!
They have an office in the USA run by one of the partners and his wife. The owner in the USA, Eben, he is a South African and knows Africa very well, he is married to Carol, a gal from Virginia.
I have yet to meet Carol and Eben but have had many fun e-mail and telephone conversations with them. You can read Eben’s postings on this forum by searching for him under the name climbhighsleeplow.
The guy’s in Tanzania are whom I am much better acquainted with as we are in contact by text, e-mail and telephone often just visiting and also working on some projects together.
Their website is a great resource to learn about things to consider in your decision making to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro whether or not you use choose to use this company.
This Home Page for KiliWarrior Expeditions Climbing and best to get to know them from:
http://www.go-kili.com/
The Home Page for KiliWarrior Safari’s:
http://www.kiliwarriors.com/
This website is valuable RESOURCE for anyone planning a trip to Africa:
http://www.go-safari.com/
Asante sana,
Den
Dec 26th, 2006, 05:08 PM
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Txs. so much for the guide name! I will check into them tonight. I was looking at Duma, Bobby Tours and Sunny's Safaris. The prices vary greatly in price! When you have not been to Africa, it is difficult to know which company to go with. I live in Washington, D.C. so would be easy to track down your no. VA friends!
Txs. and have a Happy New Year. Txs for all the info!
Txs. and have a Happy New Year. Txs for all the info!
Dec 26th, 2006, 10:19 PM
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What's a "reasonable" price? The best outfitters charge in the $2500 - $3500 range for Kili treks. I went with Tusker, who I think are excellent, and they charge $2690 for the Machame route. Bear in mind that while there was a distinct difference in the quality of equipment, most of the difference between to outfitters and budget ones are the quality of the guiding, the training of the guides, the safety equipment, and care/salaries for porters. So, the higher prices isn't just about the luxur of the trek.
Dec 26th, 2006, 11:05 PM
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Hi Lifelist and roma_allen:
Very good point - I agree, to me Luxury = Safety, Guide Knowledge, Porter Respect and Quality Equipment all rounding out to a group of people enjoying what they are doing and therefore doing a better job! More time to share their knowledge about the mountain, flora, fauna, and culture and keep an eye on you!
When I trekked the mountain gorillas in July we managed to get high enough where I really felt the altitude (to my surprise) so I know I am really going to have to prepare for Mt. Kilimanjaro with a few high altitude shakedowns. Since I had already made the connection with and feel comfortable with the KiliWarriors I will climb with them. When I mentioned how disappointed I was about my Rwanda experience to Wilbert of the KiliWarriors, he promised to take me up very slooooowly!
One never knows what could happen but I want to be prepared for anything (I want to come back) and I would consider all the issues stated, especially since you are climbing with your son (age?) before deciding on the outfitter.
Good Luck! I am sure a few other posters who have already climbed will have some great advice.
Den
Very good point - I agree, to me Luxury = Safety, Guide Knowledge, Porter Respect and Quality Equipment all rounding out to a group of people enjoying what they are doing and therefore doing a better job! More time to share their knowledge about the mountain, flora, fauna, and culture and keep an eye on you!
When I trekked the mountain gorillas in July we managed to get high enough where I really felt the altitude (to my surprise) so I know I am really going to have to prepare for Mt. Kilimanjaro with a few high altitude shakedowns. Since I had already made the connection with and feel comfortable with the KiliWarriors I will climb with them. When I mentioned how disappointed I was about my Rwanda experience to Wilbert of the KiliWarriors, he promised to take me up very slooooowly!
One never knows what could happen but I want to be prepared for anything (I want to come back) and I would consider all the issues stated, especially since you are climbing with your son (age?) before deciding on the outfitter.
Good Luck! I am sure a few other posters who have already climbed will have some great advice.
Den
Dec 27th, 2006, 03:36 AM
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<<< The best outfitters charge in the $2500 - $3500 range for Kili treks >>>
I hope that includes flights from the US as I would expect to be paying around $1000 to a Tanzanian company.
As for recommendations, try looking at the Africa branch of http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/ where there are a number of recommendations for locally run companies
I hope that includes flights from the US as I would expect to be paying around $1000 to a Tanzanian company.
As for recommendations, try looking at the Africa branch of http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/ where there are a number of recommendations for locally run companies
Dec 27th, 2006, 05:25 AM
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Txs for all the good advice. Yes, taking a 22 yr. old is a definite consideration in choosing an expedition company. I will check into all the ones suggested. Has anyone heard of Bobby Tours, Duma Explorer or Sunny Tours? Txs!
Dec 27th, 2006, 07:38 AM
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Alan,
Nope, the $2500-3500 is just for the trek. $1000 seems to be the basic budget rate for kili treks, but when you do the math and subtract how much park fees costs and basic food costs, you'll find not much is left over for the porters. You'll also find that they tend to offer fewer days on the trek, thus shortening your ability to acclimatize.
One other consideration is the rate at which climbers summit. Tusker has a success rate in the high 90% range. The budget operators who do the Coca-Cola route have success rates in the 50% range. I believe the difference is in the quality of the guiding (setting a good pace, monitoring health of the climbers, etc.) and the extra day or two you get on the trek.
Choosing a Kili outfitter is clearly a personal decision and limited by budget. I just wanted to point out that the top end outfitters are quite a bit more expensive, but I do believe the costs are justified. Moreover, I believe the top outfitters offer the best opportunity to have a safe and successful climb.
From my research, the best outfitters are:
Tusker Trails
Thomson Safaris
Mountain Madness
Kiliwarriors
Nope, the $2500-3500 is just for the trek. $1000 seems to be the basic budget rate for kili treks, but when you do the math and subtract how much park fees costs and basic food costs, you'll find not much is left over for the porters. You'll also find that they tend to offer fewer days on the trek, thus shortening your ability to acclimatize.
One other consideration is the rate at which climbers summit. Tusker has a success rate in the high 90% range. The budget operators who do the Coca-Cola route have success rates in the 50% range. I believe the difference is in the quality of the guiding (setting a good pace, monitoring health of the climbers, etc.) and the extra day or two you get on the trek.
Choosing a Kili outfitter is clearly a personal decision and limited by budget. I just wanted to point out that the top end outfitters are quite a bit more expensive, but I do believe the costs are justified. Moreover, I believe the top outfitters offer the best opportunity to have a safe and successful climb.
From my research, the best outfitters are:
Tusker Trails
Thomson Safaris
Mountain Madness
Kiliwarriors
Dec 27th, 2006, 08:21 AM
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Txs for all your information. I did check out the KiliWarriors and their trips do not fit into our narrow travel time. They are also out of my budget! 
I will look into the others you listed and do appreciate your time in posting this. I agree - I don't want to spend less $$ and have a problem esp. with a 22 yr. old on this trip. Guides and equipment are of utmost importance! Txs. Roma
I will look into the others you listed and do appreciate your time in posting this. I agree - I don't want to spend less $$ and have a problem esp. with a 22 yr. old on this trip. Guides and equipment are of utmost importance! Txs. Roma
Dec 27th, 2006, 02:07 PM
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Roma
You can get a great climb for well under 2500$ but you will need to do some homework,also each company will have some guides that are better than others so it is a bit of a luck of the draw.
We used a local company called tropical trails and our climb could not have been better.Our guide had summited around 100 times and he also guides for an american company i would request him every time and would work my dates around his.They will cost around 1500-1800 depending on the route and amount of days on the mountain.
Hope this helps.
You can get a great climb for well under 2500$ but you will need to do some homework,also each company will have some guides that are better than others so it is a bit of a luck of the draw.
We used a local company called tropical trails and our climb could not have been better.Our guide had summited around 100 times and he also guides for an american company i would request him every time and would work my dates around his.They will cost around 1500-1800 depending on the route and amount of days on the mountain.
Hope this helps.
Dec 28th, 2006, 07:00 PM
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Our guides name was Victor and the assistant guide was Yusto.Yusto worked with the rescue crew before guiding and he seemed to know everyone on the mountain and you will hear nothing but laughter from him as he jokes with everyone on the mountain.I would ask for both as i loved both guys as did my wife.Tropical Trails are contracted by some travel companies so i am sure they would have many good guides.
Good luck and if you have any questions let me know.
Good luck and if you have any questions let me know.
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