BootsnAll Travel Community

My son(age 18)and I are planning to climb Mt.Kilimanjaro in June. I am confused on which company to use as the guide books all say different things and for safety reasons you want a company you can trust. We are inexperienced climbers but in good health. If you have climbed the mountain in the last year, let me know the comapany you used and your expierence with that company. Also any suggestions on good low cost safaris operators for a 7-10 day safari would also be appreciated. Also, should I do the Kilimanjaro first or the safari first?

Donovan, the in-house adventure travel specialist, used to be a Kili guide, so this is really his department. Since he is probably asleep right now, I will take this opportunity to suggest that you check out the Kili trip that BootsnAll is doing.

Hey Bernard,

Check out the BnA produced Mt Kilimanjaro Guide that we produce as well.

We encourage you to talk to us, and well as some other providers to find the best fit for yourself and your son. Should be an awesome trip.

Sean

Bernard,

Donavan is indeed a great resource for information as is the Mt Kilimanjaro Guide. There are also many recommendations within this blog albeit overwhelming for a new visitor.

For my own trip with my 17 year old, I did my research with the following priorities; camping on the crater, extra days, safety/health checks, less traveled route and climbing the Western Breach. Ultimately, only one company fit all my requirements (though many were close) and it was Tusker.

Could I have spent less? Sure but 10,000 people per year don't make it to the summit. Most trying to climb the mountain in 6 days and saving money. I understand you aren't lobbying for an economy outfitter other than the safari but Tanzania is a long way to go for a lousy experience.

Any way you decide to proceed, a trip like this with your son can't but leave you closer and changed men.

My own story is hot-linked below. It contains answers to many of your questions woven in the narrative.

Have an outstanding time,

Nothing But Sky

Donovan put together my trip this past February. We took the Lemosho Route. Oswald Jamaica was our guide and he was fantastic! He has a great reputation on the mountain--everyone seems to know him. He did a great job of monitoring our group and making adjustments as well.

7 of 8 of us made it. My dad made it to the last camp. The only reason he didn't make it was because of a pre-existing knee condition which he and Jamaica together decided would make the last day dangerous for all involved (8 hours of hiking up and much knee pounding on the descent!)

I think I can speak for all 8 of us in saying that we were blessed to have Jamaica as our guide and I recommend him highly!

I am thinking of starting the climb on the 1st of June, and am trying to narrow down my choices based on safety and price. I am planning a seven day Rongai route and am thinking of using team kilimanjaro with their special Rongai route or the Marangu Hotel with a trasditional seven day. Any personal info on these two companies or other companies that are good on safety and price would be appreciated. I think I have to decide pretty soon.

We're using Team Kilimanjaro for our climb this September. Myself and my parents (both in their 50s) are going. Of course I haven't actually climbed with them yet, but I did a TON of research before choosing the company, including here, the LP, others' blogs, and Henry Stedman's Kili book. They've been wonderful to deal with so far in terms of arranging all the logistics (including a balloon safari) and we're looking forward to finally getting over there and having a go at it. We're doing the 7 day Macheme route to give ourselves an extra acclimation day.

I did the Machame route over 7 days back in October. My friend and I used Tropical Trails for both the climb (we did that first) and a 5 day safari. We were very pleased with both and all the guides. We chose them as they were mid-range for price and paid their porters well. Our guide was Arnold Molnau who is featured in the documentary Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa. I wouldn't have made it without him. I'd highly recommend them. They are very professional and easy to contact via email. They even helped us get our package of gear out of the post office! They originally didn't want to release it for a few days (even tho we were set to leave the next day) and then they wanted us to pay 300 bucks but they talked them into giving it to us and got the amount down considerably.