Kilimanjaro Climb

Don't give up...Kilimanjaro's worth it! Zara are a middle of the range, reliable company. They're not the best but you definitely get what you pay for, they offer value for money and the guides and porters are good. Another company that i always hear good things about are Tusker's, they are extremely safety conscious but a bit more expensive i think.

Good luck!

Do you know what, MegB?
If you don't want to believe my posts, you're free to do so.
If you don't want to follow my advice, you're free to do so.
But don't question my credibility even for a second, because that's insulting.
Just look at my record and you'll notice that I don't post only on this branch. If you need every detail of my climb, I will be happy to help you, but don't say that what I write is suspicious without having ANY idea of what I did, when, with whom, where, how and why. You have NO right to do so, because yous imply DON'T KNOW IT.

Is it my fault that I was satisfied with their services? Is it my fault that not enough people post their positive experiences with the companies they hired? Is it my fault that I am answering questions to travelers who ask them?

Again, with your 21 posts in 3 1/2 years, you have absolutely no right to judge me.

Yeah, maybe you should really give up and climb Mt. Kenya. And, by the way, I have a company to recommend for that climb as well, if you need it.

Oops, sorry, didn't realise I was posting that many times. I'm sure there are other companies that give a great experience, too. But if people ask for an honest personal recommendation, that's been my experience. I guess it won't be the case for everyone. Look around at the different companies, ask for a sample itinerary and a quote, and go with the company that (a) suits your needs (b) doesn't ask you to wire all your money in advance (c) is honest (d) gets back to you quickly (e) doesn't try to con you into a 'luxury' level safari / trek if you only want a mid-range or budget one. If the company gets a good wrap on here, then that's a bonus.

good point.
even a reliable company will often ask for some money to be wired in advance. I was asked to wire around 30% of the total. It was a scary thing, I must admit, but it was suggested to me that it is pretty much how this type of business is usually done.

As ally_s described, I chose the company I hired because they were, in my personal experience, the quickest to respond my emails and the most accurate as well in the details. I emailed around 20 agencies before pick them. It was a long process (it took around one month), and I was probably lucky everything ended up going really well. I have also admitted in the past that one group traveling with them was very unhappy with their guide. In fact, when I went back to Arush, I spoke to one of the managers and told him about that group. He was very appreciative.

Hi

I did do Kilimanjaro a couple of years back and we did it with Marangu hotel and we got the impression that they were serious about their business. Here is my trip report with pictures, links, diary etc. I hope that you can find some useful info there. Don't give up :-)

I just got back from climbing Mt. Kili in October. Most companies will ask for a wire transfer for a deposit etc. I was unsure in the beginning, however everything worked out. I used African Scarlet Safaris and had a great experience with them. Maybe check them out, our guide Albert was very helpful via email and when we were there in Arusha.

I hope this helps and happy trekking!

MegB - I can thoroughly recommend the Marangu Hotel - used them twice. They have been in the business for over 30 years (longest continous climbing organisation). They will ask you to provide an authority to charge $100 US deposit to your credity card (VISA/MC) but will normally not put the charge through unless you cancel. They pay their guides above recommended wages (and their guides only work for them) most of their porters also only work for them and again are paid above recommended wages. They carry-out training for guides and porters at regular intervals. The separately weigh the porters loads to ensure that the 15kg (plus porters gear) is not exceed - also the max 25kg limit. Check out their web site. Regards Orion_Mike

Hey MegB! Good for you, for looking into Kilimanjaro! I just got back from my 6 day Rongai trek & LOVED EVERY MOMENT!! I have to admit the "summit push" was the hardest thing I have ever done in my whole life (previously I thought running my two marathons were the hardest things). I spent A TON of time religiously reading everything on this forum (SIX MONTHS) before choosing the Trekking operator, then the Route, then the dates. I have never done so much homework for one trip, but it was definitely worth it, my trip of a lifetime.
As Jamani says, it depends what kind of trek you want. Tusker's great but was way beyond my budget. I didn't want a porter to carry oxygen to the top for me. Some agencies will carry a toilet tent up the mountain for you. If that's important, then go for it.
The Trekking operator I chose is what I would call "budget", AND he is extremely successful at getting the client to the top.
I chose him because he was cheaper than Nature Beauties, Shah Tours, Safari Makers, Marangu Hotel, Ahsante, MEM, Zara, etc, etc. He answered all my emails promptly & professionally. I was even able to email with Paul Shayo's past clients. AND he only wanted 10% deposit.
http://www.trekkingtour-kilimanjaro.cjb.net/<BR><BR>Let me know if you have any further questions, or if you want to see my photos!