Key's Hotel was probably a little more expensive than I originally anticipated, but that may because I did a seven day treck, and also the transfer to Rongai (an extra 3 hour drive from the main gate) was charged separately: because I climbed as an individual I had to take the whole cost myself. That said, they are a reputable company and I was satisfied with their services and the way the staff were treated. I researched many companies and it was difficult to make a choice. In the end I went with Key's because a friend that I trust totally and who works in the tourist industry in Africa had climbed with them and was happy with them. I was meant to send a deposit ($100 I think) but was having trouble getting it through: in the end they said to just pay the lot when I got there. That made it easier. Other people I met while climbing who had gone with Marangu Hotel were happy with their choice.
cresti has been very generous with her advice and knowledge on this branch - and I would like to recognise this.
We all will, I assume tell other travellers of our positive experiences and will give credit to companies that have given us excellent service. In my case it is ATR Africa Travel Resource using them for our Mt Meru and Kili climbs plus a 7 day Serengeti safari. I suspect that I have recommended them upteem times over the last 18 months or so. For these treks and the safari I paid a deposit as I did with a Kenyan company husband and I also used for treks plus gorilla tracking in Rwanda.
Listen to susankim, I went with her and I have the thousands of daily emails I received from her regarding her planning. Her step by step process of eliminating one tour operator over another.
On our summit night, Paul Shayo (pronounced 'Shy-o') and his guides advised us to walk up slowly (polee polee) while some of the other groups trekked a little faster than we did. The other larger, faster group seemed have about a third of their members return to Kibo camp and not reach Uhuru Peak while our group slowly proceeded up the mountain. I would have to say that the slow trek on summit night made it possible for my friends and I to successfully make it up to the top of Mt Kili.
MegB - Cresti is one of the more credible posters on LP (you can check his advice on multiple forums). I sought his advice in preparing for my trip this past August. Ultimately I used Paul Robert Shayo because he was relatively inexpensive and very responsive. Like Susan (who I emailed after my trip to let her know that Paul had been great), I had a good experience. I contacted several groups that I had seen recommended on this forum - Roy Safaris, Safari Makers, Sunny Safaris, Marangu Hotel, and others. Most everyone was quite responsive, though the pricing varied considerably (Marangu Hotel being several hundred dollars more expensive than Nature Beauties and Paul Shayo).
kalki and nilsy - thank you for the kind words. Your advice on this branch is fantastic, and I wish I could have relied on you while I was planning my trip to Tanzania... it would have made my life a lot easier!
And by the way... I am a he.
:)
Cresti: sorry - that I had inadvertently given you a gender change. And, I'm a she although Kalki in Hindu mythology is a white stallion that saves the world from evil.
No apologies needed... For what I have read on this forum, women usually tend to be quite a bit more graceful than men on their suggestions. I took it as a compliment!
Mega B.
If you do a search on these pages you will find lots of recommendations I recently did Kili Machame route it was awesome used a company called Lasi tours.
Basic no frills company, looked after me well.
Email Amani amanimlay@yahoo.co.uk he might be able to help you.
Cheers
trusted partner
