Trekking with Shah Tours - Moshi

Does anyone have any comments about this company?

I was going to book through them, but they expect us to transfer all the money up front to a Tanzanian bank account at least 2 weeks prior to arrival. I don't like the idea of it.

I have asked for an invoice and also a reciept, but at the end of the day I don't want to lose the cash in the first place.

Any suggestions or anyone who has experience with this operator?

Many thanks

M

Wow - 100% seems a bit excessive. I used a local guide in Moshi and only had to send him 10% before I arrived in Tanzania.

I haven't used them, but most companies just ask for a deposit. Sounds a bit sketchy...

I only had to send 10% and I was uncomfortable with even that! I was allowed to bring 50% of the balance in traveller's checks, which really helped me out because I was nominated the money carrier in my group of six, and I carried over $4000US cash plus more in spending money....
If you're looking for a really inexpensive, reliable, safe tour operator, I would like to pitch my guy: Paul Shayo of Trekking Tour Kilimanjaro Company (www.trekkingtour-kilimanjaro.cjb.net). I summitted with Paul two weeks ago (October 27th), and it was the hardest, most amazing thing I've ever done in my whole life!!

Susan used the same company I used (really more of a sole proprieter than a "company") - I don't think 10% is typical, but 100% seems crazy. Paul also let me bring travellers checks - those were used to pay park entrance fees (pretty clever since that way the guide/company doesn't have to accept the lower exchange rate for the travellers checks, they let the government take the lower rate!).

Its interesting that no one has responded that they know of the company you selected - where did yu hear about them? Have you communicated with their references?

If you are at all unsure about them you can try Bright African Safaris, they are in Arusha..I have booked 6 days with them for December and the owner has been fantastic, giving us advise not only on the safari but also on the rest of our trip. He has not asked for any money up front, just said we can pay when we get to Arusha.

Billi

lodges tend to ask the operator for 100% up front, therefore many operators pass that straight to the client,it's pretty standard. You are often better off booking with an operator in your own country, i know everyone on TT says it's more expensive, but lodges set the price and the tour operator gets 20% from the lodge owner, it's the same price for a lodge whether you book direct, or through a TZ operator or one in your own country, and if you book through an operator in your own country you have more chance of sorting out any problems or getting money back should a situation arise.