By debthereb
24 March 2008 16:27
Can anyone recommend a company for climbing Kilimanjaro? I don't want to spend a fortune, but don't want to go with a cowboy company either. Which route is likely to be the quietist & is it better to opt for a 6 day trip (of actual walking)?
Answer
By Country Walking magazine
The Kilimanjaro adventure travel market is crowded and as a result prices have been worn down to a minimum of around £1300-£1600 wherever you look. This price includes flights but always excludes the sometimes small-print-buried 'local payment' or 'National Park fee' which adds an unavoidable further $740 to your bill. The key to enjoying your ascent of Kili is to take as much time as possible over it. Always opt for a six day ascent over five (and go for more still if money and time allow), as this can dramatically improve your odds of not being beaten by the flu-like affects of altitude gained too quickly. The benefits of a gradual approach are also why we would recommend the Rongai route, which offers great views of the Masai plains but most importantly a quiet, steady ascent which offers your best chances of topping out.
Video of the Rongai Route
Kili is a splendid mountain, but a hollow experience if you either fail to get to the top, or suspect your ever-helpful porters or guides aren't getting a fair deal. You'll soon see how hard they work. For that reason we would urge you to select an ATOL or AITO-registered UK operator with a prominent responsible travel policy for your booking.
Among the companies fitting the bill are:
East African Adventure
Exodus
The Adventure Company
KE Adventure
High Places
Walks Worldwide