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This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 7/10
Comment:
Myself and a friend with on the 7 day Machame route and a 4 day Safari afterwards.
The climb was fantastic, very well organised and our guide Wilson and the porters did a wonderful job. The main negative thing that occurred was that we had to pay $50 for the camping mats when I had specifically enquired prior to the trip about them and was told they were already included. This type of overcharging is not what I was expecting after the good communication I had with Dyness. In addition to this, I had also confirmed that there would be a total of 9 staff for the climb and this was repeated the day before the climb. However, this turned into 10 people at the first campsite which meant the porters would be given less than what we wanted. We felt this wasn\'t very fair to the porters after their efforts.
The safari was excellent also. Apollo, our driver/guide was unfaulted and Ebu was a fantastic cook and good fun to have in the jeep. I had underestimated the distance to each of the parks however so I would recommend a second day in the Serengeti to get the most of it and a full day in the Ngorogoro Crater is better than half in there and half in the conservation area where there is nothing really.
Tour Operators Reply:
We thank you for your comments and would like to apologize for all the inconveniences caused during your visit to our country through our services.
We have looked in to the situation and it seems as there was a miss understanding between you and the tour planner regarding the mattresses. Mountain treks and game drives safaris do differ in items which are included and which items are not included.
Looking on your email conversations, the tour planner did not stress that we provide mattress during your safari and not during your climb. This should have made a mis-understanding if one does not explain it correctly. This was very much our fault and we hope you can find it in your heart to forgive.
Concerning the number of porters increasing, I would like to let you know porter situations usually turns out they way it did. This is mostly due to the increase of luggage weight as one porter is only allowed to carry 15kg.
The number of porters is usually three for one person, but this number may increase or decrease. Other situations are; the head guide may decide to add a porter if he thinks that one is needed and on the other hand he may loose a few porters if thinks they wont be needed.
I hope the above is clear and we will be happy to hear that you will come again to visit our country and or recommend us to other people and friends.
2
Client:
Lesley Southcombe - from Australia
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro was a truly memorable experience and I would not hesitate to recommend this tour operator.
All transfers were on time.
Chislon, my travel contact handled all my queries and e mails and was very helpful when my luggage did not arrive at Kilimanjaro airport.
My very experienced guide Wilson was both professional and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure trekking with him.
The porters did a fantastic job and I was always amazed at the meals produced under the circumstances.
Thank you so much.
3
Client:
Craigo - from United States
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 7/10
Comment:
I did have a good experience. Jane, my main email contact, was very helpful and quick to respond with emails. The driver they had take me from Arusha to the start of my climb was very friendly (he also is one of their safari guides). My guide Wilson was professional and knowledgeable. I have special medical dietary requirements and he took care of them all, making sure I had the food I needed when I needed it. I've been on treks before where they didn't take care of them at all and it made for a stressful trip. So Wilson made that part of the trip good.
My only complaint is that we ended up attempting the mountain in 5 days instead of the 6 days I had paid for. I had misunderstood that we could acclimatize for a day at the highest hut, Kibo. So because I had felt good at HIrombo hut, we had pushed on. I don't know if I would have made it to the top having the acclimatazation day, but I still wish I had it since I had paid for it. I was not given any refund for the day I didn't climb (which is standard practice on Kili. The Tanzanian national park system had already been paid.) The climb is VERY difficult, and an extra day of rest would have been nice.
Overall my experience was good. On a side note, I would recommend trekking with another person, as it can get lonely on the climb
Tour Operators Reply:
We are pleased the the client enjoyed his mountain climb.
The accilmatisation day was pre-arranged but, as the client mentioned, he decided to continue, therefore it was his choice not to take the acclimatisation day he prior arranged. We can not provide a refund as it was his decision as we were not at fault. As he mentions the park entrance fees had already been paid to he National Parks Authority.
4
Client:
Mike Katiku - from United States
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I used these company off Africa Guide list to do a 6 day Kilimanjaro Machame route Hike Booking was very easy, and they made a point to reply all my emails. The rate was within my limits.
For a small Company I give this Guys thumbs up. The Tour agent and My Guide for The Kilimanjaro Hike where good folks. They Got to to my Hotels 2hrs before I checked in .( Took a Bus from Mombasa and got delayed en route.
Again the Guide- Mr Wilson was on time to pick me up on the day of Hike.
I did the Machame route, a party of One, and I should say I got the Best of the Mountain, my schedule was very flexible, thus I summited a day earlier. Monday-Thursday. All the crew were there for me I can say. Food was good and plenty.
I would recommend this Tour company to any one out there. I live in Texas.
5
Client:
John Kristian - from Norway
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I resently got back from a 6-day hike up the Machame-route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. I travelled during the late rain-season which beforehand was my greatest worry, but fortunately the rain was moderat, and towards the summit the weather was dry and great.
If you look for a hike without the great masses of tourists I would recommend april-may, but the weather can be a bit unpredictable. I booked my travel through a company directed to me by the Africa Guide. Equipment and staff were all great. Experienced guide, decent food and the tent kept me dry during nights.
For my next trip to Africa I will not hesitate to use the services of the Africa Guide.
6
Client:
Pau Margarit - from Spain
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
The trip was exellent. Not even a problem. What's more the company reacted very quick and positive to change plans avoiding Kenia demonstrations, without any extra charges for all of us. That's a great detail in long and expensive trips.
Regarding the organization of the treks. Amayzing, both guides, for Mount kenya and Kilimanjaro were excellent, food and timetable. We were always the first, avoiding the crowd, this way we enjoyed the enviroment like being alone!
Hotel stays in Tanzania, excellent Impala hotel. Parkside hotel in Nairobi, not that good but comfortable.
To end with, I will like to encourage you all to visit Tanzania and Kenia with this operator as they will organise you everything and take care of you all time if surrounding problems come by.
7
Client:
Karen Falting - from Australia
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 9/10
Comment:
I had a wonderful trip to Africa. Climbing Kilimanjaro was truly amazing.
The operator was very informative and prompt with their e-mails. Always ensuring me that their main priority was me. They satisfactorily answered all my questions and passed on valuable advice re the mountain.
They were there to pick me up when I arrived in Arusha and organized clean comfortable accommodation. The food was excellent and the staff very friendly at the hotel.
Whilst on the mountain my guide was helpful and had had a good knowledge of the route. His team of porters were efficient and friendly. My backpack and tent was always waiting for me when I arrived at camp. I have mentioned to the company that they need to asses their tents as I think they were unsuitable for the conditions on the mountain. My tent's fly was very flimsy and I had a problem with the tent's main zip.
Making it to the very top of Mt Kilimanjaro was fantastic, if anyone is considering doing the climb I would recommend this operator.
8
Client:
John Boot - from Canada
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 5/10
Comment:
The trip was fine and everything was well organized. I should add though that I was a bit surprised that I was immediately asked for money to pay for my hotel almost immediately after arriving. Considering that I wired over $1000 to the tour guide with only a few e-mails as my reference I would have thought they would have greater confidence that I would pay my hotel bill as most people do - when they are leaving.
I should add that I did find the way guides, cooks and porters are paid by the tour company somewhat disheartening. I realize it is common practice for the tour company to pay only a token sum while expecting the tip to cover the "real" payments but I don't think this is fair. The guides, cooks and porters should be paid a fair wage and my tip should represent no more than 20% of that total. It was very clear that my tip represented virtually the entire amount of money they received for their work and if I decided not to pay a regular tip they would have worked for very little money. I thought I paid a fair price for the tour that I expected it to be used to pay fair wages.
I doubt my e-mail would change things but I would suggest it might be a good marketing strategy to let people know that you pay fair wages and don't rely on tips for the bulk of the payment. This could be sold in a similar manner as "Fair Trade" coffee. Most tourists that I spoke to felt the same way.
Overall Africa is a wonderful place to visit and I will be back!
Tour Operators Reply:
First of all thanks to John for sending us his comments - I am pleased that he did have a good trip.
In response to his comments: According to our policy, once the client has wired the deposit to us, he is required to pay the balance upon arrival in Arusha and not after the Climb or safari.
We sometimes do allow clients to clear the balance after the safari, which we have already done to some clients who have requested us to do so. Mr Boot, did say he had no enough cash with him on his arrival day, we therefore allowed him to pay some on that day and the rest he paid after the climb.
The average wage per month in Tanzania, is currently US$50. Our porters are indeed paid fairly and in line with the Tanzanian economy.
We send clients tipping policy information when they book or enquire about Kilimanjaro climbs.
9
Client:
Germaine & Matt - from United Kingdom
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
This was our first trip to Tanzania and it certainly won't be our last!
Our 6 day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro was smooth running all the way thanks to the incredible expertise of our guide Alex and 7 porters (whom we are sure could out run a mountain goat.)
We were then collected and transferred to Meru View Lodge where we received fantastic hospitality from Helmut & Josephine.
And thereafter we enjoyed two amazing days on safari seeing an endless stream of animals. Our guide Heruma seemed to know instinctively where to drive and find all the action.
This trip totally exceeded all our expectations and we are still buzzing from what has been an adventure of a lifetime.
10
Client:
Kristopher DeSoto - from Poland
Trip:
This trip: Peak of Africa - Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
At every step of the Kilimanjaro climb the experienced guide and porters made us feel completely safe and comfortable in otherwise extreme conditions.
On safari, the crew not only had quality equipment and kept us well fed but their expanse knowledge of the wildlife made all the difference in the world. I would recommend this company to anyone that wants to experience the wonders of Africa in a professional, informative, and adventurous way.
Itinerary
TRIP INFORMATION: This is a Mountain Climbing; it is the opportunity to get on the roof top of Africa, 5895m above sea level. Mt.Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa located on the North East of Tanzania, covered by permanent snow. There are several routes to get up to the summit; common routes are MARANGU ROUTE AND MACHAME ROUTE. Huts are available along Marangu route, on Machame there are no huts instead camping sites with toilet facilities are available. Machame route most popular and one of the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. With the Machame/South Circuit route, you will circle halfway around the mountain with great views from all angles. This route is approximately 40 km versus 20 km on the Marangu route. Climbers descend down the Mweka trail and stay at the Mweka camp the final night on the mountain.
We recommend you to bring with you gears like; hiking boots, thick hiking socks, windproof/waterproof pants and jacket, heavy gloves, heavy winter jacket, water bottles, gaiters (covers top of boots and bottom of pants), smaller personal backpack, larger backpack for clothes, cold weather sleeping bags, safari style hat protecting face and neck from sun, headlamp style flashlight, camera of course, dried fruit and energy bars, sun block, malaria pills, water purification tablets, inflatable pillows, your regular clothes.
NOTE: * Kilimanjaro trek is always done within 6 days but you can add some days for acclimatization for US$184 per person per day.
ITINERARY:
DAY OO: ARRIVAL DAY - Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha town for dinner and overnight.
DAY 01: Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft Distance: 18km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and half hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 02: Machame Camp to Shira Camp Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft Distance: 9km Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
DAY 03: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft Distance: 15 km Walking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
OPTIONAL DAY (7-days trek): Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 04: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft Distance: 13km Hiking Time: 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 05: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft) Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 06: Mweka Camp to Arusha Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft Distance: 15 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you to the Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight.
DEPARTURE This day you will be transferred from the hotel in Arusha town to Kilimanjaro international Airport to connect to your flight back home
* End of Tour *
Costing Above Includes: - Transport to and from mountain gates. - All parks entry fees. - All camping fees. - Rescue fees. - Guide and porters fees. - Guide and porters salaries. - All accommodations on the mountain based on three meals a day. - Cook and all kitchen utensils.
Costing Above Excludes: - International flights - Accommodation on the first night upon your arrival before climb and on the last day after climb book with us for US$55 per person at Impala hotel, bed and breakfast. - Airport transfers book with us for US$60 per vehicle per transfer. - Tips, drinks and all items of personal nature - Hard and soft drinks and tips - Sleeping bags but we can provide for hire on request. - All Mountain Gears (we can arrange hire of this)
