It really does pay to do as much research as possible when it comes to choosing the right company. Choosing the first one that pops up on google is rarely a good idea. Indeed, in our experience, the companies that rank highly on google are rarely the best companies for organising treks. They are simply the companies that are best at getting their website to rank highly. Which is a very different skill. 

What you have to remember is this. When it comes to booking a Kilimanjaro climb, there is no single company that is best for every trekker. For example, some agencies are good at handling large groups of trekkers. Others are good at looking after single trekkers and don’t charge them a premium to have their own tent or hotel room. A few agencies offer luxury-only climbs, where all your whims are catered for. While others operate budget treks, allowing those even with fairly limited means to climb. Some are good at looking after porters and mountain crew. Others less so. Some are good at answering your questions before your trek. Others are pretty rubbish at this, but actually do organise a decent Kilimanjaro trek.

There is no single operator that is best for everyone

For an overview of the agencies and their strengths and weaknesses, the first place to look is our guidebook. In it we go into great detail about booking with an agency. We advise you on what questions to ask a company, and take a look at what your trek package should include. We also provide a comprehensive review of the Kilimanjaro trek agencies, both within Tanzania and abroad.

We also look at the advantages of booking a Kilimanjaro trek before you arrive in Tanzania, In the age of the internet, of course almost everyone books their trek in advance now. But you could wait until you arrive in Tanzania and book your Kilimanjaro trek there. This is usually the cheaper option. But it’s riskier and it takes time.

If you require further help, do contact us. We can offer you free advice on which company we think you should go. The KPAP website, the charity that looks after the welfare of the porters and crew who work on the mountain, is worth a look too. The usual review websites (Tripadvisor etc) may also be worth a look, though we are always a little sceptical about them (perhaps wrongly). See this link about why you should be wary of customer reviews. They’re worth a look, of course, but perhaps do so with a pinch of salt to hand!

Kilimanjaro Trek Companies – which one should you choose? >>

How to make your trek cheaper – and how not to >>

Booking your Kilimanjaro climb with an overseas agent vs booking with a Tanzanian company >>