Choosing Amongst Mount Kilimanjaro Tours

By Lana Bray


The highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, rises nearly six thousand meters above sea level. This dormant volcanic mountain isn't as famous as Mount Everest but if offers an enticing challenge to a large number of climbers nonetheless. Because of the income potential, there are a great number of companies that offer Mount Kilimanjaro tours for getting to the summit. With the expense and potential dangers that can be involved, one needs to choose their provider wisely.

No mountain is without danger and this one is no exception with numerous injuries and deaths reported over the years. It is impossible for any tour operator to guarantee that you'll get to top and back safely but some are more likely than others to help you to do this. Finding one that is appropriate for your needs, including fitting within your budget, can be almost as much of a challenge as the climb itself.

Prior to making a decision, gathering as much information as possible will help you to make a good choice. There are many websites on which you can find reviews that have been submitted by former clients of tour operators. Reading these can give you an idea of the experiences that others have had, but remember that these can vary greatly from person to person and that reading a variety of them is best.

Scouring the website of potential providers can be very helpful too. If a company doesn't give out much information or what they do give is questionable, you may wish to take your business elsewhere. Contacting the company with some questions can give you a firsthand an idea of how they deal with customers.

Although few would consider such a tour to be cheap, there is a range of prices that can be found. If possible, it may be best to avoid the ones at the very low end of the range. Prices that are suspiciously low might indicate poor quality in a number of ways, including not paying their employees fair wages. This could potentially raise safety as well as moral issues.

Most people choose a provider and book their tour before making the trip. The advantage of doing so is the relative certainty and of the scheduling and cost. It can be much less stressful than having to do it upon arrival.

Waiting until you're in Tanzania does have some advantages however. For one, you can personally visit the companies and get an even better feel for them than you could via email correspondence. Also, you may be able to get a lower price by booking last-minute as it could be better for the company to sell it at a discount that not at all. There is the risk, on the other hand, of not being able to find available dates with an acceptable provider and is can be difficult to negotiate in an unfamiliar place and culture.

Although it can sound like a daunting task, it is certainly possible to find Mount Kilimanjaro tours that will give you the experience of a lifetime. A safe trip to the top of Africa is not something everyone can say that they've done. Taking one's time and choosing carefully may be well worth it.




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