Testimonial

Great Mt Kilimanjaro Experience On Machame Route (6d/5n)

I found Kilimanjaro Vikings in a brilliant book about Mt Kilimanjaro. Charlie the owner was very responsive and provided precise information about the trip. After comparing ca 12 offers, I selected Kilimanjaro Vikings based on an overall impression, information, price, and reviews.

When I landed in Tanzania, the chief guide, Scoba Happygod, waited for me at the airport with the transfer. Upon arriving to Moshi, I paid the outstanding balance and we checked my gear together. Next day, we departed on the Machame Route 6d/5n.

Everything went very smooth. Scoba Happygod, the chief guide is very knowledgeable and polite. He was very clear every time about the plans and how to prepare. The motivation he provided on the summit night was critical to reach the crater of Kilimanjaro.

We had an excellent assistant guide, Gaudis, who is always positive and full of energy. Sometimes he was going ahead, leading the team, carrying our lunch to Lawa Tower and Kili crater.

The food in Tanzania is super tasty, and our cook, Thomas, prepared every dish with special care. I’m vegetarian while my improvised climbing partner, Chiaki, does eat meat, but it was not an issue at all for Thomas. We enjoyed the warm fulfilling and tasty dishes every time.

The porters did an extremely heavy job carrying each 20kg. Honestly, they are not very well equipped and for some this is the first time on the mountain. But they did a tremendous job carrying our tent, gear, food, etc. We were very lucky with the weather as it did not rain during the 6 days in November, which is the short rain season (this is exceptional!). During the final ceremony and tipping, we slightly increased the porters tip and I left some of my gear to them, which was much appreciated.

Once finished my trip in Tanzania, I got the transfer from Moshi to the airport. All went very smooth and well!

Only recommendation to the agency is to mention that one porter will have extra activity being the waiter (keeping the dining tent clean and tidy, serving food, washing dishes) and double check that porters have the minimum gear for cold and wet conditions.

For travellers, I can highly recommend Kilimanjaro Vikings (Charlie), chief guide Scoba Happygod, and assistant guide Gaudence. They are a great team! I saw that some other agency adds some extra show (i.e songs and dance in the morning), but I found that a bit too funny anyway. Also, like me you might consider too to increase the tip for the porters and/or leave some gear behind for them.

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