My future father-in-law is interested in a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Not
having considered doing anything quite this strenuous myself (and previously
neither has he), I'd like to know if you have any insight into whether you
would put your good health in their hands? James Major, London
Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: I wouldn't hesitate
to recommend Jagged Globe (0845
345 8848) to entrust your future father-in-law's life unto.
He's happened on a good company that has organized over 100 expeditions to the
summit of Kilimanjaro since starting trips there in 1994.
The key factor in climbing Kilimanjaro is to choose the route wisely. Many
people plumb for the shortest "Marangu" route, which takes five
days, but this route gets the most crowded, and vitally, the swifter the
ascent the less chance there is for acclimatization essential if you are
to avoid altitude sickness.
Your father-in-law would be much better of choosing a more gradual route,
several of which take eight days. Jagged Globe uses two of these, and
manages a 97 per cent stand-on-the-summit rate, considerably above the
average.
If you choose a company that specializes in adventure trips, and specifically
climbing, like Jagged Globe, you'll benefit from their knowledge and quality
of their mountain guides. If he enjoys his "Kili" climb, he could
be working his way around the Seven Summits next ascending the highest
peak on each continent, winding up on, you only climb it once, Everest.
Other good companies offering good Kilimanjaro climbs include KE
Adventure Travel (017687 73966), Tribes
(01728 685 971), Exodus (0845 863
9600), High and Wild (01749 671
777), the Adventure Company
(0845 450 5316), and
Footprint Adventures (01522 804929).
I went with Africa Travel Resource last year- they were extremely professional, the food was brilliant and the guides were friendly and very knowledgable. They got our entire group of 12 up to the summit and back safely again, (including a 72 year old)
I would recommend them 100%.
Vicky, West Mids,
I would avoid overseas companies because they outsource the climb to local companies. You are paying a premium for this!
Three top local outfitters to consider are Tusker, Kiliwarriors and Thomsons.
steve, New York, USA
Last year I went on a trip with KE Adventure Travel. There were 13 in our group and we all got to the summit. I can honestly say this was down to the superb organisation and pacing of the trip and excellent guides. This was without the doubt the best and most rewarding trip I've ever been on!
Charlotte Hill, Newlands, UK
This was one of my best experiences. I used Tusker Trail, an American company that, while more expensive than the others, were clearly the best on the mountain when it came to the guides, camp site and tents. Importantly, they also pay their porters better than some of the cheaper outfits.
Stacy, London, UK
I knew a person who left work 200+ miles from K. on Saturday at 12.00 midday (we worked Sat in those days. He drove to and then climbed K to the TOP and was back at work by 8.00 am on Tuesday. Ok he was fit and it was before all this BFM that is bruited around these days
M. Cawdery, Portadown, Co. UK, EU.
I went up Mt Kenya in 1984 with two other guys - how I did it still bemuses and amazes me. I came down with guides whereas the other two carried on to the peak. Tanzania's Kilimanjaro will be a real challenge and lets hope James finds a reputable guiding company for his venture !!!!
Ian Payne, WALSALL,
I went with GUERBA as part of a whole of Africa trip. 8 of us took the challenge on the Marangu route organised by a local hotel. 7 of us made it to Uhuru Peak (not Gilmans Point, as a lot of people do). The only person that didn't make it was an ex athlete - altitude sickness. it is an easy climb!
Chris Wilshaw, Macclesfield, UK
I went with EXPLORE! a few months ago. Everything was organised seamlessly and I can honestly say it was the best trip I've ever been on. 7 out of 8 of us made it to the summit, the youngest being 22 (myself) and the oldest 64.
Now I'm busy planning my next adventure!
Laura Thompson, Manchester, UK