6 Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operators : Good Reviews

XPATS International Travel, Summits Africa, Climbing Kilimanjaro, Team Kilimanjaro, Altezza Travel and Ultimate Kilimanjaro (UK) are 6 best Kilimanjaro local tour operators and international travel agencies for 2023 to 2024, with an average mountain climb and tourism company review score of 5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot and Reddit over time.

These Kilimanjaro climbing companies are equipped with high-quality equipment, have well-trained tour guides, and are known for being sustainable tourism businesses.

Furthermore, you can expect nutritious and healthy food, cozy accommodations during your climb, as well as a safe and sanitary camping environment on all hiking routes.

To get a better insight into the degree of quality you can expect from various Kilimanjaro outfitters, we’ve put together a listing of company profiles that highlight a host of amenities provided by respective brands.

Mountain Performance Structure From Tour Companies In Tanzania

Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operators 2023 & 2024TripAdvisor ReviewsOwners of Climbing Company
1. XPATS International Travel5/5 Star RatingTanzanian
2. Summits Africa5/5 Star RatingTanzanian
3. Climbing Kilimanjaaro5/5 Star RatingTanzanian
4. Team Kilimanjaro5/5 Star RatingBritish
5. Altezza Travel5/5 Star RatingRussian
6. Ultimate Kilimanjaro (UK)5/5 Star RatingAmerican
The table above lists and compares reviews of the best Kilimanjaro tour operators and climbing companies for 2023 to 2024, across all mountain routes. The evaluation of this tourism company list is scored on a scale of 1 to 5 and is drawn from a range of local sources including TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and Reddit over time.

Trekking Tour Du Mont Blanc, K2 or Everest Base Camp in Europe before Kilimanjaro isn’t required. Achieving altitudes between 10,000-12,500ft, anywhere in the world, is sufficient acclimatization for Kilimanjaro. The aim is to reach the 15,000ft mark at Lava Tower, as acclimatization beyond this point significantly boosts your chances of reaching the summit! Remember to bring proper clothing gear for the occasion.

Unlike the Coca Cola Itinerary, the 8-day Lemosho tour stands out as the most effective climbing trail on Kilimanjaro due to its minimal elevation gains per day on average, providing ample recovery time for adjustment. Furthermore, you can expect plenty of scenic viewpoints for photography and climb-high and sleep-low opportunities when the route comes together with the Machame trail. Appropriate clothes for the occasion is advisable.

Consider a game drive around the highest peak in Africa or safari destinations like Maasai Mara in Kenya, famous for the Great Migration crossing, or the Okavango Delta in Botswana, offering unique landscapes and diverse wildlife experiences. Additionally, you could explore Kruger National Park in South Africa for its high wildlife density or Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe for canoe safaris along the Zambezi River.

Besides an adventure trip to Zanzibar, consider cost or time and either explore international destinations like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, known for its stunning crater and abundant wildlife, or the Serengeti National Park for its iconic savannah landscapes and the Great Migration.

In the world of travel, you can find independent feedback on platforms like TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, Reddit and Facebook in the year 2023 to 2024. These platforms host reviews and insights shared by other travelers, providing valuable information to help you make informed decisions about a company.


Local Tour Operators That Work With Experienced Guides

1. XPATS International Travel 🇹🇿

XPATS International Travel is a Kilimanjaro local tour operator that has established itself as a sustainable tourism company with an unblemished reputation for offering unique and personalized travel experiences.

The team at XPATS International Travel is comprised of local tour guides who have an intimate knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro and a deep-seated passion for showcasing its splendor. One standout feature of XPATS International Travel is the unwavering commitment to safety and comfort for all their climbers and support crew.

The company provides camping and dining equipment, which includes tables, chairs, sleeping tents, mess tents, dining utensils and mattresses.

Moreover, all your meals are freshly cooked, according to your dietary preference, and served at your convenient time, leaving you free to focus on climbing Kilimanjaro.

XPATS International Travel has a perfect 5/5 star review rating on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot and Facebook.

2. Summit Africa 🇹🇿

Summit Africa offers several options for those seeking adventures beyond climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The company has a variety of traditional routes, which are accompanied by a lead guide, assistant guides, and a mountain crew. All the routes begin at the foothills of Kilimanjaro and vary in length from a 5 to 9-day travel itinerary.

Summit Africa provides accommodations and meals, along with camping and dining equipment. However, you’ll need to bring your own hiking gear, as well as sleeping bags and pads.

According to TripAdvisor, Summit Africa holds a 5/5 rating.


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3. Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a well-known tour operator that offers a wide range of adventure and travel experiences in Tanzania, which include safaris, cultural tours & trekking expeditions on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The company has gradually become one of Kilimanjaro’s key players, running expeditions during high seasons on a daily basis. This operator takes great pride in educating their clientele to ensure hikers joining their climb are well-informed and prepared for the undertaking.

Climbing Kilimanjaro provides airport transits, accommodations, before and after treks, as well as meals, tents and dining facilities during the climb.

The company’s efforts have earned them a solid 5-star rating on Trustpilot and TripAdvisor, respectively.

Foreign Tour Operators That Have A Strong Local Presence

1. Team Kilimanjaro 🇬🇧

Team Kilimanjaro is a family-run business office that was founded by John Rees-Evans, a British expat in Tanzania, who happens to be an avid mountain enthusiast. The company prides itself on its commitment to the ethical treatment of porters and guides, ensuring all climbers have a responsible climbing experience.

Team Kilimanjaro only specializes in Kilimanjaro treks, which gives them an edge over other tourism companies in the country.

The company provides essential climbing and outdoor camping equipment, as well as a list of items that climbers should have, with gear available for purchase or rent.

Team Kilimanjaro has 230 positive reviews on TripAdvisor.


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2. Altezza Travel 🇷🇺

Altezza Travel was founded by Alexander and Dimitri, two Russian brothers, who chose to settle in Tanzania in 2016.

Their expertise extends beyond arranging successful climbs since they also provide advice on the best routes for acclimatization and gear requirements. Altezza Travel also caters to famous celebrities and organizes record-breaking summits, such as Wings of Kilimanjaro, RedBull and National Geographic.

The company provides comfortable resort accommodations, before and after the trek, as well as quality hiking equipment and dining items.

Furthermore, Altezza Travel has one of the largest rental storage in the tourism industry, ensuring climbers have all they need for the climb.

Altezza Travel has a perfect 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.


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3. Tanzania Specialist 🇳🇱

Tanzania Specialist was founded by Robbin Meuliemans, a Dutch entrepreneur, who aimed to provide exclusive private tours. The company boasts a team of expert safari and trekking guides, who speak fluent English. To ensure peace of mind, Tanzania Specialist has established their headquarters in Europe and their subsidiary in Tanzania to guarantee clients a once-in-a-lifetime trekking vacation, filled with cultural exchanges, tourist attractions and fun activities.

The company offers some camping gear but they highly recommend hikers bring their own equipment to ensure they’re well prepared for the climb. Amenities provided include tents, mattresses, tables and chairs.

Tanzania Specialist has an average 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.


Adjusting anywhere between 10,000-12,500ft is good acclimatization for Kilimanjaro because this is usually where most people feel the effects of altitude. Additionally, engaging in pressure breathing exercises and breath-holding drills about 4 times a week can help relieve discomfort and prepare your body to better anticipate and adjust to lower atmospheric oxygen levels during your hike.

Mont Blanc in the French Alps and Gran Paradiso in Italy are both excellent choices for preparing for Kilimanjaro. According to the National Geographic guide, Mont Blanc towers at 4,808 meters, which offers the luxury to acclimate to the altitude similar to Kilimanjaro’s base camp, while Gran Paradiso, at 4,061 meters, provides acclimatization for similar elevations like Lava Tower on Kilimanjaro.

World Expeditions and Mountain Madness are guide companies on TripAdvisor known for organizing climbing tours in 2023 and 2024 to K2 and other peaks worldwide. They offer professional guidance and excellent customer support throughout the process.

Trekking longer routes on Kilimanjaro, such as Machame and Lemosho, increases your success rate and can actually save you time and money compared to trekking shorter trails like Umbwe or the Coca Cola route because longer climbing routes often allow for better acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, and the need for a second summit attempt in the future, ultimately saving time and money. The only downside to longer trails, noted by XPATS International Travel and G Adventures, is the Barranco Wall and a lack of huts for accommodation.

In your ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list, include lightweight, moisture-wicking layers in earthy tones to seamlessly blend into your surroundings. Also, explore clothing options with multiple pockets for convenient access to camera gear and accessories, in case you come across a shy monkey.


Travel Agents That Outsource Their Climbing Trips To Local Businesses

1. Ultimate Kilimanjaro 🇺🇸

Ultimate Kilimanjaro is an American travel agency that has been working with local tour operators for more than 15 years, providing personalized services with safety being a top priority. The travel agency maintains limited climbing spots to ensure every climber gets attentive care, which is different from other international travel agencies that allow up to 80 climbers per trip. Ultimate Kilimanjaro gives climbers the flexibility to climb with their group of friends or meet new people along the way.

The travel agency provides top-notch camping equipment and basic climbing amenities on all camping routes, as well as decent accommodation at a hotel, before and after the trek, run by a school on the outskirts of Moshi.

Ultimate Kilimanjaro’s years of dedication to the industry have earned them a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and Facebook.


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2. G Adventures 🇨🇦

G Adventures is a well-established Canadian travel agency that boasts 30 years of experience creating unforgettable trips for travelers around the world. Unlike international travel agencies, who specialize exclusively in Kilimanjaro treks, G-Adventures offers a variety of package tours that are outsourced to trusted local outfitters. They are often able to create a fun and diverse group dynamic, offering an excellent opportunity to team up with like-minded individuals from around the world.

The travel agency offers meals and accommodations however, you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bags, pads and hiking gear.

Thomson Safaris has an average review rating of 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and Tourradar.


6 people hiking the lemosho route
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3. Thomson Safaris 🇺🇸

Thomson Safaris is an American-based travel agency that has gained recognition for its unique approach to adventure tourism, whether you prefer a scheduled day trip, private or custom itineraries, or even luxury 8-day climbs. The company prides itself on its high standards of service, which attests to the quality of safety and comfort during their trips. Rather than operating package tours, they outsource their work to local outfitters, in tourist destinations within the African continent, to ensure clients are accompanied by guides who have an intimate knowledge of the native location and culture.

The international travel agency provides Kilimanjaro luxury campgrounds in unique settings, in addition to restaurant meals, tents and other basic amenities. Thomson Safaris also provides a comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing list, outlining exactly what clients need for their trip and how they should pack their bags.

Thomson Safaris has an average review rating of 5/5 on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.

4. Mountain T Sobek 🇺🇸

Mountain Travel Sobek is an American adventure travel company that specializes in organizing sport expeditions to some of the world’s spectacular mountains, including the base camp of Mount Everest. It has established itself as a trusted name in the tourism industry, working with local Kilimanjaro outfitters who are trained to navigate challenging conditions to better ensure the safety and well-being of their clients.

They handle logistics, including accommodations, transportation and camping equipment. To make things even easier, they provide a downloadable link for packing tips and a checklist to make sure that clients are fully prepared for their Kilimanjaro hike.

Mountain Travel Sobek has an average review rating of 4.5 on Trustpilot, TripAdvisor and Facebook.


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5. Intrepid Travel 🇦🇺

Intrepid Travel is an Australian travel agency that takes great pride in prioritizing the safety and well-being of its travelers. The travel agency’s risk-management protocols and continuous staff training, guarantee confidence and peace of mind. From well-maintained equipment to emergency plans, every aspect is carefully considered to mitigate risks and maximize the safety of their climbers.

Intrepid Travel offers essential camping equipment, as well as a list of items that climbers should have, with gear available for rent.

Intrepid Travel has an average review rating of 5/5 on TripAdvisor and TourRadar.

6. World Expeditions 🇦🇺

World Expeditions is an esteemed Australian travel agency that has been providing Kilimanjaro treks for more than 25 years. The company has built an outstanding reputation in the tourism industry, outsourcing its work to local outfitters who have a long-standing knowledge of the mountain and its surrounding area.

World Expeditions provides mattresses, tables, chairs, sleeping tents, mess tents, eating utensils and other dining equipment. Climbers can expect decent accommodation and breakfast, before and after the trek, as well as comfortable camping equipment during their trips.

World Expeditions has an average 4.5/5 review rating on TripAdvisor and Tourradar.

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