8-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Shira route

AVOID! AVOID!! My trekking holiday was doomed from the start. Explore-Share’s “itinerary” was not what was provided. Firstly I was advised in the week before departure that airport pick up was not available as promised, so I had to throw away my hotel booking close to the airport. Then a relaxed day 4 summit on Mt.Kenya was reduced to a 30min hike on day 1 and summiting on day 3 leaving me at risk of insufficient acclimatisation and altitude sickness. Kilimanjaro was better organised though, and I did summit both peaks. However it was really annoying that “inclusive” accommodation and meals (according to Explore-Share) turned out to mean the local operator would try to make me pay again for almost everything (except on the mountain). I was even coerced into lending over $700 to the local operator because quote “the money has not come through yet” (from Explore-Share). I only got their final refund several weeks after getting home - and still lost $16 because of bank charges which Explore-Share did not pay. Not a lot, but so ANNOYING!!

My Mountain Trekking Team, lead by Shem gave me a very plesant experience. And specially the porter Joshua gave me a nice stay in the Mountains. On the Technical part the guide was very competent as Well. However: My experience with explore-share, not the best. I came for the technical part. I asked if the technical part was doable at this time of year, they said yes, but it was not. Nobody does it at this time of the year and my climbingguide was very surprised that anyone booked at this time for the Technical part. You could just have told me: “wait a month”. But this was not the case. I pay so much Money Money and you can’t Even Write an email to the Company and ask about the conditions. I Think it’s completly unprofessionell!

Our guide, Shem, was absolutely fabulous. He was an absolute delight and a total joy to spend time with. His knowledge was extensive and his calm demeanour and quiet wisdom and dignity made us feel totally safe and secure. The team of chef and porters that Shem brought with him were also superstars. They were absolutely delightful and totally attentive to every need. The food was amazingly delicious and (almost) excessively generous. I recommend Claudious tours unreservedly.

Tremendous team-effort , highly professional attitude & coordination , mind-blowing guides & their game-drives , neat arrangements even in very adverse situations , superb hospitality from each & every employee..... Claudious Tours & Safaris made us feel at home from the very moment we stepped in Africa. Thank you for everything you did to us. Our trip wouldn't be so pleasant & successful without you guys.

In June, 2009 I climbed Mount Kenya, with Trekking Mount Kenya. I spent 4 days on the mountain and experienced the wonderful challenge and the friendly helpfulness and knowledge of my guides and porters. Everything was provided for my comfort and enjoyment so that it was a thoroughly fabulous and memorable trek! I recommend this company whole-heartedly.