Booking Kilimanjaro Trek in advance?
I'm planning to climb the Kilimanjaro in September. I'll arrive on the 29th of August, stay in Moshi for two or three days, then start the hike. What I'm wondering now is whether I should book the tour in advance or whether I can just walk around in Moshi, check some agencies and decide spontaneously.
My main concerns are:
- Will there be available places if I book two or three days before the tour starts? Or are the tours usually booked out by then?
- How likely is it to fall for a scam when looking for tour operators?
- Is it cheaper to book in Moshi directly than booking in advance? And closely related to the point before: how can I distinguish between a good priced offer and a scam?
EDIT: After some research, I decided to book the trek in advance. As this is rather a gut feeling I don't feel this would qualify as an answer. I'll extend the question by the information I gathered instead:
- Tanzania has risen the tourist VAT by 18% by the 1st of July, this means prices are generally higher (1, 2).
- Prices from different travel agencies range between 1500€ and 2000+€
- wikitravel.org states (emphasize mine):
You can either organize your trek up the mountain from your home country through a travel agency, but you'll pay a lot more for this convenience, or, if you've got a bit of time, hop on a plane and save some money by organizing it in Arusha, Moshi or in Dar. Be advised that there are as many incompetent and dishonest trek organizers as there are good ones. Ask around to make sure your guide will deliver on his promises.
I'll happily gather some information locally and post an answer if this question hasn't been answered until my return.
Best Answer
It is better to make booking online and pay in advance since this will save time and make you assure of the tour. There are companies which are very competent and trusted in organizing tours,those companies are registered by Tanzania Tourism Board under the ministry of tourism. Find one company and make your booking. Best of luck for more help am available as I live in Moshi Kilimanjaro.
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How do I book climbing Kilimanjaro?
Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb as early as possibleHow much does it cost to trek Kilimanjaro?
The average cost to climb Kilimanjaro is $2000 to $6000, the price varies from cheap, budget operators to large Western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price. There are various, unavoidable fixed costs to any tour operator and if a climb seems too cheap, you've got to ask yourself why.How much spending money do I need for Kilimanjaro?
Again there's a spectrum here. But anywhere between $2000-$2400 for a 7-day hike is standard. This usually includes all the bells and whistles including airport transfers, pre and post hotels and various other additions.What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?
January and February are two of the best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and therefore also the most popular. They are the warmest months, so you can expect clear, sunny skies in the mornings and evenings, however clouds may appear in the afternoons and you may experience some rain.Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro | Africa's Tallest Mountain (Part 1)
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Answer 2
It's best when you book in advance since its high season you might find most of hotels are full booked around moshi due to number of climbers
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