Which Kilimanjaro Company is the Best?
I hiked Kilimanjaro. And let me tell you, trying to pick the right company for the trek can feel like scaling the mountain. There’s a flood of information coming at you from every direction, each company promising the best experience, the most experienced guides, and the tastiest mountain meals. But how do you separate genuine quality from a well-rehearsed sales pitch?
At the end of the day, you just want a company that’s safe, knowledgeable, experienced, and worth the money because let’s be real, this trek isn’t cheap. You want a team that’s going to get you to the summit in one piece.
I’ve only climbed Kilimanjaro once, which means I only have firsthand experience with one company: Altezza Travel. And let me just say…I would highly recommend them.
Why Altezza Travel Was Awesome
I originally thought about doing a pros and cons list, but honestly? It’s just a pros list. No, I wasn’t paid by them, and no, I didn’t get any fancy influencer discounts. I just genuinely had an incredible experience, and here’s why:
1. A+ Communication (Even Before We Got There)
Our rep was ridiculously patient, answering millions of emails (no exaggeration). Every little question, concern, or logistical headache we had—she handled it with ease. By the time we actually arrived, we felt confident, prepared, and excited, rather than stressed or overwhelmed.
She also helped us built out our trip to Tanzania to include a safari in the Serengeti and a few days kicking back on the beach in Zanzibar. They handled all the transportation and accommodations. It was very easy for us!
2. The Guides Were Next-Level Amazing
The guides were hands-down one of the best parts of the entire experience. They weren’t just there to lead us up the mountain; they were our hype squad, problem solvers, and all-around legends. They always had a smile, cracked jokes, and genuinely cared about each of us making it to the top. And as we climbed higher and the air got thinner, they were constantly checking in, helping with packs, and giving words of encouragement. The night afternoon before the summit, I was panicking a little bit and one of the guides talked be off the ledge (figuratively of course!) and hyped me up! At 3am when we’re halfway through the summit, grasping for motivation, they would burst into song.
3. They Made the Experience Personal
On day two, we casually mentioned that one of our group members had a birthday coming up on summit day. Didn’t think much of it. But after we made it to the top and back down, the crew surprised him with a birthday cake, sparkling juice, and a full-on celebration. At nearly 15,000 feet. In the middle of nowhere. They sang, they cheered—it was such a small but meaningful gesture that made the whole experience even more special.
4. Safety First, Always
Reaching the summit is obviously the goal, but not at the expense of your health. Our guides constantly checked oxygen levels and heart rates to make sure we were handling the altitude well. They took our well-being seriously, which gave us peace of mind.
5. The Food Was Shockingly Good
Most people assume they’re going to shed pounds on this trek. Think again. We were fed SO much food. We’re talking hot meals and full plates at every stop. I don’t know how they managed it on a mountain, but I’m pretty sure I ate better on Kilimanjaro than I do at home.
6. Their Website Is Chef’s Kiss
Okay, this might sound random, but one of the guys I hiked with literally chose Altezza because of their website design. And I get it—their site is sleek, easy to use, and packed with all the info you need without overwhelming you. Sometimes, the little things make a big difference!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence about which Kilimanjaro trekking company to go with, I wholeheartedly recommend Altezza Travel. They made every step of the journey incredible—from the first email inquiry to the moment we celebrated at the summit. If you want a stress-free, fun, and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience, they’re the ones to go with.