Kilimanjaro Region Travel Answers

Good morning and welcome to VT.........d:o)

As a tour director, having done a fair number of a variety of safaris in every African safari country, including a Kili climb, I have a bit of an insight into the various local tour operators around the world.

First, it is almost always better to work with a local operator rather that an American one, if for no other reason than the cost factor. Remember, no matter if you go with an American operator, they will almost universally contract with a local operator anyway.

That being said, - You are essentially going with an American company. E-Trip Africa is a new-ish division of Worldwide Travel Group, based in Newark, New Jersey.

Now, if this was an independant company, I would hesitate due to the newness of the company. However with the backing of the umbrella company, I am less concerned. The benefits of being a mega umbrella company, is that they get EVERYTHING they need right away. Always, ALWAYS review the "About Us" page on an operator's website. If that page is just a promotional spiel, it is a big red flag. The About Us page is there to tell the reader how they started, when they started, any affilliations with major int'l travel associations, and any awards collected. Here is their website, and also the website of Worldwide. Go to the Abnout us page for E-Trip Africa, and read their story and look at the bottom of the page, where you see all their affilliations.

I would say that your problem is solved. This is in essence an American company, but rest assured that they still contract with reliable locals.

Any further questions, just come back. Hope this helps somewhat.........d:o)

.....I am so sorry, - I promised the links as well. Here they are. Look also under "Contact Us", and you will see the Worldwide address in Jersey.

worldwidegrouptravel.com/201...

Damn.....here is the E-Trip link

http://www.etripafrica.com/#/home/">http://www.etripafrica.com/#/home/

Thank you for your advice Odinnthor. They did tell us that for the climb they work with a local tour operator as it is required under Tanzanian law. But they have provided additional training to the guides, as well as a modified menu that is designed for foreigners. I also understand that they have an office on the ground where one of their foreign managers or owners is there at all times to ensure things run smoothly.

Basically when I looked at the price, I found that most of the local companies don´t include airport transfers, hotels, meals at the hotels, private toilets, or oxygen in their price. Some even charge extra for the drive to the park trail head. I don´t really know exactly what all the extras cost individually, but when I did some research it turns out that it would probably cost more going locally and then getting riped off by the taxi, etc., plus all the headache trying to figure everything out.

Thanks again.

You are welcome........................d:o)

You are quite right about the "additionals". With E-Trip, they clearly are seeking instant credibility, if those additionals are included in the overall price. An operator with heavy backing from an ubrella company, can do things like that, - where a local newbe would be depending on the additionals for survival in a competitive field. Good luck!