Climbing Kilimanjaro through 7 days Machame Route

First of all, I would like to thank the entire team that accompanied us on the ascent of Kilimanjaro on the 6-day Machame route. Without them, it would not have been possible. Although we managed to reach the end, the experience had a rather unpleasant tone: My partner and I booked the experience through a Spanish agency that contacted AFRICAN QUEST, who subcontracted the experience to ZAFS TOURS. The price included a main guide and an assistant, all the porters, and an extra for having a private bathroom (highly recommended), and the tips were already agreed upon (between 150 and 220 USD per hiker). Our surprise came when, one day before finishing the experience, they asked us for the tip (in other excursions we had given them at the end); my partner and I told our guide (VENANCE SANGAWE) that we had been very happy with the team and that we had decided to give him €400 (10% of the total price of what we had already paid). Far from thanking us for the tip (which is voluntary in Tanzania), he told us it was too little and asked us for €500 just for the porters (guides, cook, and assistant separately). He wanted us to give the tips already separated for each worker... We tried to explain to him that the tip had already been agreed upon before arriving in Tanzania and that unfortunately we did not have more cash, to which he responded by offering to accompany me to the bank to withdraw more money. The following week we had a safari scheduled, and he asked me how much money I had spent on the safari and suggested that I give him part of the tip agreed upon with the safari driver... After an argument of a few minutes (the most uncomfortable of my life), we went to sleep with a significant feeling of unease... the next morning, we still had a few hours of descent left, which we did in silence and with sour faces. He practically didn't even say good morning to us, and that day they didn't give us water to complete our route. He only spoke to me to ask for the money, which he counted in front of me, and with a very sour look, he told me that he would exchange it and distribute it among the rest of the group. Reaching the end of the route, the guide (VENANCE) approached me to talk and asked me for €100 more, telling me that if I gave him that money, "it will be better for everyone." I almost started to cry; I had never had such an unpleasant experience. It occurred to me that so he would leave us alone, he could keep the deposit for some items we had rented from his company, and with that, he would be happier, and we would manage to reach the end of the route. At the "celebration" lunch, neither of the two guides ate with us; only VENANCE came with one of the porters so that we would tell him to his face that we were only going to pay them €400 (I didn't know where to hide). Later, they wanted to take us to look at souvenirs at a shop; I didn't have money to buy anything, nor did I have any desire to continue being there with them, and we asked them to please take us to the hotel so we could continue with the rest of our trip. Once at the hotel after several minutes of arguing, they only let us leave when they ensure they will be able to keep the deposit for the rented equipment, about 80 dollars. We filed a complaint with my agency to AFRICAN QUEST and it is true that they have returned 126 dollars to me as compensation. But many times money does not solve everything…despite having managed to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro without health problems and despite having received part of the extra money we gave as a tip to this guide, it has been a very bittersweet end to an experience that should have been once in a lifetime. I don't want to be ungrateful, without the whole team it wouldn't have been possible…and during the first part of the trip they behaved perfectly. But tips are pre-established precisely so that these things don't happen, and my review is precisely so that these people think very carefully before extorting tourists again, thinking that their actions will not have consequences.

We had a wonderful experience with the team throughout our safari in Ngorongoro and Serengeti, as well as our Kilimanjaro trek. Our safari guides, Ema and Abel, were excellent. They were knowledgeable, passionate, calm, and always attentive to our needs. Their professionalism and love for what they do made our safari experience truly memorable. The Kilimanjaro trek was very well organized, and the entire team took great care of us throughout the journey. A special mention to Frankie, who thoughtfully provided us with hot water every morning so we could wash up, as well as coffee or tea before we headed out of the tent. These small touches made a big difference, especially in the cold mountain environment. Roger, our toilet manager, also did an excellent job maintaining the toilet facilities throughout the trek. Everything was kept clean and well maintained, and toilet rolls were always provided. The porters were incredibly professional, strong, and efficient. They worked tirelessly and were impressively fast at moving everything around the mountain while ensuring our belongings and camp were well taken care of. We also had three mountain guides for our group of five trekkers, which gave us excellent support throughout the climb. Every evening after dinner, the guides clearly briefed us on what to expect the next day, including the appropriate layers to wear and the type of terrain we would encounter. This preparation helped us feel confident and ready for each stage of the trek. A very special thank you to our summit porters, who played such an important role in helping us reach the summit. They were incredibly patient and supportive, walking with us step by step and encouraging us through the cold weather and challenging final ascent. Their determination and encouragement gave us the extra strength we needed to keep going. A million thanks to this wonderful team for taking such good care of us and helping make our safari and Kilimanjaro adventure such a memorable experience. We truly appreciate all your hard work and dedication. Highly recommended!

+2

Experience:- Overall I would say, its very very Good, I completely enjoyed my journey through out 7 days. Admission Fees- We paid 1700 usd including 200 USD as Tips to the Porter and Guide Atmosphere- Generally weather in this time of year (means August-Sept) in Tanzania is very pleasant and at the UHURU Peak also weather was very good and we didnot face much challenge like ( Heavy Wind, Heavy Cold, Snow fall etc) at the day of our Summit. Crowd- Generally Crowd in this Time of the Year was very very Good and in Machame Route is very crowded. Staff- We have take ZAF Tours and all the Supporting staff and Guide are very well behaved and well trained, They never felt you any time or moment of this 7 days journey, that you are alone. they are very supportive and very very poilite. Best For- I can Say, there are so many Tour and Travel agency operate over there, But ZAF is very good amonth them, Why, As this ZAF is just Opened in last 6-7 Year in this business and all the staff and guide are very energetic adn suppotive. They wil take care and amend your Food, Journey Timing, and some times they can take your extra backpack from you, so that you can walk freely to reach at the destination without too much difficulty. So, This is best for who are wants to be personalized stuff during the trek.

+6

I cannot recommend ZAFS Tours highly enough — they truly made our Tanzania adventure unforgettable! From the very first contact, the communication was outstanding. Huzeifa and the entire team were incredibly responsive, patient, and helpful in tailoring the itinerary to our preferences and budget. The company provided clear guidance and transparent quotes throughout the planning process, making us feel completely confident in our choice. We did the Machame Route Kilimanjaro climb, and every detail was flawlessly organized. The guides Frank and Erick and support crew were absolute professionals — knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely caring. I love our chef, Abu, and the entire team of porters who went above and beyond to ensure our safety and comfort. The food on the mountain was amazing — hot, nutritious meals every day that kept us energized for the climb! What truly sets ZAFS apart is their personal touch. They made us feel like family, not just clients. We felt completely safe and well taken care of throughout the journey.

I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route with Zaff Tours and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the team was incredibly professional, supportive, and friendly. The guides were knowledgeable and prioritized safety, doing regular health checks and keeping a steady “pole pole” pace that helped our group successfully reach the summit. The food was excellent, the equipment was good quality, and the entire crew went above and beyond to make the trek comfortable and enjoyable. Summiting at sunrise was unforgettable, and I’m so grateful to Zaff Tours for helping make it happen. Highly recommend them to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro! I would like to give a big shout to our expert guides Matthew and Geoffrey who ensured we all reached summit safely

This was by far the most unbelievable trip of my life. My husband and I did this experience for our honeymoon and it was remarkable. We did the 6 day Machame private route. I was so nervous leading up to the hike but it was the adventure of a lifetime. And I wouldn’t change anything about our trek! From the communication, organization, tent accommodations, medical / oxygen checks - Everything was incredible and made us feel so comfortable and confident. And we luckily had very little altitude sickness / acclimatized very well. There are very few experiences in your life where you can remember a pivotal change. That was one of them for me. The porters (Benjamin and many more), guides (John and Azizi) and chef (Isaac) were exceptional. Our guide John was such a special and warm hearted person, was very very smart and I’d recommend him to anyone/ we plan on keeping in touch with him! And Azizi kept us laughing and pushing through Pole Pole! The trek was challenging and humbling. It rained, hailed, snowed… and everyone continued on with a smile. A lot of life lessons learned on this mountain and you remember not to sweat the small stuff!

We had the most fabulous experience on our Kilimanjaro trek with Zafs. From the planning stages to our descent, they took care of everything, and made each step in the planning process so easy. Israel, Aubray, and Erich were fantastic, competent, and experienced guides, and Abu the chef and his whole logistics team took such good care of us. We were greeted with smiles, wonderful food, and genuine care each day. Our team also handled the complex logistics of our group seamlessly- we varied in age from 12-48, and our daughters had to descend on the last day because of altitude. Israel and his team were able to split our teams safely, and everyone got the experience they needed! We had the trip of a lifetime and have so many fabulous memories. Our families at home also appreciated the great updates and photos they got everyday, it was a really nice way to have a journal of our trip, also.

Great company. From start to finish. Wonderful organization. 7 days on Kilimanjaro Machame. The entire Zafs team was truly fantastic. John is a great leader and a fantastic person, Eric was funny and cool, Josef was funny and kind. The entire team deserves a lot of respect. You can organize with them Safari as well so is gonna be even better. Safer was also great. Thanks ZAFS for almost 2 fantastic weeks

Had a wonderful experience climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with ZAFS team. Staff were very nice and always ready to help. Selection of food and taste could have been better.

Hiking among and above the clouds was the absolute highlight of my experience. The ZAFS staff was incredible - always smiling, coaching, helping, singing, explaining, and most importantly, motivating me throughout the journey. 🙏