Serious organizational failures and broken assurances during our Kilimanjaro expedition
I participated in a Kilimanjaro expedition and safari organized through KAE – Kili Africa Expedition Ltd, represented by Seif Ally Juma, from October 2 to 14, 2026.
I booked this trip expecting a professionally organized expedition, with essential services, permits, accommodation and equipment arranged in advance. Unfortunately, the reality was very different.
During the trip, we encountered multiple problems that should have been resolved before the group arrived in Tanzania.
One of the most serious incidents occurred at Kilimanjaro, where we discovered that park fees had reportedly been paid for only 10 of the 20 participants. The situation resulted in an additional payment of USD 8,547 and a delay of around four hours.
The equipment was another major concern. We had expected sleeping bags suitable for temperatures down to approximately -15°C, but the bags provided were rated for around -5°C. Some tents also leaked when it rained. For a high-altitude expedition, appropriate equipment and reliable shelter are essential.
The problems continued during the safari. Park entry fees and vehicle-related arrangements were not properly settled when needed, causing further delays. In Mto wa Mbu, accommodation arrangements and kitchen hygiene raised serious concerns, and alternative accommodation and meals had to be organized. The planned Ngorongoro visit also encountered reservation and payment problems.
What made the experience particularly frustrating was the repeated reassurance that everything would be taken care of. Despite these assurances, additional problems kept emerging.
The consequences went beyond inconvenience. They created unnecessary stress, disrupted the itinerary, raised concerns about safety and resulted in unexpected expenses for the group and its organizers.
I am sharing my personal experience so that future travelers can make an informed decision. Before booking with this operator, I would strongly advise requesting written confirmation of all park fees, permits, accommodation, transport arrangements and equipment specifications, and independently verifying the most important bookings.
A trip to Kilimanjaro should be challenging because of the mountain itself, not because essential arrangements have not been properly handled.





