Team
Kilidove Tours and Safaris
- Located In:
-
France
Spain
United States
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 2001)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB & ATA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $280 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Caroline | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Honeymoon with Kilidove
Kilidove organized our two week trip to Tanzania for our honeymoon in mid-August 2016, including a one week safari in the Serengeti / Ngorongoro and one week at the Z Hotel in Zanzibar. Everything went smoothly from our initial email conversations with George through our activities the entire trip. They were very responsive and flexible when we were looking into different areas of Zanzibar for our stay. All of the accommodations they arranged were excellent, including Mawe Tented Camp in the Sergeneti. Our Serengeti guide, Joshua, was incredible - he was very personable, flexible, and was an expert on everything related to our safari, including the habits of different animals from the big 5 to the many birds we saw, the environment and trees / plants along the way. He was amazing at being able to spot animals we would have missed, and we had multiple sightings of difficult to find animals including cheetahs and leopards (with their cubs no less). He even spotted two rare rhinos in Ngorongoro. We saw all the big 5 multiple times, and literally saw something new every day.
Our connections throughout the trip were all efficiently arranged, drivers were waiting for us even after we experienced a few delays with our airlines.
We couldn't have asked for a better trip, and the rate was very reasonable for everything that was included. Highly recommend!
IE
Email Vincent and Giada | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
wonderfull experience with Kilidove Tours and Safari
Me and my girlfriend just came back from a 4 days safari, 2 days serengeti np and 1 day ngorongoro crater. Our impression was very good, our guide was very professional and expert about many things, he was ready to answer every question we asked and showed us as much as possible. Mawe tended camp was just stunning, very private, with good facilities and very clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful too. I would go back tomorrow if I could.
CA
Email Subhash | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Experience
We booked our 3 night/4day safari with Kilidove. George provided excellent service in planning our trip from home. He answered all our questions and he was prompt with replies. When budget became an issue he was able to provide alternatives which we accepted to bring the cost down. Our driver/guide, Nixon, is an amazing person, very friendly and helpful . He stayed with us throughout the trip, from picking us at the airport to dropping us off at the end of the trip. The Serena Lodges in the park were all excellent. We had an amazing time and highly recommend Kilidove.
DE
Email Dr. Peter Michel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
perfect tour to Miunt Meru and Kili !!!
Everything was well organized and done ! Guides, cook and porters made great jobs. Thanks for everything !
BE
Email Humphrey | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly Recommend Kilidove Tours, Paul(kilimanjaro) and Joshua(safari)
Highly recommend Kilidove Tours!
During our search for a guide company for climbing Kilimanjaro, George, the company owner explained every detail imaginable in great detail leaving us with no doubt that Kilidove Tours was the guide company for us. Every question and concern, and there was many, was quickly and professionally addressed. we exchanged more than 60 emails
Our guide, Paul, Max and crew, were no different. It was obvious that it as much their goal for us to summit as ours. The entire staff were knowledgeable and very attentive to the needs. It was very obvious early on that our crew was watching us closely, monitoring our wellbeing to ensure we had an amazing and successful experience. Our meals were great. Every meal was excellently prepared, with a variety of fresh, nutritious, and tasty meals. I can't say enough about our head guide, Paul. Excellent communication skills, vast knowledge of the mountain and his attention to detail made our journey more than just a trek through the countryside of Tanzania. The communication between our expedition coordinator and guide was amazing. By chance, we summited a day ahead of schedule and KT and crew were kind enough, on short notice, to extend our safari that followed our hike by an extra day, all of which took place from the side of the mountain.
The safari itself was magical; we saw tons of animals; excellent choices of accommodation we stayed at Sopa Lodge in Ngorongoro, Serena in Serengeti and Maramboi in Tarengire on our 7days safari our guide Joshua, was excellent professional and we felt totally safe with him,
Before committing to a guide company for safari and Kilimanjaro do yourself a favor and contact George at Kilidove Tours. I'm confident you won't regret it!
Email Ann | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Special Safari holiday on Christmas eve
My wife and I decided to do something else during our christmas holiday after a long research we decided to go on safari to Tanzania, we did a lot of reseach about tour operators based out of Arusha, and oversees we ended up going with Kilidove Tours mainly due to;-
1. Prompt responses, George the owner of the company was very responsive prompt and answered all our questions very quick we had exchanged emails more than 180
2. Value for money, I can say they offered us a very good price based on our requests, we had balloon ride over Serengeti, and 9days safari to see the great migration
3. Reputation. We did our own research read all good and bad reviews and noticed that the company put forward its reputation beyond anything else even when there are unfoseen events
Our safari itinerary included parks of Arusha where we saw lots of flamingos, TArangire we saw plenty of elephants, baobao trees, and gazelles, we went to Ndutu south Serengeti the great migration was there we saw cheetahs and lion cubs
We were guided by a middle aged man named Bony very experienced safari guide and very professional he totally made our safari dream come true
We are now finishing our holiday at a resort in Zanzibar La Gemma Del' est its magical, we dont wanna ho home
IN
Email Rajiv | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Experience
We took a five day tour - 2 nights at Serengeti (Sopa Lodge); - 1 night at Ngorongoro (Soap Lodge) and 1 night at Lake Manyara (Serena Lodge).
Our Guide/Driver, Anderson, is a wonderful person, took great pains to spot animals and was full of enthusiasm.
At Serengeti, we saw plenty of Lions, Elephants, Cheetah & Leopards besides of course Zebras, Wildebeest, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Hippos and many more.
The Sopa lodge is the best, very luxurious, good food, good ambience, all facilities.
Ngorongoro is a "Must See Place". Andeson again took great pains to show us the maximum - Lions, Elephants, Cheetah, jackals, Hyenas, Rhino, etc.
Sopa Lodge is again the best place to stay here also.
Lake Manyara we saw Elephants, Hippos, Monitor Lizard, Baboons, etc.
Serena Lodge is the best option here. However, it is better if you stay the night at Ngorongoro only and move early morning to Lake Manyara and back to Arusha.
Thanks to Kilidove, we had a great time.
US
Email Martin E | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Feel the Serengeti, and Nature
The owner of this business is a one of a kind gem, young, listens well, energetic, and knows the Safari business well. I have been on Safari in Tanzania 10 or more times, as well as other countries. His drivers know your itenerary, and often stop for things not expected that you are interested in. He knows every hotel, and every room. His cars are in great condition and he will help you decided what kind of Safari, and what kind of hotels, and cars. But if you have a favorite, he knows them too. We had a KLM flight delay, followed by an unexpected trip through Istanbul. We thought the Safari in Tarangiri, Serengeti, Manyara, and Ngorongoro crater was NOT going to happen when we found ourselves 3 days late. George Joseph, the owner, had spoken and emailed often enough that he re wrote our adventure. We wanted to camp in the Serengeti and 5 star hotel some nights. We did it all. Not one bad thing to say, and in my 25 years of time spent in Africa he nailed a perfect trip. His prices are moderate, but his quality is high. KILIDOVE is the best. The camp experience was in Nakasia and Tarangeri. We had Hyenas around our tent one evening, and woke up to 4 giraffes eating near the front door. Stork, and other birds flew into the area all the time. The hotels we stayed in at Manyara and Ngorongoro were breathtaking, the rooms overlooked the lake and crater. The food was great. Box lunches were very good, often way too much food. We had night skies that you wouldnt get in any city, and saw the big 5 in one day. The drivers are knowledgable, and often offer a track off the beaten path littered with other Safari cars. We saw Cheetah, Lions, and Leopard all in one trip. The lion kill of a warthog was, well, its Africa and exciting to see nature throught the eyes of the animals. We saw birds, snakes, wild dogs, and too many other animals to name. The quality starts at the top, George took our disaster and turned it into the best vacation Ive experienced in Africa. After we met him, I knew that we would be friends for a lifetime. I still write, and he still answers. Ask him about his family and go to see them if you want to top off a trip with a memory that you will NEVER forget. I am forever greatful for his positive way in approaching his work, family, and life. The driver we had was Bonaface, and he has eagle sharp eyes. He spotted animals and birds, knows their body language and habbits. He was a pro in every sense of the word. He also made time for us to be able to do some shopping, and last minute things we wanted to see. But, we didnt stop there, we went on a 3 day Zanzibar excursion. I was in Zanzibar 5 years ago on my own with the wife. This time, we handed him the reigns, and we saw more and did more in 3 days than the week we had 5 years ago. He knows this business. Im open to questions, photos, anything you need to be sure that you get the wild or tame experience you want in East AFRICA. Not one thing to wish I saw or did. We spent 6 nights and 7 days, all park fees included. The tents were luxury tents with hot water and all, and Lions walking around your vehicle will get your adrenalin flowing. No car malfunctions or break downs, lots of bottled water for safari, just about perfect.
great personalized service
My husband and I just spent a week in Tanzania and wanted some physical activity as well as the usual safari experience. Kilidove arranged a day where we did a short hike to a spectacular waterfall and visited a small coffee making operation en route to make our own coffee from scratch.
Our guide went out of his way to make sure we set the pace. The hotels are so nice that it is nice to spend some time enjoying their amenities as well as traveling through the park. We were very happy with the base hotel in Arusha, Planet Lodge - very pretty, great food and excellent service.
I highly recommend Kilidove.
Nancy
Mbarara, Uganda
Climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's Mega-Mountain
In early April of 2015 I undertook two memorable treks with Kilidove Tours and Safaris: (1) A 3-day safari to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater; followed by (2) a climbing expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro. In both instances, I would strongly recommend using the services of Kilidove. Their professionalism - whether it be measured from the standpoint of expertise, reliability, competence, customer service, or integrity - was second to none.
One invaluable service rendered by the company - ever mindful that accommodations have become as important as the trek itself - was their choice of Outpost Lodge on Serengeti Rd. in Arusha. Having just returned from a 3-day safari, my son and I appreciated the hotel's ambiance - notable for its friendly and hard-working staff. Our unit had two comfortable beds, TV, fan - with an adjoining bathroom never short on towels, soap, hot water nor electricity . Unforgettable were the lush grounds and communal poolside restaurant-lounge where free breakfast always included fresh-squeezed juices.
With a plane to catch before noon the next day, my son was promptly picked up at 8 a.m. at Outpost Lodge and whisked to the airport. Because of prior business commitments, he regrettably would be unable to accompany me
up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
At 10 a.m.that Sunday morning it was my turn to be picked up Kilidove - and by none other than the guide himself, with his driver. It was a distinct pleasure for me to meet Paul, a man around thirty years of age in whom I would entrust my life.
To my delight, Paul was not an inexperienced certified guide - but a very knowledgable alpinist of high integrity,
having leadership skills, discipline, patience, compassion, and a deep understanding about the human character. Over a ten-year period he had ascended Kili countless times - initially in the capacity of a porter, then as a cook, and finally as a guide.
Without missing a beat, he immediately insisted that we first go to my room to determine what proper clothing and mountain gear I already had available in my suitcase. Only then would we actually drive downtown to a reputable outfitting shop in Arusha to rent everything else.
As it turned out, I had enough suitable clothing such as socks, warm-ups, baseball cap, undershirts, jerseys, light windproof jacket, and heavy windproof jacket. However, at the outfitting shop Paul needed to find me a pair of comfortable-sturdy climbing boots ( out of a dozen types to choose from, only one was satisfactory for me!), an
appropriate backpack and sleeping bag, a winter hat, a head-lamp, thick gloves, 3 plastic water canteens, gaiters, a puncho, waterproof trousers, 2 adjustable hiking poles. Then at a convenience store, my guide had me buy high-energy snack bars, sun-screen, and strong sunglasses.
But there was still one critical item missing for my trek: a high-altitude camera. Yet this problem got resolved when George Joseph - Director and Owner of Kilidove - obligingly lent me his very own Nikon camera.
DAY 1: By 8 a.m. the following morning Paul and his driver swung by to pick me up at Arusha Lodge in their LandCruiser. (Interestingly, the company's experienced staff has access to a large fleet of LandCruisers - allowing for maximum efficiency, flexibility, and reliability.) En route to Kilimanjaro National Park (a World Heritage Site) we stopped in the city of Moshe to pick up our crew of four porters and cook, as well as necessary supplies. Thus by 11a.m. we had reached the Park's main entrance at Marangu Gate to sign in. It was here that the Marangu Trail (a/k/a the "Coca-Cola route") began - being the easiest and cheapest of the 6 routes up the mountain.
About 65 climbers a day were departing on the Coca-Cola route, which, since the path's renovation, has been the best on Kili. Even though the first day would be a gentle 4-hr. climb through the rainforest from the Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut camp sight (9,020 ft.), Paul repeatedly had one bit of advice for me in Swahili (although he was perfectly fluent in English, Tanzania's second national language): "pole pole" (poly poly) "slowly slowly." Perhaps he knew that I was 68 years old and therefore had to conserve my energy going up this mega-volcano (the highest peak in Africa, and the world's tallest free-standing mountain). At any rate, I slowed down and maintained the same slow pace that he did, imitating his every move and becoming his shadow.
Another piece of advice was to KEEP DRINKING FLUIDS throughout the ascent to avert cramps and other dehydration problems. My guide insisted that I carry 3 full canteens of water in my backpack at the outset of each climbing day.
As we walked through the jungle habitat, Paul identified two mammals for me: the Blue monkey (who spends most of its time in the trees, feeding on leaves, fruits, seeds and bark) and the fiercer Banded mongoose (who is
truly omnivorous, eating lizards, rodents, birds and fruit).But interestingly, my guide told me to be especially vigilant about ants on the trail; fearsome columns of army ants that march single-mindedly along the forest floor, ready to attack anything that gets in their way. (Snakes, on the other hand, tend to be shy of humans - whose approach they can sense through seismic vibrations along the ground.)
That night we slept inside A-frame huts. These sheltered us from the elements. Moreover, not needing tents, porters had less to carry - and therefore, porter expenses were less.
Paul's leadership skills were demonstrated upon arriving at each and every camp sight. Everything had to be coordinated and unfold like clockwork: registering at the camp office and making certain all 7 members of the expedition had a designated bunk bed in one of the A-frame units; holding the 4 porters accountable for their payloads and assigning them other tasks that needed to be done; making sure I received my duffle bag and that all supply payloads were properly distributed to Pita, the cook, so that he could adequately prepare a meal in the space of an hour for the crew - and having my portion brought over to the dining hall; and, in general, resolve any
personnel issues that might arise.
While I was waiting in my unit for the meal to be prepared, I can still remember Robert, one of the porters, always bringing me hot tea to drink - together with some toiletries: face cloth, bar of soap, and a large metal bowl
containing hot water. Afterwards - when announcing the meal was ready - he would graciously pick up all thee items.
At the dining hall itself, Robert would bring over a wholesome , nutritious meal for me and Paul; Pita likewise would stop by to inquire whether his cooking was up to snuff. And my guide would always make sure to discuss the next day's with me - what to anticipate, what to wear, and if i myself had any questions whatsoever to ask him.
DAY 2: As scheduled, Robert woke me up at 7 a.m., and told me Pita would have breakfast ready for me in half an hour. In the meantime, I should get dressed and pack up my duffle bag for a 9 a.m. departure. He'd return around
8:30 with my canteens filled with purified water, and also to pick up my bag.
Breakfast itself included an assortment of items: fresh-sliced pineapples; fruit juice; tea, hot chocolate and coffee; cold cereal with milk; toast (with optional jam and butter); eggs with potatoes; pancakes with syrup. Once again, the meal was intended to be filling and sufficiently nutritious.
Early the second day, one emerged from the rainforest ecozone onto an alpine meadow extending to Horombo Hut camp sight (12,530 ft.), with superb views of the peaks and plains below on a clear day. Typical "Heath and Moorland" vegetation appeared with giant heathers blooming with red, yellow and daisy-like flowers. On the moorland lobelias reached 10 ft. high among tussocks of grass; and interestingly, these cactus-like trees could endure sub-zero conditions at night simply by closing their spiked leaves.
Unfortunately, noted my guide, it was within in this lovely eco-zone that the effects of altitude were known to kick in - from an imperceptible shortness of breath, to a minor headache, to actual nausea. Consequently, all Kilidove expeditions (unlike some other tour groups) have refrained from climbing to Kibo Hut camp sight the very
next day. Instead, it was more prudent not to rush things, but to acclimatize at Horombo Hut by staying there for 2
nights.
DAY 3: It seems a person could actually double their chances of scaling the summit by acclimatizing for a day -
preferably by walking at altitude in the immediate region. Thus the next morning Paul, Robert and I proceeded to hike up for only 800 ft. more to Zebra Rocks ( a beautiful rock formation with zebra-like striations) before returning
to camp for lunch and relaxation. Needless to say, during our short trek, there was ample time for taking group photographs with George's camera.
DAY 4: The ascent at 9a.m. from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (15,430 ft.) entailed 7 hrs. of walking over a distance of
10km. into progressively ever thinner air. Yet this didn't deter me - since Paul was my master pace-setter, and I was his shadow; he deliberately maintained a shorter stride that always would be comfortable for me, thereby preventing dangerous fluid build-up in my lungs; the ultimate goal was to reach the summit, while expending the least amount of energy possible in doing so.
After climbing for less than an hour, my guide signaled that we stop briefly for five minutes to look around out in all directions. Things had quieted down: Those huge black ravens that had intermingled with us near Horombo Hut were nowhere in sight. Now at slightly more than 13,000 ft., commented Paul, we had crossed into an "Alpine Desert" habitat: An arid, semi-desert zone that had no trees and few plants; sage grass, moss and thistles were common.
Around 1 o'clock we had a box lunch (breast of chicken with vegetables, fruit juice, cookies and apple) at a designated Park rest area. Also had time to observe colored lichens clinging to lava rocks and free-rolling moss balls wrapping themselves around clumps of soil. Obviously plants had to adapt when temperatures ranged between sub-zero at night to104 F by day.
At still higher elevations, the fourth day brought spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak, before ascending to Kibo Hut camp sight. (Astoundingly, Paul explained that Kilimanjaro is really a stratovolcano consisting of 3 distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, the highest; Mawenzi at 16,893 ft.; and Shira, the shortest at 13,140 ft.).
By 4:30 p.m. we had reached base camp at Kibo Hut (at an elevation comparable to the summit of Mont Blanc)
and our entire support team of cook, and four porters greeted us at the camp registration desk - especially congratulating me for having gotten this far (true camaraderie, to say the least). But everyone knew that there were still 3,500 ft. to go, and that Paul and I alone were the only two persons who would attempt to reach the summit.
In preparation for the final ascent, my guide insisted that I retire to my room for a cat nap. In the meantime, Pita would prepare supper (with help from all the porters), and Robert would have the meal brought to my room by 7p.m.
Even though I was not hungry (a typical phenomenon at higher altitudes), it was imperative for me to eat as much as possible, stipulated Robert and everyone else on my support team. Consequently I forced myself to eat -
thereby building up my strength - and was also told to drink tea (rather than coffee), for a more balanced metabolism.
After supper, Paul conferred with me one more time about proper clothing and accessories necessary to venture into an "Arctic" eco-zoneat elevations of 16,400ft. or more (a habitat characterized by intense sunlight,
thin air, heavy snow and ice): Must wear strong sunglasses and suncream with a winter hat; heavy windproof
jacket; thick gloves; 5 layers of clothing; 2 warm-ups underneath windproof trousers; gaiters; 2 pairs of socks with
boots; use 2 adjustable climbing poles; bring head-lamp, and pack high-energy bars and water inside backpack.
DAY 5: The quest for the summit began just after midnight while the scree was still frozen, first climbing to Hans Meyer Cave, after which the scree slope became extremely steep. Unfortunately, at about 17,000 ft. the "thin air" barrier suddenly confronted me like "the wall" at mile 17 of a marathon race. I quickly needed to revert to my inner strength and modify how I was going to exert myself physically (thus expending the least amount of energy possible). For climbing Kili, that meant adopting a very necessary and basic formula: take 22 steps forward, then stop for 2 minutes (to regain my breath); then start all over. Paul, of course, very much understood my predicament - by constantly encouraging me on, and patiently waiting by my side, whenever I had to stop.
However, suddenly - to our mutual delight - I no longer had to revert to my improvised drill. Instead - after only about 20 minutes - my body completely rejuvenated itself and I could walk normally.
It took at least seven hours to cover 6 km. from Kibo Hut to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. Although this was acknowledged to be the top, time permitted us to continue around the crater rim to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (19,344ft.). My guide and I had therefore successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro! But then -with snowflakes blowing around our eyes - we had to immediately start our descent to Horombo Hut and get there before nightfall - to rest and rejoin our support team.
DAY 6: On the final day we proceeded to Marangu Gate - where I ecstatically received my Gold Certificate of Completion from Paul - before returning to Arusha.
THANK YOU, Kilidove, for everything. It was absolutely wonderful learning about Tanzania first-hand, truly the Land of Superlatives!