Customer Reviews

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  Mel

  · March 30th, 2018
  The Kilimanjaro trek was a trip that will always stick with me. It was a wonderful experience, however I would not recommend this company to do it with! The equipment taken on the mountain (including tents, equipment sacks and first aid) was not suitable for a week on a mountain with unpredictable weather. Much of our gear was wet, which is the last thing you want at 4600m. I fully commend the chef, porters and guides for trying to make the experience as comfortable as possible for us. Food was wonderful! They stayed up well into the night drying our clothes and sleep gear in the cooking tent over the gas cooker. I believe better equipment would have prevented this problem. The 7 day lemosho route was great for scenery and acclimatisation (although it’s the only route I’ve taken). Unfortunately, I wonder about the company’s care and treatment of their porters as they allow men to hike that mountain looking very poorly prepared in terms of clothing and I believe this is irresponsible of the company who make a lot of money from these tours. Thankfully I know the guide ensured that the porters were all fed and removed any wet clothing at camp and got inside their sleeping bags, which was professional on the guide’s behalf! Next disappointment: Upon booking the trek, I specifically enquired about first aid kits and oxymometer. I was told they carry these things, however we sumited with no idea what our oxygen saturation was and no idea what first aid was even carried. I am glad no health concerns arose as I would not have trusted this company with my life. When speaking with other travellers, their tour operators all tested their oxygen saturation at base camp - not us; we booked with the dodgy brothers. It’s a shame because my time at Rafiki Backpackers (also run by Viva) was wonderful. I wish they operated tours in a more professional and respectable way, especially expensive and potentially dangerous tours. They accommodation rating is a reflection of the tents provided by Viva, not the hostel. They appear professional through emails and the women working for the company are sweet and kind. Rafiki does feel a lot like family, however I believe the manager is more fixated with making money than putting lives, health and safety as the main priority. Disclaimer: I am not a fussy camper and I am not one to complain. But by comparison to other tour operators, Viva Africa lacked in many areas. I reiterate that this is NO REFLECTION on the entire team that carried us up the ice-capped colossal. The porters, chef and guides are the backbone to these treks and deserve their weight in pay! I would hope that these men work for another company in the future, as the management at Viva let’s them down.
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  Trip date: January 2018
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  Toon

  · November 26th, 2016
  The trip was a great adventure. A long awaited dream come true. It was a great feeling to be back in Tanzania. A special thank you to Stephanie and Alfred for their wonderful hospitality. I enjoyed their presence and the fine conversations we had. The accommodation in the new gesthouse of Rafiki backers & gesthouse was excellent. Clean room, hot shower, god toilet, wifi, free laundry and stunning views of the roof terrace. On a clear day you can see the Kili. You can make here nice pictures also of the beautiful sunset. The day started with a god breakfast with friendly service. If you want you can walk or go boy taxi to Moshi center. At the end of the day you can eat delicious at Uhuru museum across Rafiki. Don't forget to drink a goed cold Kilimanjaro beer! After 'n challenging climb of mount Meru, we started with the highlight of our trip, the climbing of the Kilimanjaro. The organisation of Viva Africa Tours was perfect. We did the 8 days Lemosho route and we made is to the summit. It was incredibly beautiful. Special thanks to our guides Faraja and French and their great team. Viva Africa Tours has good equipment and good people. The cook has cooked well and tasty for us. Thanks to the experience of Faraja and his really great knowledge of the mountain, it has become an unforgettable climb to the summit. He is the best guide you could wish. Thanks again Faraja. Also don't forget the beautiful safari's and nice day trips you can make. Franky thanks for the nice safari we made in Tarangire National Park. Mike thanks for the coffee tour and the banana wine. We laughed a lot! I would recommend anyone to travel with Viva Africa Tours and stay at Rafiki backpackers.& gesthouse. They really know what good service is!! Thanks Toon.
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  Trip date: August 2016
• C

  Cristina

  · September 29th, 2015
  Excellent Experience with Viva Africa Tours. The job and the effort of all Team was 5 stars. We had lots of fun, we feel save every minute during the Trek. Our guides and porters were trustfully and very professional. And we summited!!! Well done Viva Africa Tours. Very good Job!
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  Trip date: September 2015