The British Expedition Company - Salisbury

C G

I booked a trip with Jonathan for a Kilimanjaro trek which happened a few weeks ago. I think i'm still slightly in shock a week later of how amazing the trip was and what we achieved as a team.

Jonathan was fantastic throughout the booking process and provided regular updates, was always available by phone (within reason!), explained everything in detail and answered any questions we had.

He organised a training day (which i unfortuantely was unable to attend) which allowed everyone to meet each other, gauge an idea on what kit was needed and to be able to run through further questions or concerns in person.

All flights were included, transfers were smooth and arriving in Tanzania, the staff were incredible from start to finish.

On the mountain was just a totally different experience altogether. If we put the astonishing views and incredible achievement of summitting Kilimanjaro aside, the service we received was second to none. I genuinely believe we received better service from the porters, guides and chefs that most people would receive at a 5* resort.

The guides (Living, Salim, Mike & Eddie) ensured we were safe, enoying ourselves, together as a team and monitored us in a variety of ways to make sure we were still able to continue (oxygen saturation levels, injuries, hydration & that we were still eating). They helped with kit, provided great conversation along the way and were a key reason we managed to hit the summit.

The porters and chefs (special mention to Reggie, Juma, Frank & Rama) were again just absolutely exceptional. The treated us with the utmost respect and did everything with a smile on their faces despite the insane amount of weight they carried, set up our camp, cooked us food, made sure we were comfortable, clean, hydrated, had fresh water etc. They carried people's day bags along the way if they were struggling and nothing was ever too much.

This team being ran by Living (head guide) should be incredibly proud of what they do and how well they do it and the relationship they have with Jonathan and The BEC is what made our trip as incredible and as special as it was.

Can't thank you all enough and will definitely be booking something else next year!

Neil Vickery

I had a fantastic experience with the BEC organised trip to Machu Picchu. I joined the trip at short notice about a month before and Jonathan was very accommodating. All communication was quick and all my questions prior to the trip were answered. The passes for the trek were secured quickly, the hotels amended and the flights booked all within a couple of days.

The trip itself was phenomenal, it was very well organised and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering doing it.

Jagtar Singh

I signed up and completed the Kilimanjaro Trek in 2015. Honestly one of the greatest experiences to date.

Very well organised and we have everything we needed. The hotels booking and flights were all fabulous. Very good value for money.

We had a training weekend where we met all the other people on the same expedition and it was great to see them and have ice breakers.

Currently I’m booked onto another expedition with this company in 2024. I cannot wait!

David Uttley

Kilimanjaro Machame 6 day climb.

To say this was one of the best experiences of my life is a massive understatement.
BEC and Jonathon have been first class from start to finish. His passion for delivering tailored travel to fairly extreme locations is clear. His ability to arrange and communicate is also outstanding.

There is obviously a great deal of dialogue whilst you are away with the main guide (Brucie in our case - wonderful , inspirational man). Jonathan’s reputation within Zara is also clear - they know you are them via BEC and they make you incredibly welcome the moment you step out of arrivals.

This has been a fantastic journey for myself - I have met loads of incredibly wonderful people in a short space of time. If I have an inclination to do this again as another fundraiser (I did this to raise money for Melanoma UK as I am a stage 4 patient with a mission to make a difference) - I would not hesitate!!

Neil Cooper

Just a quick note to say thank you for our fantastic trip away to conquer Mt Kili!

All the flights were good and on time. From the moment we landed until our departure your team provided outstanding support and looked after all of our needs, the hotel staff, tour operators and the porters on the mountain all went about their business in an extremely cheerful manner which put a smile on all our faces.

The hotel was very comfortable and provided and ideal base for the trip. All the staff, from reception, bar, dining room, cleaners could never do enough for us and ensured a very welcoming, cheerful and relaxing experience.

The organisation and running of the actual climb was excellent. We always felt well informed and prepared for the next day. Of particular note was our lead guide, Livin. He was exceptional. Throughout the trip he was extremely professional, informative, cheerful, compassionate and took a sincere interest in each of us to ensure we had the best chance of success. Please pass on my thanks to him, along with Tom Tom, who never stopped smiling and Rafa (girls might need to correct name!) who joined us for the final ascent. I’m now a convert to Ginger Tea!

I would have no hesitation in recommending you to my friends and encouraging them to tackle Mt Kili

Alexandria Gyford

I have recently had the privilege of summiting Kilimanjaro!

Jonathan is a superb organiser, he was very reassuring and just on the end of the phone on the lead up.

We all had an incredible trip, I’ve done a few big trips and this one was if not one of the best, the best.

It far out performed my expectations and the porters and guides were so kind and lovely.

I have never felt as safe as I did on this trip, I went by myself and so did most of my team mates. The hotel and general Kilimanjaro area is a special place, everyone is on the same weave length, as most people you'll met, have the same goal of summiting. Reflecting on it now, I don't think I have ever felt as understood, as I was by the other people on my trip. The locals are friendly, kind and open hearted. You'll get the time, to pop into town - which I recommend you take advantage of. I feel I should also mention, nothing on the day to was rushed or stressful. For example, we strolled into town on our first full day, we walked at a pace that everyone was happy at, we work up with the sun and had coffee.

Our guides knew what we needed before you did, with regard to our health and wellbeing, for example someone’s boots broke. The boots were whisked away, no problem Living (our chief guide) said and returned the boots in perfect condition that evening. You can't get boots repaired at sea level, never mind at 5000m, but Living has thought of everything. Each night our heart rate, oxygen, general health was assessed, to make sure everyone was doing well, and could comfortably continue.

With regard to cost, I think that this trip is good value for money. This was something that we discussed as a group on our trip, as well as with other groups we met along the way.

Funnily enough on the way to Barafa Camp, I bumped into a couple of Ladies that I'd met, while queuing for check in at Gatwick.

I have never experienced anything like this trip before and I doubt I ever will again. I have met some incredibly people on this trip (so cliché, I know!), our group is already planning a reunion!

sophie breathwick

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for organising the trip. I honestly had the most incredible experience despite it being very tough at times! Bruce, William and the team were absolutely unreal, couldn't have done it without them. The food and everything was so well done. Hotel was great as well, all super friendly! Our group was such good fun. Overall, couldn't recommend climbing with BEC enough!

Charlotte Orr

Airport pickups/drop offs to and from Amman were smooth, the hotels were brilliant, and the trek was absolutely fantastic! We were really looked after! The food in particular was a highlight (veggies well-catered for!), and the guides (Wadi Rum & Petra) really knew there stuff.
It was a brilliant trip, and I would encourage anyone to do it! 🙂