Getting to Kilimanjaro overland via Kenya. ???

Hi all.
I'll be flying into Nairobi on May 30 to visit friends. From there i'd like to drive to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro.

Does anyone have any advice or information on this border crossing and whether or not I can book a guided trip once I get to the place where the trips leave from? In other words, do I have to book the trip ahead of time or can I do it once I arrive in Tanzania?

Thanks for your time.

Dan

If you don't already have a car and/or don't want to deal with the potential red tape transporting it across the border, you might consider taking a bus. A few years back I took the Riverside Shuttle roundtrip from Nairobi to Arusha. It appears that prices have gone up a bit (or maybe it was cheaper because I booked it as part of my trip arranged through Good Earth Tours), but it still seems to be a relatively decent deal. They will pick you up/drop you off at your hotel/friend's house or the airport. The buses were well cared for, provided plenty of legroom and left you with a carefree four hour cruise through the African countryside. There are a few obligatory breaks at trinket shops for shopping and bathroom breaks, otherwise you move right along.

At the border you unload and head to the customs house. You can get your Tanzanian Visa here (for US resident it was $50 in 2003). I'm not really sure what the procedure is for clearing a car through customs.

Once in the Kilimanjaro area it will be quite easy to arrange your trek with a local outfitter. I highly suggest Good Earth Tours (contact). I arranged my trek via their US office, however they also maintain a home office in Arusha as well.

Good luck and safe travels....