I've been planning to do this climb for years. What's delayed me for so long is the compulsory travel guide and the exorbitant amount of money they request. Has anyone found a less expensive alternative to your typical internet travel agency?

I'm most interested in the Umbwe route because it's supposed to be lightly traveled and aesthetically pleasing. It's also a hell of a workout and a bit dangerous. Has anyone taken this route? Machame is supposed to be the best but it might be a bit popular for my taste.

Umbwe route is the steepest from the bottom, and can pose more of a challenge of proper acclimatization. Rather than Machame, I would recommend the Lemosho route. Please note that ALL the routes, except Rongai and Marangu, merge at different points on the Shira Plateau, and if you take the more common ascent from there via Barranco and Barafu, you'll be in camp with climbers from all routes. If you truly want a less trampled route, you would have to do the Western Breach (you can combine it with either Umbwe, Machame, Shira or Lemosho). The Western Breach is also steep and mostly scree, and does require scrambling.

I would further HIGHLY recommend adding an additonal day for the climb, which would allow for acclimatizatin hikes (climb high/sleep low) the first few days, and the chances of reaching the summit increase by 90%. I did the Lemosho-Shira-Barranco-Barafu route with the additional day (and acclimatization hikes), and never had as much as a head ache. You must know that altitude sickness had nothing to do with fitness. Our group actualy saw quite a few very fit climbers who ascended too quickly because they did not have the extra day, and some had to turn around at 12,000 and some more at 15,000 feet. Yes, it is more expensive to add yet another day, but to me it was money well spent. I can not imagine the disappointment if I had to turn around on the Shira Plateau, or at Lava Tower.

People that come down with altitude sickness have similar symtoms as a drunk. Headache, disoriented, staggering, can't make sound judgments... And have you ever met a drunk who admitted he was intoxicated? The same goes for altitude sickness. People don't recognize when they get severe altitude sickness. And as far as I am concerned THAT is the main reason you need a guide. Yes, he knows the mountain, and can navigate it in all weather, but most importantly he will monitor your health, and a well-trained guide can tell when you have mild symptoms that will allow you to continue your ascent, and when the symptoms are too severe for a safe ascent.

Not sure what you mean by "typical internet travel agency" - assuming you mean the many travel agencies that are just distributors for Kili treks, and hand you off to a local operator. You might try going a bit deeper in your research to find local operators and contact them directly for quotes and information.

Your best negotiating leverage in terms of price is being with a group - assembling one can be more difficult if you choose one of the less-popular routes - but something to consider as well.

Unless you're an experienced climber interested and willing to haul all your own stuff, I don't think the prices charged are that exorbitant - last year on my Machame trek I paid about $900 USD which was more than fair. There are park fees that come to a few hundred dollars - with many operators, you can say you'll pay these yourself at the gates.

I've been planning to do this climb for years. What's delayed me for so long is the compulsory travel guide and the exorbitant amount of money they request. Has anyone found a less expensive alternative to your typical internet travel agency?

It's been a while since I've been there but I am guessing that it is still

Guide....compulsory.
Porter(s) for your guide.......compulsory.
Park fees......compulsory

So, even if you were to do it self-supported, you are still looking at a chunk of money.

well, the cheapest one I know of is a 6day hike (Machame route) for currently around 990.00€...

seb

I booked in moishi and found most booked it from abroad and paid BIG bucks. I paid 900 for 7 days and did not do the coca cola route. It took a ton of bargaining (2days) and a lot of time trying to figure out who was legit. It all worked out. The climb was amazing but be prepared for a fight. It was worth every moment.

I flew into Kilimanjaro Airport last year and took a cab to Moshi. Found a great tour company there and booked my trip that night. Was climbing the next day. Hooked up with other travellers and for 7 of us we paid $960 US each. That included the $630 park entrance fee, all food and guides. Kessey Brothers Tours was the name of the operation. They also included our transfers back to Kilimanjaro Airport to catch a plane to Zanzibar. They also offer Safaris. I thought they were great, we all gave $150 tip to the guide and porters as that is how they make their money and the service was excellent. We did the Machame Route. 6 days and we all summitted. I recommend this route for the extra day to acclimatize. Good luck

Wow, thanks for all the great advice! I'm hoping to make this trek sometime next spring...... We are planning to do considerable mountain hiking in Colorado and California beforehand to avoid the aformentioned altitude sickness.

DebnDave wrote:I flew into Kilimanjaro Airport last year and took a cab to Moshi. Found a great tour company there and booked my trip that night. Was climbing the next day. Hooked up with other travellers and for 7 of us we paid $960 US each. That included the $630 park entrance fee, all food and guides. Kessey Brothers Tours was the name of the operation. They also included our transfers back to Kilimanjaro Airport to catch a plane to Zanzibar. They also offer Safaris. I thought they were great, we all gave $150 tip to the guide and porters as that is how they make their money and the service was excellent. We did the Machame Route. 6 days and we all summitted. I recommend this route for the extra day to acclimatize. Good luck

Is this the correct group?
http://www.kessybrotherstours.com/

PassportJunkie wrote:Your best negotiating leverage in terms of price is being with a group - assembling one can be more difficult if you choose one of the less-popular routes - but something to consider as well.

I will heed your advice.... Do you remember what tour group you used?