dectravel2010

Hi! I'm planning to hike up Kilimanjaro this December. I'm planning to go during the Christmas-New Year's break (yeah, probably not the best time to go in terms of expenses and travel costs but I'm limited on my options on travel dates). I could use some help on picking the right route(I'm considering the Rongai route) and a good tour operator.
My trip is going to be pretty short, 10 days probably. Not sure if I'll have the time to do anything else but any tips would be great. Would be nice to make the most of this trip.

Cateyes555

Check out Kiliwariors - http://www.kiliwarriors.com/

I went on a safari in Tanzania with this company and had a very good experience. They really specialize though in climbing trips on Kilimanjaro, with a lot of clients doing a short safari afterward.

qwovadis

http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/trav...mountaineering...

Geo X

ThompsonTreks.com

my top 2

train properly and take altitude illness preventives to be

safe... mdtravelhealth.com Altitude Illness #1 cause

of bad outcome/failure

Careful research yields better experience.

Nelson

I have a report on Machame route here, if you are interested:
http://www.summitpost.org/mama-tembo...manjaro/169911

I have heard Rongai is less scenic than Machame, for example see here:
http://www.mtkilimanjarologue.com/rongai-route

<i>The Main problem with Rongai is that it is visually quite uninteresting and focused on a section of the Kilimanjaro Forest that is severely impacted by deforestation and exotic tree plantations, so although it is remote, it is also not by any means the most attractive trail, besides which it intersects with Marangu so the illusion of isolation is brief.</i>

Machame was very scenic, IMHO, but more crowded than Rongai.

As qwovadis notes, altitude issues are the biggest problem. I have seen fatal cases of HAPE and HACE. It is not pretty. Training for fitness is valuable but you can't train for altitude. It simply takes time when you arrive.

Whatever you decide have a great trip. It's a fantastic mountain.

cruisinbob

I would do a little homework but select a company when you get there , much cheaper.

sandi

<i>"but select a company when you get there, <b>much cheaper</b>"</i>

When it comes to Kili, safety is your major concern rather than "cheap" - While some companies are way more expensive than others, and cheap can be found, on average most routes run in he $1,500/person range.

Don't wait till you arrive. There are many reputable outfitters to contact before arriving. Do all your research and ask questions. Also request references from those outfitters being considered of other people who have climbed with them; preferably those who live in your country or city/state so you can call besides only email.

Good luck!