Here is an update in the planning for Kilimanjaro.
* Attendees
So far, everyone has expressed an interest in going, making 8 of us (Ajay, Alex, Azim, Cinar, Fu, Jack, Kanna, and Zhi). Unfortunately, due to timing and monetary constraints, not everyone might be able to make the originally planned August time frame. Please see "Next Steps" after the jump for how this affects the current stage in planning.
* Considerations
* What route do we want to take?
This is important because it will affect how long it takes as well, how much we see, and how much it costs. There are certain routes which are more popular (i.e. crowded), certain ones which are easier, certain routes which are more scenic etc. etc. This will largely depend on whether the guiding companies I contact are able to lead us on those routes. See
Wikipedia for a list of possible routes and brief descriptions. My current order of preferences (from looking at what are available for the guiding companies listed below):
Lemosho (best option)
Rongai
Machame
Marangu (worst)
* How many days do you want to take?
Again, this largely depends on the route we take, but most accounts say that trying to tackle the climb in less than 6 days leads to a very poor chance of making it to the summit. The optimum number of days for each of the routes listed is:
Lemosho, 8
Rongai, 7
Machame, 7
Marangu, 6
* Private or shared expedition?
At 8 people, we are probably near the number of people to warrant a private expedition. However, I suspect this will cost more. It does give us greater flexibility. I am waiting to hear back from the guiding companies regarding this possibility.
* What is this going to cost?
See "Guiding Companies / Options" for a summary of potential costs.
* Guiding Companies / Options
+ Comes highly recommended from Jerry (Alex's father).
+ Does Lemosho, Rongai, and Machame.
+ Provides a cultural experience as well as the climbing.
+ Can organize a private Machame climb 7-Aug to 15-Aug for $3,025pp.
+ Seems to be the best.
- But also most expensive.
Costs / Days:
Lemosho: 11 Days (8 climbing), $3,800
Rongai: 10 Days (7 climbing), $3,325
Machame: 10 Days (7 climbing), $3,425
Action Items: I am waiting to hear back from them regarding our options in August.
+ Recommendation from Ricky (Ajay's father).
+ Can do a private tour for us at not much more cost.
- Only does Rongai route.
Cost / Days:
Rongai: 9 Days (6 climbing), $2,172 ($2,572 for a private tour).
+ Lots of flexible dates.
+ Cheapest.
+ Shortest.
- Cheapest and shortest.
- Only does Marangu.
Costs / Days:
Marangu: 7 Days (6 climbing), $2,195 in Aug
* Other
Obviously, I have only begun searching. Once we have a better idea on what route we would like to take, and how many days to do it in, I can better pinpoint some guiding companies which would be suitable for us.
* Next Steps
I have reached out to each of the three companies listed above and wait to hear back. I will update this post when I hear back. Regardless of any other future decisions, I will continue to do planning and research for this trip.
However, given the tenuous nature of everyone being able to make this trip in August, we need to decide what we really want to do: Climb Kilimanjaro in 2013 or Do Something As a Group in 2013? I do not believe these will overlap.
This is unfortunate, but to be expected trying to get everyone's schedules to line up. My personal preference would be to push this out to 2014 and instead try to do something in 2013 where we can all hang out together. Climbing Kilimanjaro would be a great experience, but the biggest selling point was to be able to accomplish something with you guys.
