Outfitters: saving too many bucks

The final tier of outfitters in our tour of Kilimanjaro climbs are the low-end providers. The only time you're likely to run into one of these companies is if you're already local and just go with anyone you can find in Moshi or Arusha Tanzania when you get there.

Again, the biggest difference with this level of outfitter is security and comfort. With the lower-end outfitters you will have fewer porters and support staff and therefore less food and comfort gear. Where this really becomes a problem is with the porters themselves. Some outfitters don't provide any food on the climb for porters. Porters eat whatever you don't or go begging from other parties. Aside from the ethical issues, this is just plane dangerous. Now the people meant to support and protect you are already weak and under prepared themselves. If the weather turns bad porters might not have warm shelter.

I really don't recommend bargain hunting too much when planning to climb 19,340 feet above sea level where you'll find about half the oxygen typically needed to survive. Even if you're already local, take the time to research a few outfitters with good reputations or consult a respected travel guide that lists some reputable outfitters.

Outfitters: going local style

As we discussed before, there are essentially three tiers of outfitters: high, middle and low. Last time we reviewed that the high-end outfitters are more expensive but provide more security and comfort. So if you're on a budget, the mid-tier outfitters may be a reasonable option for you. My experience is that the mid-tier outfitters are still way more comfortable then when I backpack on my own, but not as comfortable or secure as the high-end providers.

Disclosure alert: I booked my own climbs with a mid-tier outfitter and Kilimanjaro Adventures provides all our trips with them as well. So you're welcome to take my comments with a grain of salt.

Compared with the high-end outfitters, mid-tier outfitters lack a certified American guide as well as a global brand. At this level the guides are typically all Tanzanians who were certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park Service. So they know the mountain and typically have years of experience. But they won't be able to discuss the physiological impact of Diamox nor quote the percent of oxygen in the air at each camp. The lack of a global or even local brand name company is slowly being replaced by regional agents (like us) who represent these Tanzanian outfitters. They are able to talk with you on the phone and give you honest answers from people who better understand where you're coming from.

As for comfort, again this is way more comfortable than dehydrated camping meals eaten in your own tent, but nowhere near the high end. Food is still hot, fresh and plentiful. But instead of a massive North Face dining tent you'll sit on stools in a large 4 season tent (as seen above). No one carries a toilet for you so you'll have to use the pit toilet provided at each campsite or make do with the nearest bush.

I haven't included any links in today's post for fear of seeming biased. If you'd like me to list a few then post a comment and I'll be happy to do so.

Outfitters: booking with the big boys

Now that we've talked about some of the necessary equipment, we probably need to say a word or two about who you might want to climb with. In my experience, there are essentially three tiers of outfitters: high, middle and low.

The high end outfitters are many of the global tour companies we've all come to know and respect like National Geographic, REI Adventures and a few others. There are also some that specialize on Tanzania or east Africa like Thompson Safaris. In fact, Thompson Safaris just set up a deal to provide free fitness training to clients. As you can imagine, these are the more expensive options but they also come with a number of benefits, mostly focused on safety and comfort.

For safety you'll typically travel with a fully certified and accomplished American mountaineer and have the security of dealing with a name brand organization. A fully certified mountain guide can be invaluable, especially if you plan to do a lot of mountaineering after Kilimanjaro. The guide can provide details on altitude sickness, breathing and rest-step techniques, the physiology of altitude sickness and the impact of drugs like Diamox. They are also emergy first responders and can help you in the event of an emergency.

The comfort side is a bit harder to quantify. No matter how cushy your outfitter everyone still has to get up the mountain on his/her own power. But these higher-end outfitters do make things a bit easier. The two biggest areas are in the dining and defecation dept. They typically provide huge dining tents with full chairs, tables and a very high quality of food. They also typically provide their own toilet. So if you get "performance anxiety" over a standard pit toilet this may be the option for you.

All of this safety and comfort does come at a cost though. These folks usually start at over US$3,000 for just the climb itself. Safaris and transportation are extra. If you've got the money you really can't go wrong with these companies. But if not, there are other safe and comfortable options to consider with the mid-tier outfitters. But you'll have to wait until Tuesday to hear about them.

Kili makes top 10 list

This month Backpacker Magazine posted their list of the Top 10 classics. Kilimanjaro rated along with Everest Base camp, Mont Blanc, Machu Picchu, Annapurna and more. Among their reasons it's a "giant standing alone, Kili offers a view unlike any in the world."

They also offer some helpful tips (beta) to consider when planning your trip and begin your Swahili training with "pole pole" meaning slowly. On our first trip up Kilimanjaro this became the mountain mantra for all the climbers. Porters would huff it at us as they streaked past to the next camp and guides would constantly remind customers to take it slow.

Backpacker is one of my favorite publications and I appreciate that they only have space for a small amount of information. But I might suggest anyone interested in making the climb also consider some of the local outfitters. I don't want to name names for fear of seeming biased. But there are a number of reputable companies that also have agents or offices in the US, UK, Germany and South Africa. The nice thing about these options is you can book with a reputable agent in your home country while ensuring your guide definitely knows Swahili, since he's Tanzanian. These types of trips tend to be cheaper than Alaskan Mountain Guides, National Geographic or others. However, you lose the comfort of having an expert American guide travel with you (as well as a personal toilet carried up the mountain for you). You might think you can live without the expert advice, but after you see (and smell) the state of the pit toilets on Kilimanjaro you might have second thoughts about the personal toilet.