Preparing for Kilimanjaro

March 12, 1997

(CNN) -- Getting to the top of Kilimanjaro requires more than willpower and good gams. It takes planning. Granted, there's little glory in that kind of leg work, so we did some for you.

You will need a guide to take you up the mountain. Kilimanjaro Park does not allow hikers to attempt the treacherous climb on their own. Here are some tips on finding a tour operator to help you reach your lofty goals:

Investigate prices

Matt Mitchell of Adventure Outfitters in Prescott, Arizona has been to the top of Kilimanjaro four times. He says prices of a guided tour can range from $500 to $4,000 or higher.

"Once you get on the mountain, though, all the accommodations are the same; the food is the same; the guides are all equally qualified" he says, because they are certified by the park, which maintains the facilities and controls the climbs.

Mitchell advises travelers to root around for the best price, and then read the fine print. "Watch out for a price that is all-inclusive," he says. "Sometimes they don't include hut fees and park fees. They can be $200 or $300 extra."

Most operators, he says, provide a hotel room the night before and the night after the climb.

Pam Walker of Explorations, A Travel Agency in Atlanta, Georgia warns climbers not to leap at the lowest price they see.

"You get what you pay for in third world countries," she says.