I'm looking to do the climb next year (2003) - and will be going with a 'full package' - probably Travelbag - as they will take all the hasselaway, and can arrange a bit of Safari/beach etc afterwards as well.
If you're going out there, you don't want to be spending a lot of time mucking about in negotiations and travel arrangements - better in my view to have someone do all that for you.
Charles Tomalin
www.wildviews.co.uk Natural History Photography