CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO - Tips
Mount Kilimanjaro is
located at Moshi-Kilimanjaro region-Northen Zone of Tanzania in Africa
Officialy opened in
1977 as National Park, currently About half of 30,000 trekkers every year
attempts to climb and reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro/Peak.
Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira
these are three volcano cones found in Mount Kilimanjaro, this National Park is
the most of tourist attraction in Tanzania, Is the highest mountain in Africa
and Free standing mountain , firt in Africa second to the world
Things to do and Tips and planning to climb
Mount Kilimanjaro.
What to know
Climbing
Kilimanjaro has more than 20 years of experience in leading hikers and climbers
to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our experienced guides have a proud summit success rate averaging between
96% – 98% and have safely guided thousands of
clients to the top of the mountain. This internet guide aims to
provide the potential Kilimanjaro climber with valuable and accurate
information on climbing Kilimanjaro, which will hopefully contribute towards
increasing your chances of a successful summit attempt. We have compiled this
information over years of experience as well as from feedback from previous
clients. From all the information provided in this guide, the tips listed on
this page is probably the most important.
Before the climb
Be properly equipped
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure
that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final checklist
and mark it off, to ensure that you are. Click on Final Checklist to get to this very important step in
your preparation.
Be physically prepared
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for
the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have developed a fitness
training program which will assist you in getting your body in shape for your
Kilimanjaro summit expedition. Please click Fitness Program for more information in this regard.
Mental preparation
It is
possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded.
This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You
should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try
to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on
the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally
by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make
the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru,
easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken
everything as indicated on the final checklist, you are physically prepared and
have all the knowledge gained from this internet guide – you will be mentally
confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
Adequate travel insurance
Make sure that
you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you
with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
On The Mountain
Go slowly
Go slowly
– “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your
first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the
scenery.The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast!
The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatize.
Drink enough water
Make sure
that you drink at least 3 – 4 litres of liquid a day – preferably water. For
your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be
purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with
the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water
further up the mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from
day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh
water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is
one of the keys to a successful climb!
Walk high – sleep low
If
possible and especially on your acclimatisation day “walk high – sleep low” Try
to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at
the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatisation day.
Climb light
Climb as
lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night.
Extra weight will slow you down and will also make breathing more difficult.
Packing
Remember
that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take
enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent
rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to pack
items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be
wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or of
being accidentally dropped in a stream.
Clothing
You will
require the correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably
mittens), warm head protection, rain coat, sunglasses and sun protection cream.
Also remember your hiking boots, hiking/running shoes (it is not necessary to
walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks
are encountered), and very importantly, a walking stick / ski-pole. One of the most critical items
of clothing is an outer jacket. You want it to perform the functions
of keeping you warm, protect you at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees
Celsius, keep the wind out and yet still “breath”. Try to avoid tight fitting
clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or
discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face
against cold, wind, sun and snow. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and
T-shirts are strongly recommended, especially during hiking on the lower
slopes, when the day temperatures are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed warmly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct clothing layers, starting from against the body. A common mistake made by climbers is to wear almost everything they have and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, and moisture trapped against the skin will result in a definite lowering of the body temperature, which could even lead to hypothermia. It is therefore very important to use proper thermal underwear with “wicking” properties (a fabric which has the ability to draw moisture away from the body) and thus enabling it to evaporate to the outside. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will be adequate in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex, Goretex or Jeantex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. After securing your booking with us, you’ll receive a comprehensive document, to guide you through the steps of purchasing the correct gear.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed warmly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct clothing layers, starting from against the body. A common mistake made by climbers is to wear almost everything they have and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, and moisture trapped against the skin will result in a definite lowering of the body temperature, which could even lead to hypothermia. It is therefore very important to use proper thermal underwear with “wicking” properties (a fabric which has the ability to draw moisture away from the body) and thus enabling it to evaporate to the outside. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will be adequate in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex, Goretex or Jeantex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. After securing your booking with us, you’ll receive a comprehensive document, to guide you through the steps of purchasing the correct gear.
Take a ski – pole
A ski – pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces
external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is
a must, but 2 poles are recommended. Buy one or hire one but take one – view
our Gear Rental options.
New batteries
Replace
your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
Acute Mountain Sickness
(AMS)
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not
accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated
immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing
Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarise
yourself with this condition and take preventative care. Click Altitude Sickness for
more information on this medical condition.
Malaria
Malaria
occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics.
Please consult your doctor about these. Currently, there are various
preventative medication products available which will be effective against the
malaria strains currently found in Tanzania. Women using oral contraceptives
should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.
Other useful tips
Wet wipes
There is
no washing water at Barafu, Kibo and Arrow Glacier camps. Wet Wipes are very
useful
Snacks
Take
enough snacks like energy bars etc. Avoid the toffee like energy bars (as they
get very hard and difficult to eat in low temperatures) but rather but the
cereal type energy bars.
Adequate sun protection
Wear a
good quality pair of sunglasses (with UV protection) and use adequate sun
protection cream with a protection factor of at least 20+.
Thermal flask
Use a
thermal flask for your water on the summit night, other water bottles might
freeze solid.
Camera
Taking
pictures with a fully automatic camera at the summit of Kilimanjaro is
possible, and most people do this. The secret is to always have a new battery
in your camera when going into cold areas at high altitude. A mechanical camera
works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully.
Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but remember that if you keep
your camera inside your jacket and the lens becomes warm, chances are that it
will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation
will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at
all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to
stop functioning.
If using a Film camera
ASA 200
film is good for taking photographs in relatively little light. You might reach
the summit just before sunrise and may not wish to wait due to the altitude and
the cold. After sunrise, film with ASA 200 or 100 are fine. There are numerous
classic photo opportunities, some of which are only available in low light
conditions. If you can, and if you are a serious photographer, we recommend
that you take a small, portable tri-pod with you. Also remember that it is
sometimes so cold that you cannot hold the camera steady.
Mountain water
The stream
water high on the mountain Kilimanjaro has been tested and has been found to be
fit for drinking. However, we recommend that you be on the safe-side and use
water purification tablets before drinking.
Routes
There
are about six routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and reach Kibo,
Uhuru Peak-the Highest Summit,
Marangu Route, for the inexperienced
mountain climbers this is the easiest route it is shortest and cheapest route.
Rongai Route: 6 to 7 Days
to reach Uhuru peak
Rongai is the preferred route for those looking
for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a
more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the
north side receives less precipitation).
Lemosho Route
This
route take you 8 days to reach Uhuru peak
Shira Route this
route approaches Mt Kilimanjaro from west it is good for acclimatization
especially on the longer itineraries.
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of
being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe
route is a short, steep and direct climb. After
reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit to the summit.
The descent is done via the Mweka route.
The route is offered at a minimum of six days,
and seven days
Machame Route known
as ‘’whiskey route’’ it is steeper route compare to other routes, it is highly
recommended route for scenic value with a good opportunity to split pre-summit
day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.
SEASONS
It is possible to trek Kilimanjaro
all-year-round. However, certain months are characterised by colder weather,
more rain and potentially loads of snow on the summit.
Best Trekking Months. There are two distinct
trekking seasons which constitute the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October.
January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher
probability of encountering snow on the summit.
Tour & Travel Guide
Last find list of tour
and Travel Guide that will take you to UHURU Peak –a Roof of Africa continets,
visits this website you will find a guide for your trip
We
wish you a good plan to Mount Kilimanjaro
SafariAccess
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