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Question: I’m planning on climbing Kilimanjaro. Do I need to do some training before attempting the expedition?
Answer:
Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and the rigors of altitude should not be underestimated. Remember that Uhuru peak is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp!! The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the climb but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length, as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming and funnily enough aerobics are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes is helpful but don’t over do it just before the climb.
Question: Do I need to supply my own climbing gear?
Answer:
If you own some or most of the items on our list below, you are welcome to bring them along (provided they are good quality and durable). Alternatively, everything you need is also available for rental.
The prices (in US Dollars) are listed below
Rucksack/Daypack: $10
Balaclava: $5
Normal Sleeping Bag –10C.Temp: $15
Mont bell Sleeping Bag –25C.Temp: $ 30
The North Face Sleeping Bag: -25C. Temp: $ 30
Batteries: $3
Socks: $3
Duffel Bag: $5
Hiking Poles (2) $10
Gaiters: $7
Torch/Flashlight: $7
Gloves: $5
Sweater: $4
Sunglasses: $7
Long Underwear: $3
Raincoat: $5
Rain Pants: $5
Hiking Boots: $8
Water Bottle: $4
Fleece Pants: $5
Warm Jacket: $7
Hat: $4
Additional items
Sunglasses $10
Oxygen $30/group
Hyperbaric Pressure Bags $100/group
Question: Do I need to bring my own tent?
Answer:
No, we provide tents and foam sleeping pads to all our climbers, at no extra charge.
Question: What type of equipment do you use?
Answer:
a. Tents - A variety of tents are in use, which are all replaced quite regularly (every 6 – 12 months)
b. Mattresses - Foam mattresses are supplied.
c. Sleeping bags - Sleeping bags are not supplied, and climbers need to supply their own. These are however for hire (see list of equipment for hire for the prices).
d. Chairs with back support - The camping route chairs don't have back supports, but the ones used on the Marangu route have.
Question: How often is the equipment cleaned?
Answer:
The climbing equipment is cleaned after every trip.
Question: Are there toilets along the way?
Answer:
Yes. Toilets for disabled climbers can also be requested.
Question: Are there showers along the way?
Answer:
There are no showers on the mountain. Climbers won’t be bathing or showering during the climb, although hot water for washing will be supplied.
Question: How about drinking water?
Answer:
Boiled drinking and washing water is supplied.
Question: What experience do your guides have?
Answer:
All our guides have at least 5 years’ experience. We have 70 Mountain Guides who have been trained to handle any situation on the mountain. They have also undergone First Aid training and all hold a License from the Kilimanjaro National park which is under government management.
Question: Do the guides speak fluent English?
Answer:
Most of our guides speak English of a good standard while some of them are very fluent.
Question: How many people are in a group?
Answer:
A group can range from 2 people to 50 or 60. While we allow for big groups to climb at once, we prefer to divide the group into smaller units to ensure that our guides are better prepared.
Question: How many porter/ guides are with a group?
Answer:
This will depend on the number of people in the group, but the minimum will be 1 Guide, 2 porters and cook.
Question: Do you carry oxygen?
Answer:
Yes. The porters carry oxygen on request, and clients can hire supplies for US$30 per group of 3 people. (See list of rental equipment)
Question: Would you mind explaining the different levels of altitude?
Answer:
Altitudes are generally defined as follows:-
• High altitude 2,400m – 4,200m
• Very high altitude 4,200m – 5,400m
• Extreme altitude above 5,400m (Uhuru peak is 5,895m)
Question: How does altitude sickness work?
Answer:
During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swelling of ankles and fingers.
These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours.
Question: Do the guides carry first aid supplies?
Answer:
Yes, they carry a selection of essential supplies (painkillers, bandages, muscle oil and Oxygen Oxymeters). We do however recommend that you pack your own First Aid Kit to prepare for all eventualities. (See below)
Question: Do I need to pack my own first aid kit?
Answer:
Yes, the following first aid materials are important:
• Painkillers (aspirin/paracetamol)
• Antihistamines
• Blister treatment
• Imodium or other anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Plaster/Band aids
• Antiseptic wipes
• Dressings, especially pressure relief for blisters
• Talcum powder
• Malaria tablets
• Sun block for skin and lips
• Antacids
• Cold cure sachets
• Oral re-hydration salts/sachets
• Insect repellent
• Sanitary towels
• Etc.
Question: I wear contact lenses. Are there any special precautions I need to take?
Answer:
All contact lens wearers should take care to remove the lenses at night, as the eye needs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The rarefied conditions of altitude reduce oxygen levels and in extreme cases a Corneal Oedema can develop.
Question: What would happen if a serious emergency is experienced on the mountain?
Answer:
In the event of an emergency on the mountain the rescue team plus one of the assistant guides will descend with the casualty to the park gate. At the gate the casualty will be taken care of and the necessary arrangements will be done.
Question: I’d like to take my own camera. Are there any special precautions that I have to take, and what kind of equipment do you recommend?
Answer:
Cameras, whether video or film, need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. Do not keep in your backpack at higher elevations. A selection of lenses will aid the final results although weight and bulk will obviously influence your selection. A polarized or neutral density filter is recommended, as is slide film rather than print. Bring your own film as it can be hard to find and expensive in Tanzania.
For digital equipment, check with the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness and general hardiness.
Question: Will we need to tip the climbing staff, and what are the normal rates?
Answer:
Yes, it is the custom to tip the climbing staff, and tips are highly appreciated at the end of the trip. Although we offer these guidelines, tips can be given according to the service provided.
Tipping Guidelines:
Chief Guide $15 per day,
Assistant Guide $10 - $12 per day
Porters $8 - $10 per day, per porter
Cook $5 - $10 per day
($ = US Dollars)
Question: Are meals provided during the climb, and what would a typical menu include?
Answer:
All your meals will be provided - cooked and prepared by a well trained, experienced cook.
Your menu should look something like this:
Day 1.
Lunch packet on the way:
Bun with salami and cucumber,
Green pepper, carrot and fruits
Dinner:
Soup of the day with bread
Fried beef with roast potatoes, rice, carrots, cabbage
Fruits
Tea or coffee
Day 2.
Breakfast:
Oats with milk
Boiled egg, Spanish omelette or fried egg with bacon
Bread with tea or coffee
Lunch:
Boiled egg salami sandwich, cheese, fruits
Dinner:
Spaghetti with meat sauce, or fish with rice
Tea or coffee
Fruits
Day 3.
Breakfast:
Boiled egg, Spanish omelette or fried egg with bacon
Bread with tea or coffee
Fruits
Lunch:
Boiled egg salami sandwich, cheese, fruits
Dinner:
Beef goulash with beans
Bread with tea or coffee
Fruits
Day 4:
On the way to the summit
Tea or coffee and biscuits, orange squash or soup
Lunch:
French toast
Macaroni with meat sauce
Bread with tea or coffee
Dinner:
Roast chicken with vegetable fried rice, green pepper, carrots
Pancake with honey
Tea or coffee
Day 5.
Breakfast:
Oats with milk
Boiled egg, Spanish omelette, fried egg with bacon
Bread with tea or coffee
Note:
From day 6 climbers will have a choice of meals to be served. The cook will discuss the options the day before, and climbers will be able to request favourite dishes.
Question: Do you have a checklist of everything I’ll need for my climbing trip?
Answer:
Yes, the following should help you prepare:
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing check list
(Personal Things for Clients to remember)
Documents
* Passport
* Yellow fever certificate
* Entrance visa
* Medical insurance
Clothing
* Jersey
* Waterproof jacket
* Water proof pants
* Shorts
* T-shirts
* Jeans
* Warm jacket
* Thermal underwear
* Balaclava
* Gloves
* Sunglasses
* Woollen socks
* Hiking boots
* Light shoes
* Cap/hat
* Towel
* Underwear
* Socks
Equipment
* Sleeping bag
* Day pack
* Water bottle
* Toilet paper
* Torch and batteries
* Pocket knife
Food
* Energy drinks
* Chocolate
* Sweets
* Fruit
* Nuts
* Energy snacks
Photographic
* Camera
* Spare batteries
* Film
* Different lenses
* Video camera
* Binoculars
* Video tapes
First aid/medical
* Aspirin
* Assorted plasters
* Sun protection cream
* Anti malaria tablets
* Insect repellent
* Lip salve
* Water purification tablets
* Antiseptic cream
* Bandages
* Adhesive tape
* Throat lozenges
Personal items
* Toothbrush & paste
* Matches
* Candles
* Soap
* Address book
* Travellers cheques
* Travel insurance
Miscellaneous
* Walking stick
* Notebook
* Pens
* Plastic bags
* Pencils
* Cash dollars (smaller bills)
* Alcohol
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