Tanzania Trekking - Kilimanjaro Climbs

INFORMATION FOR KILIMANJARO CLIMBERS

Most fit individuals with some mountain walking experience can make it to the top of Africa. You do not need to be super fit - just take it slowly (pole-pole the guide will say) and be determined. We are one of the top Kilimanjaro operators with an excellent reputation and a very high success rate. But success depends mainly on you - it is up to you to make some important choices; in particular which route you ascend and for how many days. If you have little previous mountain walking and camping experience and are not sure of your fitness go for the Marangu Route (entirely hut based) and make sure you have at least one acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut or that you have acclimatised on Mt Meru, Mt Kenya or elsewhere previously. Please read the route descriptions carefully and if necessary discuss your choice with us.

If you are on your own, or with just one other person, we will try, as far as possible, to fit you in with another group following the same program as yours. It is however possible, on request, to have your own private trip.

Route Summary

You should plan spending at least 6 days (5 nights) on the mountain (5 days on the Marangu Route if already acclimatised). This is a Kilimanjaro Park guideline which should be adhered to. -1 indicates the possibility of shortening the trip by one day.

Kilimanjaro Weather and Climate

Lying just south of the equator Kilimanjaro is affected by the passage of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which brings with it the main rainy periods. The highest rainfall occurs between mid March and early May, and slightly less between the beginning of November and late December. Maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt and on the south side of the mountain where it reaches 2000mm. per year. Precipitation on the summit is about 100mm. per year; this coupled with the very porous ash soils results in the Saddle being considered a high altitude desert. Rain and, higher up, snow, can however be encountered at any time of year - even in the driest periods (January, February and September).

Normally the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last for weeks on end. The best weather is generally encountered in the mornings, and convectional rainfall, if any, tends to come in mid-afternoon. After long periods of dry weather some of the higher streams dry up.

Temperatures vary considerably with height and time of day. On the plains surrounding Kilimanjaro the average temperature is about 30°C. At 3000m. frosts can be encountered at night while day time temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night time temperatures on the summit can be well below freezing.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

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.

ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATIZATION

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)

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 swell of ankles and fingers.

These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours.

EXAMPLE MENUS

DAY 1
Lunch: Bread Roll with Salami & Cucumber, Green Pepper, Carrot. 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, or Spanish Omelette, or Fried Egg with Bacon, read Tea or Coffee
Lunch: Boiled Egg or Salami Sandwiches Fruits
Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, or Fish with Rice Fruits, Tea or Coffee
 

DAY 3
Breakfast: Boiled Egg, or Spanish Omelette, or Fried Egg with Bacon Bread Tea or Coffee
Lunch: Boiled Egg or Salami Sandwiches Fruits
Dinner: Beef Goulash with Beans, Bread Fruits, Tea or Coffee
 

DAY 4 - Summit Day
Breakfast: Biscuits, Soup, Orange Squash, Tea or Coffee
Lunch: French Toast, Macaroni with Meat Sauce, Bread 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, or Spanish Omelette, or Fried Egg with Bacon, Bread Tea or Coffee

The above shows a fairly typical menu for your trip on the mountain and on safari. You will be provided with fresh fruits and vegetable for the first few days on Kili and probably most days if not all on safari. After that on Kili much of your food will come from tins and packets. The food is of a good standard and will be prepared for you. If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know before your trek begins.

For lunch, in addition to the above, you are likely to have some extra item or items - eg biscuits, nuts, small fruit drink. On safari lunches are generally picnic lunches.

Camp staff will heat all water to boiling point before giving it to clients. However, we request that all clients take their own water purification tablets to add to their water before drinking.

It is a good idea to bring some mint cake, dried fruits (such as apricots) or snack bars to boost your energy level whilst on the mountain. On safari you may wish to purchase extra drinks and water before you leave Moshi; the driver will take you to a shop in Moshi on the way if you wish.

In the event that you suffer a stomach upset we recommend that you take Imodium (or Lomotil). Eat lightly, take as much safe non-alcoholic liquid as you can and take Dioralyte which will help to re-hydrate you.

Rigorous personal hygiene and common sense should help in avoiding any gastric problems.

Kilimanjaro Porters and Guides

Kilimanjaro guides all receive a licence to work on Kilimanjaro from the National Park. Without this they are unable to operate as guides. The licence is obtained after several years of experience of working on the mountain as porters or cooks then as assistant guides after which they attend courses in First Aid, Mountain Rescue, Flora and Fauna and History.

From the guides that have acquired their guide qualification we select those that have worked with us in the past and have an excellent record of working on the mountain. Their professionalism is hard to rival anywhere in the world and one of their prime objectives will be to help you achieve your dream and gain the summit of Kilimanjaro, safely. If at any stage they suggest you should turn back then trust them, respect their experience - they must have an excellent reason for this as this is one of their last resorts.

Our reputation depends on our guides. We hope to have some of the best there are. We hope you will enjoy their company on your trip up the mountain. If you have already climbed the mountain please contribute a comment about your experience. Just send us an email or leave a comment in the comment book.

Kilimanjaro Flora and Fauna

The lower slopes of the mountain are heavily cultivated, in particular those to the south which receive plenty of rainfall. Elsewhere lower rainfall coupled with the porosity of the lava soils makes conditions less suitable for cultivation. The forest belt which completely encircles the mountain and extends from about 1800m. to 2900m. provides the best conditions for plant life. Above the forest belt the porous soils and lower rainfall result in much sparser vegetation with semi-desert conditions prevailing above 4000m.

The cultivated belt contains many small holdings (shambas) where bananas and various vegetables are grown. The area is also suitable for coffee and there are several major plantations.

The southern, wetter forests contain camphor, podocarpus, fig and other trees; lush undergrowth contains many giant ferns and Usnea (old man's beard) drapes everything. Vines, mimulopsis and a multitude of flowers can be found in valleys and in clearer areas. The northern, drier forests contain podocarpus, junipers and olives. In contrast to Mount Kenya few large animals are found in this zone, though colobus and blue monkeys can often be seen but other inhabitants such as smaller antelopes and leopards are very shy. Many colourful birds are found here, the most noticeable being the Hornbill and the Turaco with its dark red wing markings. In the more extensive western forest areas the fauna is richer and elephant and buffalo are sometimes seen here.

The forests end abruptly without a bamboo zone as found on most other East African mountains. Above, the rapidly thinning giant heather zone leads to the upper moorlands; here the giant groundsels and altitude tropical mountain zones can be found. There are few animals other than rodents though leopard spoor can often be seen. Eagles and buzzards soar high above and smaller birds such as the alpine chat and streaky seed eater can also be seen. In the higher moorland and a pine zones only a few tufts of grass, mosses and lichen are found, together with occasional flowers such as the everlasting helichrysums and senecios.

Glaciers and Glaciology

Glacial recession is clearly visible on the two pictures of the southern icefields that were taken from near the Barranco Hut, the first in 1984, the second in 1998. The most evident changes have occurred on the Heim Glacier. In 1984 this is seen to have a "dog leg" in it; it reached down lower than any of the other glaciers in this, the central part of main southern icefields. In 1998 it is seen its upper reaches to have a much bigger gap separating it from its neighbouring glacier to the right. The bottom section, below the original dogleg, is totally missing and represents a loss of ice extending about 300m vertically. More recent photographs show a further reduction in the glaciated area.

At one stage most of the summit of Kilimanjaro was covered by an ice cap, probably more than 100 metres deep. Glaciers extended well down the mountain forming moraine ridges, clearly visible now on the southern flanks down to about 4000m. At present only a small fraction of the glacial cover remains.

The remnants of the ice cap can be seen as the spectacular ice cliffs of the Northern and Eastern Icefields, and the longest glaciers are found on the precipitous southern and south-western flanks. If the present rate of glacial recession continues the majority of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro could vanish altogether in the next 50 years.

A recent study carried out on the snows of Xixibangma and Kilimanjaro has reinforced observations. It is now estimated that Kilimanjaro has lost 85% of its ice cover (by mass) since 1912.

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

The following first aid materials are important: -

·        Painkillers (asprin/paracetamol)

·        Antihistamines

·        Blister treatment

·        Imodium or other anti diarrhoeal 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 rehydration salts/sachets

·        Insect repellent

·        Sanitary towels

OTHER HEALTH TIPS

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.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

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 and the necessary arrangements will be done.

 PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is normally a ‘’Once in a lifetime’’ event and should be arranged and handled correctly so as to ensure a pleasurable and memorable experience.

The Marangu route (up and down) offers hut accommodation, to reserve hut space, bookings are required well in advance for climbs made during the busy months, (July, August, December and January) If no hut space is available, camping can sometimes be arranged. For the other routes (up and down) camping is arranged. Any necessary or additional climbing equipment can be arranged.

Climbing certificates are issued by the Kilimanjaro National Park for successful climbers.

The Various climbs include:

• Springlands Hotel on the first and last night on B&B basis

• Transportation from Moshi to the starting point and return to Moshi

• National Park gate fees

• Hut fees / Camping fees

• Rescue fees / Park Commission

• Guides & Porters salaries

• All meals on mountain

• Government tax

For sodas and other drinks bring smaller Tanzanian bank notes with you, change is scarce on the mountain