Kilimanjaro Climb

MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Seeing Mt Kilimanjaro for the first time, it's an uninquisitive spirit who doesn't wonder, 'What must it be like to stand on the "Roof of Africa" and look down from the snowy summit, to the vast plains, some 5,895m below?' Kilimanjaro is an awesome spectacle, but climbing it is achievable by anyone who is determined and reasonably fit. There are several routes to the summit, of which we recommend four. Rongai and Marangu are the easiest, while Machame and Shira provide more difficult ascents.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
Our Kilimanjaro/Meru climbs all include: the first and last night's accommodation in Arusha plus transfers to and from the park gates, a mix of huts or tents on the mountain, all food, experienced and highly trained mountain guide and porters. One of the members of staff will also double as the cook.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a mix of mountain huts and high-altitude tents, depending on the route. Please note that, owing to their unique location, many of the places we use are Spartan and communal. One must be prepared to 'rough it' and simply enjoy the experience, views and location. For further details about accommodation, please contact us for detailed fact sheets.

Equipment
A certain amount of equipment can be hired from the park or the hotels before departure, including: sleeping bags, walking sticks, rucksacks, warm clothing, rain wear and water-bottles etc. However, we recommend that you bring your own shoes. One light pair for walking and use around the huts and one pair of boots for mud, rain, snow and ice. Other useful items include: sweater, wind/rain proof jacket, thermal underwear, hat/balaclava, gloves, thermal socks, scarf, sunglasses, sun-block cream, toilet paper, basic first aid kit, personal medicines, sweets, nuts, fruit, money (to purchase drinks at Mandara Hut) and a torch with spare batteries. If sleeping in any of the huts other than those on the Marangu Route (which have bunks and mattresses), it is essential to hire/bring a good ground cloth or foam mat.

Rescue team and medical facilities
The park has a reliable, well-equipped rescue team on the Marangu route. In case of emergency whilst on another route, the park headquarters is in radio contact with the guides. For medical emergencies, there is the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and a large hospital in the Moshi area.

Fitness
People attempting to reach the summit should be in good physical condition - able to jog for an hour or more without feeling short of breath, or manage a walk of several hours. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3,000m. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the mountain, without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is important.

Altitude
As you ascend, the oxygen in the air decreases. Low oxygen in the blood causes shortness of breath, increased ventilation and raised heartbeat. Thinking may be slowed and co-ordination difficult. The routes that we offer ascend gradually, making acclimatisation easier and hopefully increasing one's chance of reaching the summit.

Fluids
Everyone should drink 4-5 litres of fluid each day. Water is best, but fruit juices are a good supplement. Carry your own water-bottle at all times, as dehydration is a real problem on the mountain. The air is very dry above 4,000m, so panting should be avoided and breathing ought to be through the nose. Controlled sweating is managed by wearing removable clothing and walking at a gentle pace. Sip fluids frequently.

Food
Appetites are usually good until around 4,000m. After that, few people feel like eating. Light carbohydrate food, like bread, cereals and rice are highly recommended. These help increase oxygen in the blood, as well as providing the body with the necessary 4,000 calories per day. Citrus fruits and bananas are good to eat, as they reduce the alkaline condition of the blood, caused by the climb. Nuts, fruits and sweets are also useful, but avoid fats, rich food, alcohol and tobacco.

Clothing and your body
Many people become overheated when climbing, so it is best to dress in several layers - for instance, thermal vest, undershirt, overshirt, sweater and jacket. Sweating causes loss of bodily fluid, and at the same time soaks clothes. These rapidly become cold in the wind or shade. It's therefore recommended that layers be removed as the body heats up. But be sure to put them back on when you stop to rest, enter a shadow or trek after sunset. If you get wet, change into dry clothes immediately. Winds around the saddle and summit can cause severe heat loss by evaporation, so a windproof jacket is required. Hats are also recommended, as they prevent heat loss from the scalp. A balaclava that covers hair, ears, forehead and chin is very useful at high altitudes. Good gloves, sunglasses and sun block are essential. Tight clothing (particularly shoes) impedes circulation and causes chaffing or irritation, so wear loose, comfortable things and well-broken-in boots.

Mountain sickness
Above 3,000m, some people begin to experience mountain sickness, which is caused by the body being unable to acclimatise to the altitude. The best way to prevent this is to ascend slowly, taking care to eat and drink properly. The symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness and the swelling of hands and feet. Above 4,000m, most people have some of these symptoms. If food and fluid intake has been adequate and symptoms persist, one should descend immediately.

Accidents
A simple first aid kit is recommended. It should include bandages, gauze pads for cuts and abrasions, and aspirins for headaches. Falls, broken bones etc will need proper first aid treatment, and the rescue team may need to be called.