Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing information

With its glistening and mystical summit regularly peaking out from billowy clouds, Mount Kilimanjaro is perhaps one of the most recognized images of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing guide

All the below information is here to help you with those unanswered questions you might have, should you have any other question please do not hesitate in contacting us (rather over prepaired than under prepared)

Accommodation

Accommodation on Mt. Kilimanjaro 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 are spartan and communal. One must be prepared to 'rough it' and simply enjoy the experience, views and location.

Clothing and protection

Many people become overheated when climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro, 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 is 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. Comfortable 'broken-in' boots are imperative.

Equipment

A certain amount of equipment can be hired from the park or the hotels before departure, including: sleeping bag, walking stick, rucksack, warm clothing, rain wear and water-bottle. However, bring your own 'worn-in' shoes, including a light pair for walking and use around camp and a 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, sunblock cream, toilet paper, basic first aid kit, personal medicine, 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.

Fitness

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing guide for people attempting to reach the summit should be in good physical condition, able to slowly jog for an hour or more without feeling short of breath or manage a several hour walk. 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 also important.

Fluids

Everyone should drink four to five liters of fluid each day when on a Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Water is best, but fruit juice is 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 on Mount Kilimanjaro, 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 on Mt. Kilimanjaro are usually good until around 4,000m. After that, few people feel like eating. Light carbohydrate food, like bread, cereals and rice, is highly recommended. These foods 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. Avoid fats, rich food, alcohol and tobacco.

Altitude mountain sickness

Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing information for those concerned about mountain sickness. Above 3,000m, some people begin to experience mountain sickness, which is caused by the body being unable to acclimatize fast enough to the altitude. The best way to prevent this is to ascend very 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.

Porters

Porters are the backbone of a climber's trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. They are the silent ones: the ones who carry the loads, have your equipment set up hours before you arrive and sweat the same vertical path to the summit. They too are human and suffer from mountain sickness, frostbite and hunger. Please advise us if you see porters being treated unfairly, underdressed or overloaded.

Rescue team and medical facilities

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