Climbing Kilimanjaro
We have a friend who climbed Kilimanjaro (and she's not your typical trekker). Her words? "It really did turn out to be one of those 'once in a lifetime' opportunities, as well as one of the most exhilarating and rewarding trips I've been on...
...once I got over the barfing and altitude sickness."
So if you harbour a desire to contemplate life at the top, check out these top tips.
Plan ahead
Kilimanjaro treks aren’t available year-round - the best season for climbing is from June to October. And there isn't just one way up the mountain - The Adventure Company also offers three different routes up the mountain, so to avoid the crowds in July and August, check out Machame or Rongai.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions
Although you’ll start the trek in a warm climate, conditions at the top of the mountain are very different. Take full waterproofs, a hat to sleep in, plus Heat Mate hand warmers for the final ascent. The sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitudes, so protect yourself with a hat that also covers your neck and plenty of sun-screen.
Quiz the locals
As you ascend, you go through tropical rainforests, heath and moorland, high desert and summit in the snow. You'll need local guides with knowledge of the mountain, the local culture, the flora and fauna. Making an effort to talk to and learn from them will make the trip even more rewarding.
Take some good headache pills
Headaches are a common effect of altitude, so these will prove invaluable. Don’t suffer in silence though - they could also be a symptom of altitude sickness - so tell your guide if they persist.
Plan your day pack
Carry with you anything you might need on the daily hikes, including plenty of water, cereal bars or fresh fruit, since porters won’t carry perishable food. A change of socks, some foot lotion and blister plasters are also a good idea to refresh aching feet during breaks.
Keep on movin’
Don’t stop on the final ascent - remember ‘pole, pole’, pronounced ‘poley, poley’. It’s ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili and will help you get to the top. An extendable walking pole will also help with steep portions of the climb and descent.
Don’t be let down by a digital camera
Reaching the highest point in Africa only to realise your memory card is full or your camera batteries are flat can put a dampener on the occasion. Be prepared and take spares - climbers can only stay at the summit for twenty minutes so be ready to start snapping!
Tip your porters
Your porters are incredible - they carry their body weight on their heads, as well as preparing your camps and meals each day. Tip them generously - this is their full time job and they can’t climb the mountain more than two or three times each month due to the altitude and the rota of guides and porters in the area.
Choose your tent mate well
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be a real team effort and moral support amongst the group is key. If you know you’re a light sleeper, try to avoid sharing a tent with a heavy snorer, since sleep deprivation won’t help with your mood. If in doubt, bring earplugs!
These top tips are courtesy of The Adventure Company, which is happy to help plan your trip (and give you more tips from their experiences). Get in touch with them here.
So if you harbour a desire to contemplate life at the top, check out these top tips.
Plan ahead
Kilimanjaro treks aren’t available year-round - the best season for climbing is from June to October. And there isn't just one way up the mountain - The Adventure Company also offers three different routes up the mountain, so to avoid the crowds in July and August, check out Machame or Rongai.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions
Although you’ll start the trek in a warm climate, conditions at the top of the mountain are very different. Take full waterproofs, a hat to sleep in, plus Heat Mate hand warmers for the final ascent. The sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitudes, so protect yourself with a hat that also covers your neck and plenty of sun-screen.
Quiz the locals
As you ascend, you go through tropical rainforests, heath and moorland, high desert and summit in the snow. You'll need local guides with knowledge of the mountain, the local culture, the flora and fauna. Making an effort to talk to and learn from them will make the trip even more rewarding.
Take some good headache pills
Headaches are a common effect of altitude, so these will prove invaluable. Don’t suffer in silence though - they could also be a symptom of altitude sickness - so tell your guide if they persist.
Plan your day pack
Carry with you anything you might need on the daily hikes, including plenty of water, cereal bars or fresh fruit, since porters won’t carry perishable food. A change of socks, some foot lotion and blister plasters are also a good idea to refresh aching feet during breaks.
Keep on movin’
Don’t stop on the final ascent - remember ‘pole, pole’, pronounced ‘poley, poley’. It’s ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili and will help you get to the top. An extendable walking pole will also help with steep portions of the climb and descent.
Don’t be let down by a digital camera
Reaching the highest point in Africa only to realise your memory card is full or your camera batteries are flat can put a dampener on the occasion. Be prepared and take spares - climbers can only stay at the summit for twenty minutes so be ready to start snapping!
Tip your porters
Your porters are incredible - they carry their body weight on their heads, as well as preparing your camps and meals each day. Tip them generously - this is their full time job and they can’t climb the mountain more than two or three times each month due to the altitude and the rota of guides and porters in the area.
Choose your tent mate well
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be a real team effort and moral support amongst the group is key. If you know you’re a light sleeper, try to avoid sharing a tent with a heavy snorer, since sleep deprivation won’t help with your mood. If in doubt, bring earplugs!
These top tips are courtesy of The Adventure Company, which is happy to help plan your trip (and give you more tips from their experiences). Get in touch with them here.
