How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
The hike can be attempted in anything from 5 to 8 days. We recommend a minimum of 6 days spent on the mountain to truly appreciate the experience and avoid the increased risks of AMS. We can customise itineraries or routes to offer more days in the park. Some people choose to climb Mount Meru first, as an acclimatisation exercise. If you have a extra few days to spare, you can choose any of the main routes on the mountain and still have time for some exciting game viewing in the nearby national parks before or after your trip.
Weather wise, when is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro can be climbed during any month of the year. Generally April, May and November are quite wet, especially on the lower slopes. August and September tend to be the coldest and driest months. January, February, July, August and September are all popular climbing months. But remember too that Kili, like almost every other mountain, has it's own mini-weather patterns that can change dramatically from one day to the next. Make sure you are prepared for the worst, no matter when you choose to climb.
Who will be in the support team?
GUIDES 2 or more clients equals 2 or more qualified and experienced guides. This enables the group to split up if needs be. On a group of 6 people with similar abilities we do normally only use 2 guides. If the group requests it (for example they have a big difference in their hiking abilities) then we suggest they take 3 guides.
It is normally the guide that makes the experience, they are fabulous people. Most of them have spent the greater part of their lives hiking up and down Kilimanjaro, hundreds of time! They really do know what they are doing, and are passionate about their jobs.
COOKS There will be one official cook for the group. They are responsible for all meals prepared for you.
PORTERS A porters main duty is to carry 20kg up the mountain. Their loads do get lighter as quantities of food reduce. Some porters are nominated to assist on camp (putting up tents for example) while others assist the cook (chopping, peeling, washing etc).
Luggage, what do you recommend and will I have to carry anything?
You should pack your kit into a big rucksack for a porter to carry. If possible get a waterproof cover for your pack, or make sure your kit is wrapped in plastic bags inside. All you will have to carry is a day-pack, a small rucksack that will contain your lunch, at least 2 liters of drinking water, camera and other personal items such as a spare jumper or rain coat. For those who do not want to carry this, or if you are a photographer with extra kit (tripods, heavy lenses etc) then we can arrange an additional personal porter to accompany you.
If you have things you do not need on the climb, you may leave a bag behind at your hotel in Arusha/Moshi or at our offices in Moshi.
How far will we hike each day?
It makes more sense to measure each day in hours walked rather than in distance. Most days, other than the summit day, you will get up for sunrise followed by breakfast. The departure will be at about 7am and you then walk 4-5 hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of hiking in the early afternoon. Your guide will constantly remind you to walk slowly ('pole pole').
Why make the final ascent during the darkness of night?
Most groups will start for the summit on ascent day at about midnight, depending on the assessed fitness of the group, the weather conditions and the route. The pre-dawn hours, while the coldest, are also normally the calmest and clearest. The best views from the summit are at dawn. Often clouds and high winds develop not long after sunrise making the summit much less attractive and the descent more difficult. It can take 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the campsite for that day.
Included, not included? and what do I have to bring?
The details may vary from hike to hike as each hike is tailored to suit an individuals/groups needs. We normally provide all camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag (should be 4 season/minus 10 bag), a pillow if you need one (often a rolled up jumper will do) and your personal clothing/kit. We will send you a detailed kit list and your booking agent will be on hand to answer every question you may have.
What about food on the mountain?
All meals on our trek will be prepared on gas stoves by an experienced trek cook, often with a porter or two in assistance. Food will be straightforward but plentiful: a mixture of African and Western style dishes. Lunches will usually be sandwiches, boiled eggs/roast chicken, fruit and snacks. The food will be more than adequate, but if you have a favorite snack to eat in between meals while walking, you can bring your own. Useful items to bring include dried fruit, trail-mix, cereal bars, etc. Although not necessary, some people find that glucose sweets or favorite high-energy candy bars are helpful (and comforting) for the summit days on the mountains. It is possible to purchase basic snacks and sweets in Moshi.
What about washing, and do I need to bring toilet paper?
Only bring your own paper if you expect to have the luxury stuff, with embossed teddy bears on it! Otherwise we provide you with standard toilet paper. You might want to bring some tissues for a runny nose, and a packet of baby wipes is also very handy. Some people like to bring a small tube of sanitising hand gel.
Every morning and every evening a plastic basin of hot water is provided just outside your tent for you to freshen up with. You may wish to bring a flannel, and a small towel.
Visa for Tanzania
If you do get your Visa before leaving home then it will save you about an hour at the airport on arrival. The visa queue once you arrive is generally an un-organised scramble, not the best way to start your holiday. Make sure you have new USD notes to pay for it, in the correct change. Most tourist visas cost $50 but you should check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy.
Money, Cash, ATMs
Bring USD. Almost everything here can be paid for in dollars. Your notes should not be older than the year 2000, otherwise they wont be accepted. Also avoid bringing damaged notes, and make sure you check your change. You can change dollars into local Tanzanian Shillings here easily enough. Always use a proper Bureau de Change or bank, never change money on the streets. There are also many ATM machines, most accepting VISA and Mastercard. They normally dispense 400,000Tsh (about $300) a day maximum. Traveller's Cheques are a nightmare to change, and attract bad exchange rates and commissions. Generally best avoided.
We often get asked how much cash people should bring, and it is an almost impossible question to answer. It depends on yourself. Do you like to buy lots of souvenirs, do you drink nice dry white wine and gin & tonics (expensive) or will you be drinking local beers (cheap). Will you treat yourself to a massage in a spa between treks.
Whilst hiking and on safari your meals and drinking water plus tea/coffee are all inclusive, but at the hotels in town you are mainly on Bed & Breakfast basis which means you need to pay for meals and drinks. Some of the luxury lodges and hotels are 'all inclusive' your safari agent will advise you.
As a guide line, on a normal trip:
$1 (USD) is about 1,500 Tsh (exchange rates Aug 2010)
Local beers: $2 - $3 ($1 in a local bar or supermarket)
Wines/Spirits: $3-$5
Soda/Water/Juice: $1-$2
Main courses in 'western' restaurants will vary at about $10-$15 but if you want to eat locally then of course it is much cheaper. The Chip Omelet with Beef Kebab - 'Chipsi Mayai na Mishkaki' (a common and popular dish) will cost $2-$3. Rice and beans, meat stew and a bit of stewed spinach will cost less than $2 in most local cafes.
Tips 5% to 10% in restaurants, but only if you are happy with the food and service. In local bars the waiters/waitresses receive poor salaries, so a decent tip (1000 tsh on a 5000 tsh bill) is maybe pennies to you but will mean a lot to them.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance usually needs to be purchased in your home country, always prior to travel. The best thing to do is research on the internet. Read the small print and make sure you are covered for your particular activities. If you dont want to wade through pages of legal type on the net then most insurance companies have a phone-in option so you can speak to an advisor. The most important aspect is that you are covered for emergency medical evacuation, and any subsequent treatment.
Vaccinations and Prophylactics
You should consult your own GP (doctor) or your nearest Centre for Tropical Diseases for their professional advice. Yellow Fever Certificates are required for entry to Tanzania IF you are coming from a country that has yellow fever. To avoid any problems on arrival we recommend that everyone gets the Yellow Fever vaccination.
You are not likely to be exposed to the Malaria carrying mosquitoes while climbing Kilimanjaro. Caution should be taken when in Moshi Town or anywhere else of lower altitude. Cover up at night, use repellents and sleep inside secure tents or mosquito nets. Malaria prophylactics often cause some unpleasant side effects which may have an adverse effect on your ability to climb Kilimanjaro. Discuss this with you doctor and proceed with caution.
Sockets, charging electrical items
The sockets here are normally UK three pin type. In some places they have the European 2 pins. It is wise to bring your own converter/s as most of the electrical goods you will find here are the really cheap crap from china!
On a camping safari there will be few opportunities for charging your batteries. So bring fully charged spares with you. Each safari is different, so ask your agent for details of where charging opportunities will be on your trip.
