Trip Planning for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Bobby Tours Mountain climbing department has a vast experience in leading hikers and climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our experienced mountain guides have a proud summit success rate averaging between 96% – 98% and have safely guided over 10000 clients to the top of the mountain.
This section aims to provide the potential Mount Kilimanjaro climber with valuable and accurate information on climbing Kilimanjaro, which will hopefully contribute towards increasing your chances of a successful summit attempt.
Below, we have complied this information, after years of experience as well as from feedback from previous climbers.
Climb Preparation
The following pages gives you more information on factors such as WHEN TO GO, HEALTH REQUIREMENTS …. Read more
Be properly equipped
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our suggested final checklist and mark it off, to ensure that you are. Please check our : Suggested Checklist page, for all the necessary equipment you might need.
Be physically prepared
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mental preparation
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, with out a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the final checklist, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from this section – you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro..
Adequate travel insurance
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
Drink enough water
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day – preferably water. For both the Marangu and Machame routes, it is possible to buy mineral water at all the huts and camps. Although a little bit more expensive on the mountain, this is probably the most convenient option – we are however at this stage, not to sure how reliable the supply lines are. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water which is purchased before your climb.
The stream water high on the mountain Kilimanjaro has been tested and has been found to be fit for drinking. However, if you would like to be on the safe-side, use water purification tablets or ask your guide to boil the water for you. This can be done in the evening. You can fill your flasks in the morning, ready for the next part of the climb.
If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
Walk high – sleep low
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
Climb light
Climb as lightly as possible, this becomes even more important on your summit night.
Packing
Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to pack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or of being accidentally dropped in a stream.
Suggested Equipment
The hardest part in planning a trip to a location that you know nothing about is deciding what equipment to bring, and also what not to bring. The following pages will give you more information on factors such as CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT, FIRST AID, OTHER ITEMS, TIPS & TRICKS … Read more
Useful Information:
Go POLE POLE
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
New batteries
Replace your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarize yourself with this condition and take preventative care. Click Altitude Sickness for more information on this medical condition.
Wet wipes
There is no washing water at Kibo and Arrow Glacier camps. Wet Wipes are very useful.
Snacks
Take enough snacks like energy bars etc.
Adequate sun protection
Wear a good quality pair of sunglasses (with UV protection) and use adequate sun protection cream with a protection factor of at least 20+
Thermal flask
Use a thermal flask for your water on the summit night, other water bottles might freeze solid.
Camera
Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at the summit of Kilimanjaro is possible, and most people do this. The secret is to always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas at high altitude. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but remember, that if you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens becomes warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning.