Kilimanjaro Climbing Information

Kilimanjaro Climb by the Machame Route

EQUIPMENT LIST
1 pair of good mountain/climbing boots (already worn in) with quite rigid soles and uppers
1 pair of trainers for the lower slopes and drier tracks and for evening comfort
1 smaller rucksack for your personal things (camera, sun cream, wallet, water bottle)
1 waterproof duffle bag for the porters to carry your things
1 good mountain sleeping bag 1 sleeping mat (eg Karimat)
1 good waterproof mountain jacket (eg Goretex)
1 cape (if above not waterproof)
3 wool or polypropylene sweaters (layers are better than one thick one)
1 pair of mountain trousers 1 pair of cotton trekking trousers
1 pair of cotton shorts
1 pair of mittens or mountain gloves & inner lighter gloves
3 pairs of underwear
1 pair of thermals
2 or 3 tee shirts and wool shirts
2 or 3 pairs of woollen socks - not too thick
1 sun hat
1 high factor sun cream or block
1 lip salve
1 balaclava
1 pair of sunglasses with side panels
1 or 2 telescopic walking poles
1 pair of gaiters
1 headlamp with spare high quality batteries
1 good torch
1 water bottle of capacity at least one litre
1 pack water purifying tablets***
1 set of lightweight toiletries personal medicines and personal first aid kits as a supplement to standard kit carried by guides:- Aspirin or Paracetamol ('crunchable') Vitamin C anti diarrhoea pills (Imodium etc) sleeping tablets and pain killers sterile alcohol wipes 'Wet Ones' / moist wipes antiseptic bandage/elasticated adhesive plaster (Elastoplast), double skin, 'energy' bars/drinks, sweets, raisins, nuts and 'Trailmix' are still hard to find in Tanzania, so bring them from home chewing gum

USEFUL TIPS - All the luggage of the trekker is given to a porter to carry - some climbers would rather do this very fast trek to altitude with their own pack. Of course this can be arranged, but the best advice is to rely on local knowledge and avail oneself of at least some of the assistance offered.

It should also be remembered that this provides employment for local people. The actual load should weigh no more than 15kg (above that another porter is taken on) not counting your own small backpack with personal things for each day's walk, which is all you need to carry on this organised climb. - In addition to professional certificated guides and porters, Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club provide a cook who prepares picnics and hot meals. You should bring some high carbohydrate foods (dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, cereal bars and energy snacks) from home as they are still difficult to get in Tanzania.

Temperatures can plummet to -20 C, particularly during the final ascent night. Also, like anywhere at high altitude, the weather can change radically in a very short time, from warm with nice blue skies to heavy snow storms, sleet, hail and thick fog. - The Machame trek does not contain any technical difficulty ; it just requires some endurance and reasonably good physical condition.

You can prepare yourself by walking, running and climbing stairs during the weeks prior to your departure. For keen walkers, even non-walkers, the middle stages can be testing but there should be no problems.

However, the reaction to the higher altitude on the final ascent day(s) is unpredictable and very individual. There are many articles and papers written on the subject - discuss with your GP or practice nurse or the many mountain guide books. - Never go too fast; it is essential not to push yourself - exertion at these high altitudes requires twice as much effort and time of recovery.

Almost all climbers suffer from lack of oxygen and from the lower atmospheric pressure. The days are well paced and more than long enough to allow you to really take your time. Make long steps at a regular pace, in phase with your breathing.

Young fit males are in more danger than others as they tend to overdo things - this is based on statistics, not 'ageism !' - You could obtain some Diamox (preventive medicine) to counter acute mountain sickness or even pulmonary or cerebral oedema. Initial symptoms are exhaustion, vomiting, breathing difficulties, lack of co-ordination, hallucination ***

The guides are very experienced and well trained and recognise these problems very quickly in their climbers. For those who do not want 'chemical' help of any type, PLEASE do remember it is vital to drink 3 litres of water every day, even, and especially, if you do not feel thirsty. ***

WARNING : If these symptoms become persistent, speak to the Guide at once and descend immediately even if it is nighttime - the Guide or his Assistant will accompany you to a lower altitude where you will feel better surprisingly quickly. If not, the rescue people will be summoned and you will be carried down. It is quite simply a question of survival - please take the Guide's advice at all times.

To prevent blisters, wear 2 pairs of woollen socks to avoid friction. - Apply elasticated adhesive bandage as soon as you feel irritation. Also bring 'double skin' (Compeed)

Every evening, try to go to bed early (not after 8:30 p.m. if possible) to benefit from maximum daylight hours for the climb between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. as well as to get into the habit for the final summit stage.

Safari njema
(Bon voyage !)