About the Mountain
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest at 5896 metres (19,344 ft) and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from every corner of the world. The attraction is even greater because with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience.

The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.

The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman’s Point, both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only.

DISTANCES

– From Arusha Town to Moshi is 80 kms (an hour by road)
– From Arusha Town to Marangu is 120 kms (an hour and a half by road)
– From Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi is 35 kms (half hour by road)
– From Kilimanjaro Airport to Marangu is 85 kms (an hour by road)

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TREKS ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO

• Seasons and Weather Conditions

The best time to climb would be during the dry season. Tanzania and East Africa in general has two rainy seasons, long rains from end of March until June, and the short rains which normally occur in October and November.

During the rainy seasons, rain can be expected as opposed to the dry seasons where it will be unlikely. However it does not rain all the time even then. Naturally conditions on the mountains can become very slippery in the rains and snow can become a problem on some of the routes to the summit. Dry season months of June to September and December to February can usually be counted as the best months for trekking.

• Temperatures

The altitude normally affects the temperature as the trek progresses, especially considering the Mountain is only three degrees south of the Equator.

Day-time temperatures on the lower parts of the mountain are often pleasantly warm, even hot, although a brief rain shower in the afternoon is always possible. As soon as the sun goes down the air temperature becomes cold and as the trek progresses, on the higher parts of the mountain the temperatures often drop to below freezing. Warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag are essential.

• Altitude

Although many thousands of trekkers successfully reach Gillman’s Point or Uhuru Peak every year without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness, which is caused by a combination of the decrease in atmospheric pressure and the decreased oxygen content of the air. To avoid this it is very important to acclimatise by ascending slowly and steadily, even if you are fit, you should not try to rush up Mount Kilimanjaro.

• The Guides and Porters

The Guides and porters are all men between 20 and 40 years old.  They are employed by the Hotels on piece-work terms but have to be officially registered by the Park Authorities, who periodically give them medical check-ups.  Anybody with heart or lung condition is not allowed to climb above the Kibo Hut. The Guides work as a team throughout the Year, with the porters being added as required.  Each Porter carries about 10 to 20 Kilograms, usually on their heads or back. 

• The Physical ad Mental Aspects

The huts and camping sites are positioned so that the ascent each day is harder than the previous day, even without considering the thinner air. As a result one feels more and more tired at the end of each stage but not to the extent of losing confidence.  To provide some encouragement there are notices on the huts and the upper parts of the climb giving in both feet and metres the height above sea-level that you have reached.  In most cases the ratio of these figures is incorrect.  One effect of each morning’s climb and afternoon’s rest is that you assume (wrongly as it happens) that the next day will be no worse than the last.  Despite the difficulty in getting a good night’s sleep and the resulting aches and pains, you expect to be fit enough by the next morning to reach that day’s objective.  This optimism may vanish on the third day, for which the final part of the ascent is really hard, but unless illness intervenes you feel that by then you have nothing to lose in attempting the final climb.

The guides and porters may be climbing separately from you for a good part of the first three days.  They climb without resting for long periods but stop for long periods, at times upto 20 minutes at what they call half-way points.  These points are not actually half-way in time or distance, merely convenient places to stop

As is often the case with such climbs, mental attitude is just as important as physical fitness. For both the ascent and descent, walking seems to be far easier when the weather is sunny rather than dull and misty.  However it will almost certainly be cloudy for part of the first two days.

• Conclusion

The Kilimanjaro climb is strenuous but interesting, and worth doing once preferably before you reach fifty.  Although it is possible to plan a good deal of the trip beforehand, you cannot rely on the weather at any time of the year or on any part of the climb. You should perhaps take some books to read during afternoons, and a wide-angle lens as well as standard lens for the final climb.  Extra baggage can be left behind in the store at your base hotel.  The trip will be easier and more enjoyable if you can forget minor difficulties and take each day as it comes.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Handling of luggage
You should bring a maximum of 15 kg when trekking on the mountains. It should be contained in a duffle bag or soft kitbag which will be carried inside a waterproof bag by a porter. You carry only a light day sack. Any unwanted baggage and suitcases can be safely stored at the foot of each mountain.

Food and drink
We choose the ingredients carefully to ensure that the food prepared by our team is tasty, easy to digest at altitude, and has a high energy content. We also cater well for vegetarians, ensuring that their meals are varied and inviting. For bigger groups, specialised cooks are provided to assist our experienced guides.

A fresh food re supply is provided for groups of 8 or more clients on all 6 and 7 day  Kilimanjaro climbs. This re supply reaches the group on the day before the summit ascent and includes fresh bread, a selection of fruit and vegetables, cheese, and meat.

At higher altitudes, stimulants (such as coffee) and less digestible foods (such as meat) are almost totally absent from the diet. The evening meal at the highest overnight on Kilimanjaro is a combined soup/stew as experience shows this to be the best preparation for the summit day.

Boiled water is offered each evening for filling water bottles and is readily available at other mealtimes too. A wide selection of hot drinks is also available at mealtimes and soup is served twice daily. Soft drinks and beers are not available except on the Marangu route on Kilimanjaro. 

Breakfast 

• Eggs with bacon and tomato/cucumber
• Muesli and/or porridge
• Seasonal fresh fruit (mango/banana/watermelon)
• Toast with margarine, jam, and honey
• Tea, coffee, Milo or drinking chocolate

 Snacks

Energy snacks are provided for the daily walk such as biscuits, bananas, flapjacks, and chocolate bars.

Lunch  

This is either a packed lunch on longer days or, more usually, a hot lunch served in camp by a small team who have raced ahead of the clients.

A packed lunch typically consists of:

• Sandwiches with cheese and jam or meat
• Fresh fruit, an egg, and cake
• Hot soup and tea provided on the trail

A hot lunch typically consists of:

• Soup (chicken/different vegetables)
• Bread (often toasted) or pancakes
• Cheese, tinned fish, jam, and peanut butter
• A salad (tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, onion)
• A variety of hot drinks

Tea

In late afternoon, hot drinks are served.  Whatever was not provided at lunch (biscuits and  peanuts/ popcorn is served now. A pleasant eating experience, and a good opportunity to drink lots!