AdventureBookings has selected one of the best Mountain Climbing Operators with more than 10 years of experience in leading hikers and climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our experienced guides have a proud summit success rate averaging between 96% - 98% and have safely guided thousands of clients to the top of the mountain. This internet guide aims to provide the potential Kilimanjaro climber with valuable and accurate information on climbing Kilimanjaro, which will hopefully contribute towards increasing your chances of a successful summit attempt. We have compiled this information over years of experience as well as from feedback from previous clients. From all the information provided, the tips listed on this page are probably the most important.

When you have decided to go to Tanzania for a Kilimanjaro tour, the first thing to do is decide which of the different routes you will follow. There are standard routes such as the Machame Route that is a walk and there are other routes that are extreme climbs that are only for the very experienced mountaineers. To make your tour successful you need to invest in the correct kit, as this will make the difference between success and failure.

It is important to remember that no-one goes up Kilimanjaro on their own. There will be experienced guides assisting all climbers and accompanying you to the summit.

Take note:

• You overnight in mountain tents with 2 people per tent.
• All your camping equipment and supplies are taken up for you by porters
• Your meals are prepared for you
• You are limited to 12 kg personal luggage
• All the guides used are extremely experienced with some of them having done the Kilimanjaro climb more than 400 times.
• The Keys Hotel in Moshi is your base and it is a comfortable hotel with amenities such as indoor bar, garden area, swimming pool, patio, restaurant and TV. Rooms are plain, but clean and comfortable and are en-suite.
• Food served on the mountain is aimed at being nutritious with lots of fresh vegetables and high carbohydrates. Vegetarians can be catered to with advance notice.

Before the climb

Be properly equipped

An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final checklist and mark it off, to ensure that you are. We will send you a Final Check List when you book and assist you with your equipment preparations

Be physically prepared

It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have developed a fitness training program which will assist you in getting your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition. We have a full Fitness Program for you to follow in the 8 weeks prior to your climb

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, without 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 internet guide - 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.

On The Mountain

Go slowly

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.

Drink enough water

Make sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 litres of liquid a day - preferably water. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. 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 acclimatisation 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 acclimatisation day.

Climb light

Climb as lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night. Extra weight will slow you down and will also make breathing more difficult.

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.

Clothing

You will require the correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably mittens), warm head protection, rain coat, sunglasses and sun protection cream. Also remember your hiking boots, hiking/running shoes (it is not necessary to walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks are encountered), and very importantly, a walking stick / ski-pole. One of the most critical items of clothing is an outer jacket. You want it to perform the functions of keeping you warm, protect you at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out and yet still "breath". Try to avoid tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are strongly recommended, especially during hiking on the lower slopes, when the day temperatures are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed warmly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct clothing layers, starting from against the body. A common mistake made by climbers is to wear almost everything they have and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, and moisture trapped against the skin will result in a definite lowering of the body temperature, which could even lead to hypothermia. It is therefore very important to use proper thermal underwear with "wicking" properties (a fabric which has the ability to draw moisture away from the body) and thus enabling it to evaporate to the outside. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will be adequate in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex, Goretex or Jeantex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. After securing your booking with us, you'll receive a comprehensive document, to guide you through the steps of purchasing the correct gear.

Take a ski - pole

A ski - pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended. Buy one or hire one but take one - e have various Gear rental options if you need it, just let us know and we will send you more information.

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 familiarise yourself with this condition and take preventative care. 

Malaria

Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Currently, there are various preventative medication products available which will be effective against the malaria strains currently found in Tanzania. Women using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.

Other useful tips

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.

Film

ASA 200 film is good for taking photographs in relatively little light. You might reach the summit just before sunrise and may not wish to wait due to the altitude and the cold. After sunrise, film with ASA 200 or 100 are fine. There are numerous classic photo opportunities, some of which are only available in low light conditions. If you can, and if you are a serious photographer, we recommend that you take a small, portable tri-pod with you. Also remember that it is sometimes so cold that you cannot hold the camera steady.

Mountain water

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.

THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL - ENJOY THIS ONCE IN A LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE!!!

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 + 2	Arrival in Tanzania and overnight in Moshi at the Keys Hotel. Get organised and complete all formalities and paperwork.
Day 3	Ascend to 3,800 metres and camp at Shira Hut  acclimatisation walk.
Day 4	Acclimatisation walk up to 4,800 metres and overnight at Barranco at 3,900 metres.
Day 5	Long and tiring walk to the Barafu Hut at 4,600 metres
Day 6	Strenuous day to the Stella Point crater and finally reach the summit at Uhuru Peak. Descend to 3,100 metres and overnight at Mweka camp
Day 7	Descent to Keys Hotel
Day 8	Departure day

Main Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at base, which is the Keys Hotel in Moshi and getting organised and packed for the coming trip. You will be briefed about the climb and this is the time to get any extra gear you may have forgotten about. Pack for the trip and also pack up all valuables that will be stored at the hotel. The hotel staff is more than willing to help and give advice about everything.

Day 2

One hour drive to the Park Gate where you will be met by your guide and the porters. After lengthy completion of paperwork and organising everything, you set off for a five hour walk that will take you through some spectacular scenery to the Machame Hut at 3000 metres.
Remember your guide and porters have done this route countless times, every bit of advice they have learned the hard way and they pass this on to you so that you can get full enjoyment out of this tour.

Day 3

Today we ascend to 3,800 metres to the Shira Hut. The route will take you across varying degrees of difficult walking with some gentle and some stretches hard going. Today's route will take most of the day and will be done in stages with rests in between.
Climbers that have decided to use Diamox to help them acclimatize will start taking it on the morning of the 3rd day. The evening of the 3rd day is when most climbers start having breathing problems and head aches from the altitude and lesser oxygen.

Day 4

Today is intended to be acclimatisation walking and you set out from Shira to Barranco at 3900 metres, ascend to the Lava Tower at 4000 metres and the highest point for the day will be at 4800 metres and then descend to overnight at 3900 metres. Most people doing the climb will feel the effects of the high altitude with nausea, breathing problems and headaches, that is why pacing yourself is crucial.

Day 5

From the Barranco we aim to move up to the Barafu Hut at 4600 metres today. To do this you will have to do non-technical rock climbing to get over the Barranco Wall. It is a tiring, long and hard climb with a break for lunch in the valley. The guide will set the pace to make sure that everyone can move at a comfortable pace. Another factor that plays a role will be the cold, so everyone will be dressing warmly, especially as you will be walking through sleet and clouds.
Everyone will be feeling the effects of the altitude, but if you are starting to hallucinate or vomit, your guide will make the decision whether you are able to continue or not. Everyone will settle in for an early night in preparation of the hard day that is to come.

Day 6

This is a very strenuous day, but the goal will be reached and standing on the summit is worth the effort it will have taken to get there. The guide will be very busy today as he will be constantly checking on each member of the tour group. It will be incredibly cold at this altitude and everyone will be moving very slowly. The final ascent will take between 4 and 5 hours. Once you reach Stella Point at 5750 metres the worst is over. From here the path is relatively easy until you reach the summit at 5895 meters on Uhuru Peak.

Reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro is an emotion experience for most climbers and worth every moment of discomfort. From here the descent is to Stella, then Barafu and from there you will follow the Mweka Route. It can feel like a never-ending descend and most people experience joint seizures for which anti-inflammatory creams and pills help. The great thing is that with every metre you descend, you will be drawing more oxygen into your lungs. Late afternoon will see you arriving at Mweka at 3100 metres where we overnight.

Day 7

A three to four hour descent through the rainforest will bring the group back to the Park Gate where you will be met and transferred back to the hotel. An evening of celebration follows and certificates of achievement is handed out. The Kilimanjaro tour group once again overnight at the Keys Hotel.

Day 8

Today is the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure and everyone leaves Tanzania to return home.

Other Routes:

Tanzania Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb (5 or 6 Day Option)

The main difference between the Marangu Route and the Machame Route is that when you take the Marangu, you have accommodation in huts and not in tents like on the Machame route.

Tanzania Kilimanjaro Rongai Route (8 Day/7 Night)

The Rongai Route to climb the highest mountain in Arica is the least travelled of all the routes and it starts on the northern side.
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Tanzania Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route via Barafu Climb
(8 Day/7 Night)

The route via the Barafu is probably the most beautiful one by which to ascend Kilimanjaro. It is also much shorter than any of the other routes, yet gives good time to acclimatise