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Kilimanjaro Routes Pg 5

Best Time to Climb / Climate Pg 6

Mountain Information Pg 7-11

Packing Lists Pg 11-16

Tipping Pg 18

Training Pg 19-21

Climbing Tips Pg 22-23

Suggested Reading Pg 24

The African Walking Company Pg 25-30

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Tanzania is well known for game park safaris and beach holidays but also offers the chance to climb the

highest of all African mountains, Kilimanjaro.

Known to many through Ernest Hemingway's The Snows of Kilimanjaro (Arrow), Mt Kilimanjaro is the

highest mountain in the world that is not part of a mountain range. It is definitely one of the world's most

impressive mountains. Kilimanjaro means "shining mountain" and it rises from an average altitude of

about 3,300 feet on the dry plains to 19,340 feet. On clear days, the mountain may be seen from over 200

miles away.

The mountain consists of three major volcanic centers: Kibo (19,340 ft./5,895 m), Shira (13,650 ft./4,162

m) to the west and Mawenzi (16,893 ft./5,150 m) to the east. The base of the mountain is 37 miles (60

km) long and 25 miles (40 km) wide. The park is a World Heritage Site and covers 292-square-miles

(756-km2) of the mountain above 8,856 feet (2,700 m). The park also has six corridors that climbers may

use to trek through the Forest Reserve.

Hikers pass through zones of forest, alpine and semi-desert to its snow-capped peak, situated only three

degrees south of the equator. It was once thought to be an extinct volcano, but due to recent rumblings, it

is now classified as dormant.

Kilimanjaro is second only to the Everest and Annapurna areas in Nepal in popularity as a trekking

destination outside of Europe. Kilimanjaro may, in fact, be the easiest mountain in the world for a climber

to ascend to such heights. But it is still a struggle for even fit adventurers. On the other hand, it can be

climbed by people from all walks of life that are in good condition and have a strong will. Mind you,

reaching the top is by no means necessary; the flora, fauna and magnificent views seen en route are

fabulous.

Many routes to the summit require no mountaineering skills.

Travelers wishing to see Mt. Kilimanjaro, but who do not wish to climb it, may do so (provided the

weather is clear) from Arusha National Park or Amboseli National Park (Kenya). Day trips and treks to

the first camp only are also available as an option.

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Kilimanjaro is for many walkers the ultimate experience because it is the highest ‘walkable mountain’ in

the world as well as the highest peak in Africa. Whilst we can organise treks on all the standard routes of

Kilimanjaro, whenever possible we avoid the busiest routes of Machame and Marangu.

The quieter camping routes of Shira, Lemosho and Rongai offer the best chance of enjoying Kilimanjaro

and actually reaching the summit.

The Shira route approaches the mountain from the west and our 8

day itinerary explores the unspoilt wilderness of Shira Plateau

around the Moir Hut and Lent Hills before traversing beneath the

stunning Kibo icefields to summit via the Barafu Camp. The route

is designed to avoid the crowds as Machame route merges at Shira

Hut and the route passes through Barranco Camp (the busiest

camp on western Kili) when virtually no-one will be there,

allowing one to enjoy the beauty of this valley and also have an

enjoyable ascent of the Barranco Wall without crowds of climbers.

Our summit success of 86% to Uhuru Peak and 93% to Stella

Point reflects this.

The Rongai route climbs from the northern side of Kilimanjaro

and visits the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn and offers the best 6 day

itinerary both in terms of scenery and summit success of 74% to

Uhuru Peak and 88% to Gilmans Point. For those who have

limited time and/or budget this 6 day route is the one to take. An

additional day can be added to Rongai making a 7 day climb and

this extra day of acclimatization increases one's chances of

summiting. Our summit success for Rongai 7 days is 74% to

Uhuru and 88% to Gilmans Point.

The Lemosho route is a great route for acclimatization, 8 days

allowing plenty of time and there is a good balance in the camp

heights. In addition, the route passes through rich mountain forest,

and then traverses around the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Our

summit success is 88% to Uhuru Peak and 94% to Stella Point.

The Northern Circuit is for mountain lovers. It starts at Lemosho,

so one gets to experience the beauty of this forest. But then the

route traverses around the little used northern side of the mountain

and offers mountain lovers a chance to experience solitude; a rare

thing on the ever popular Kilimanjaro. Being 9 days long, this

route has great summit success with virtually everyone reaching

Uhuru Peak. It is possible to do the route in 8 days, although we

favour the more relaxed 9 day version.

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The best time to climb is mid-December to mid-March and June to October during the drier seasons when

the skies are fairly clear. The temperatures in July and August can be quite cool. April and May should be

avoided because of heavy rains and overcast skies.

From April to May, during the long rainy season, the summit is often covered in clouds, with snow falling

at higher altitudes and rain at lower altitudes. The short rains (November) bring afternoon thunderstorms,

but evenings and mornings are often clear.

Even during the “dry” seasons, climbers may still experience heavy rains. The mountain’s weather is

unpredictable. Always be prepared for cold and rain.

Average monthly temperatures min/max in Fahrenheit (white) and Celsius (fawn) for some main cities

and wildlife reserves. Actual temperatures may vary more than 10˚F from the averages below.

LOCALITY JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Arusha/

Kilimanjaro 52/62 52/59 53/61 56/64 55/61 50/55 51/58 50/60 50/65 52/68 54/67 54/64

11/17 11/15 12/16 13/18 13/16 10/13 10/15 10/16 10/18 11/20 12/19 12/18

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TREKKING CONDITIONS

Most of the trails used on our mountain treks are well-defined and of good quality but some forest

sections can be slippery. The summit days on Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro are long and hard passing over

rock and loose scree. These mountains are large volcanoes that tower above the surrounding plains and

result in all climbs requiring a considerable amount of uphill and then lots of downhill!

FOOD & DRINK:

The ingredients are carefully chosen to ensure that the food prepared by the team is tasty, easy to digest at

altitude and with high energy content. We can cater for vegetarians, ensuring that their meals are varied

and inviting.

A fresh food resupply is provided for all groups on climbs of 8 or more days and on 6 and 7 day climbs

when the group is of 7 or more clients. This resupply reaches the group part way through the trip and

includes fresh bread, fruits, vegetables, cheese and meat.

Menus consist of high liquid and carbohydrate content—two essential elements for a successful climb. At

higher altitudes, stimulants (such as coffee) and less digestible foods (such as meat) are not recommended.

Our evening meal at the highest camp on Kilimanjaro is a meatless stew, as our experience shows this to

be the ideal preparation for the summit day. Boiled water is offered each evening for filling water bottles

and is readily available at other mealtimes too. At mealtimes a selection of hot drinks are available. Soup is

served twice daily.

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Daily Meals

Bed Tea - tea or coffee served in your tent

Breakfast consists of seasonal fresh fruit (mango/banana/watermelon), porridge, cooked eggs, bacon and

toast.

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

Lunch 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 hot lunch typically consists of soup, bread or pancakes,

cheese, tuna, jam, peanut butter, pasta salad and cake.

Afternoon tea is served in late afternoon. It is an opportunity to drink lots of hot drinks and snack on

peanuts or popcorn.

Dinner is the main meal of the day and always consists of three courses; soup and bread, followed by a

main dish, which could be rice, potatoes or pasta with fish, meat or vegetables and is followed by a

dessert often of fruit.

Summit Snacks

Whilst the team provides enough food for the climb, we recommend that you bring some of your favorite

snacks and keep them for the summit day. This is because the summit day is a long and tough climb and

having your favorite snacks can give you a very welcome boost.

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HYGIENE

The team always ensures that there is a bowl of hot washing

water for you in the morning and again after the walk at an

agreed time in the afternoon. The only exception is the

highest camp where there is no water source and hence all

water must be carried from a lower level by porters.

Hand washing water treated with Dettol is available along

with soap before all meals and everyone is strongly advised

to make use of it.

A private toilet tent is supplied on all camping routes as we

have found that the long drop toilets maintained by the

national park are of a sub-standard quality.

CAMPSITES

The campsites on Kilimanjaro are designated by the national

park and are mainly stone/dirt. They are not all level and can be

crowded in peak season.

You will be provided with a spacious two person tent of proven

quality. There is plenty of personal space, ample luggage storage

area and a separate external flysheet. A limited number of these

tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge and

should be reserved in advance. Clients should bring their own

sleeping bag and mat.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the communal mess tent with

folding chairs, tables and gas lanterns. This tent is also available

for communal use in the afternoon and evening.

There are additional tents with our groups that are used by our

mountain crew for sleeping and cooking in. We provide

groundsheets for all of these tents.

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LUGGAGE Each client should bring a maximum of 33lbs (15kgs) of luggage onto Kilimanjaro (26lbs/12kg on Meru).

It should be contained in a duffle bag or soft kitbag; this will be carried by a porter inside a heavyweight

client bag to give it further protection. The client carries only their day-sack. Any unwanted baggage and

suitcases can be safely stored at the hotel.

Keep in mind the climate during the time of year you are traveling. Some of these items are also on

your safari list. Your own hiking preferences may expand the list. We recommend that you dress in

layers. Days on the mountain can be sunny and pleasant; nights at the higher elevations will be near

freezing or lower. The final stages of the ascent will be very cold, especially if there is rain or

snow. Weather can vary greatly; dramatic changes can occur anytime. You must be prepared for

the worst situations. It is a good idea to wear your boots (and anything else you consider

indispensable) onto the plane so that if in the unfortunate event your luggage is lost, you have your

most important equipment with you.

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Boots

Your boots and auxiliary footwear are probably the most important items you will take to the

mountain. On trek, your life revolves around your feet. Blisters caused by poorly fitting or

unbroken boots are among the most common and painful problems on the mountain.

If you are buying a new pair of boots, make sure a qualified salesperson gives you a proper fit.

Do not buy any boots that you are not permitted to return after wearing a few hours around the

house. (I would recommend Merrell's, Solomon's or Vasque) If you have new boots, wear them

for a while every day for at least a month; before you depart, you should be able to wear them

for a full, active day with no discomfort.

Even boots you have owned for years can sometimes produce blisters when doing the amount of

walking you'll do on the mountain. Limber up your boots (and feet) with lots of hiking before

departure.

Waterproof your boots with several coats of snow seal or other sealant before departure; you

will cross streams and possibly snow on parts of your trek. Take extra waterproofing with you.

Everyone should bring a good supply of moleskin or second skin for protecting blisters and

sore spots.

Should your luggage be delayed, most things can be replaced or substituted on short notice -

except a pair of well fitted, broken-in boots.

A spare pair of insoles is also essential. Each day your feet will sweat and saturate your insole/liners

in your boots. You should dry them each night and rotate them with a second pair. This way you will

be starting each day with dry, warm insoles; an important fact when you are operating above 14,000

feet and the temperature drops to freezing every night.

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**Avoidance of Cotton One of the most effective ways of staying warm in adverse conditions is to avoid wearing COTTON next

to skin. It is not a good conductor of heat and once it gets wet from perspiration it will pull the heat right

out of one’s body. Polypropylene is lightweight and works far better than wool. Layering yourself in

polypropylene, pile, down and a rain-proof shell is recommended.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

All mountain treks have a wide range of temperatures so the best clothing is a lot of thin layers. Such

clothing is easier to adjust as the temperature fluctuates and is more effective than a few thick items of

clothing.

Sleeping and carrying equipment

30-40 litre daypack (to carry the items you need on the walk from one camp to the next).

Duffle bag or soft kitbag for porters to carry on the mountain (not suitcases).

Plastic bags to protect equipment you want to ensure are dry (e.g. sleeping bag and books).

4 season sleeping bag.

Sleeping mat for camping trips (not needed on Marangu Route or Mt. Meru).

Drinking

2 x 1 litre water bottle or equivalent.

Purification equipment. Boiled drinking water is provided but you might want to use iodine or

chlorine for further purification.

Footwear

Walking boots that are worn-in and of proven quality.

Thick socks.

Trainers or trekking sandals to wear in camp.

Gaiters can be very helpful in wet conditions and to stop scree getting inside your boots.

Inner clothing

T-shirts made of wicking material as cotton dries slowly.

Trousers (loose and comfortable). One pair should be thick and warm.

Thermal underwear.

Outer clothing

You need a minimum of 4 warm layers for the upper body for the ascent of Kilimanjaro. Many

combinations of warm layers are possible with recent developments in outdoor clothing but we strongly

recommend a good quality duvet jacket.

Duvet jacket (especially important for Kilimanjaro).

Fleece jacket or equivalent windproof jacket.

Waterproof jacket and trousers.

Pair of good quality gloves or mittens.

Head and face

Warm hat or (preferably) balaclava.

Sunhat.

Sunglasses (essential for summit days to avoid snow blindness).

Sun cream with a high factor.

Lip balm, preferably with sun protection.

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Personal usage

Towel and toiletries.

Toilet paper.

Favourite snacks. Snacks are provided, but your favourites are good for summit days.

Head torch. Remember to bring lots of batteries.

Camera and films.

Reading material and games/cards.

Personal medical kit

We recommend that you bring your own personal medical kit for the most basic needs.

Painkillers, your preferred choice; paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.

Blister kits or plasters.

Imodium for severe diarrhoea.

Malaria tablets. All mountain trips begin and end in malarial areas.

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Equipment

It is very important to have appropriate equipment for the ascent. It is frustrating to be uncomfortable,

inconvenienced or unable to do all you want because of improper equipment, and it can even be

dangerous. Even if you may not use each item listed, it is better to be prepared in case of a storm or

severely cold weather instead of being uncomfortable without them. Do not overload yourself, or your

porters, but make sure what you bring is suitable.

RENTING OF MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT

o Hired equipment must be pre-booked before trip to ensure available.

o The charge is for the duration of climb

o All hired equipment must be paid in full before the climb commences. If

paying directly, payment must be in US cash Dollars. Notes must be

2007 or newer with the new large-head design.

o Equipment of international standard for rent

Item for rent Specifications Cost

(Down) Jacket

Mountain Equipment – Annapurna duvet (down) jacket

Suitable to active use to -20°C

S (38 to 40 inch, or 96-102 cm)

M (40 to 42 inch, or 102-107 cm)

L (42 to 44 inch, or 107-112 cm)

XL (44-46 inch, or 112-117 cm)

http://www.mountainequipment.co.uk/annapurna-jacket

$65

Sleeping Bag +

cotton liner

Vango’s 4 season bag, synthetic, mummy-shaped sleeping bag,

comfortable to -10°C, in extreme -18°C

http://www.vango.co.uk/gb/trekking/764-ultralite-1300.html

$45

Safari-style Mattress 4.5 cm thick foam, 180cm long & 60cm wide - sourced locally $35

Walking stick (pair) Collapsible aluminum walking poles $10

ALTOX Personal Oxygen System

http://www.summitoxygen.com/kilimanjaro/summit-altox-personal-

system.php

$335

FIRST AID/MEDICATIONS - PACKING LIST

Keep in mind this list is only to be used as a base for discussion with your physician. Your own

experiences and preferences should determine what you bring. While the guides bring a first aid kit on the

climb, every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Some items (marked Rx) require a

prescription. If you take your own prescription medicines, bring a supply for your entire trip, as these are

often not available abroad.

1. Moleskin or Second Skin pads; a good supply, for blisters

2. Mild pain, headache, fever: Aspirin, Motrin, or Tylenol; Tylenol with codeine or Percodan for more

severe pain. NOTE: Aspirin is far superior to other painkillers because it has the double effect of both

relieving pain and helping acclimatization by thinning the blood. Consult your doctor.

3. Upset stomach: Pepto-Bismol tablets (a good supply); Donnatal for stomach cramps, a mild sedative;

Maalox, Gelusil or Mylanta antacid tabs; Lactobacillus capsules taken daily help keep your

gastrointestinal system working smoothly. A digestive enzyme may be useful at high altitude.

4. Diarrhea: Imodium for treatment of diarrhea. Lomotil, which does not treat the cause of diarrhea, but

acts as a sphincter control is useful and is prescribed by a physician. Electrolyte replacement mix (ERG

or Gatorade).

5. Laxatives: for constipation

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6. Antibiotics: we recommend you bringing a small course (a few days' use) of CIPRO, BACTRIM or

SEPTRA (Trimethoprim-Sulfa) or NEGRAM (Nalidixic acid).

7. Prophylactic use of other medications (such as Ampicillin, Tetracycline or Vybramycin) is

controversial, as it may make one susceptible to debilitating sunburn or more virulent organisms

causing dysentery. Please consult further with physician.

8. Colds, Allergies: Throat and cough lozenges. Colds and coughs are actually more common that

stomach problems on the climb. The air is very thin, dry and cold. If you want a cough suppressant,

avoid codeine as it slows respiratory functions and cannot be used above 11,000 feet;

Dextromethorphan is recommended instead of Codeine. Ornade or Tuss-Ornade Spansule, Sudafed,

or Actifed help dry throats that develop at altitude.

9. Skin Ointments: Topical antibiotic; 1 small tube for cuts, bites, irritations, or sores. Bacitracin,

Neosporin, Polysporin or Mycolog are such ointments.

10. Sun Protection: Sunscreen or block (without PABA). Sun can be very strong at high altitude. A #15

screen or greater will be needed for the first few days if you are pale; #10 is adequate thereafter.

Chapstick or A-Fil Sun Sticks for lips (without PABA), nostrils, etc.

11. Muscular-Skeletal: Ace bandage, an ankle or knee elastic support, available in sporting goods shops,

is useful for weak knees or ankles or if sore knees develop for walking downhill. Liniment; for sore

joints and muscles

12. Band-Aids, assorted with gauze pads (4”x4”), small role of adhesive tape

13. Alcohol or Betadine swabs for small abrasions

14. Skin moisturizer

15. Diuretics (Diamox) - by prescription from your doctor

17. Personal choice:

Valium (Rx); for sleeplessness, plane rides. Do not use at altitude. Others: Dalmane or Benadryl

Allergy Capsules/Antihistamine

Decongestant (can be found in combination with antihistamine tablets)

Eye drops

Foot powder

Spare glasses or contact lenses. Contact lens wearers should bring their own solution from home

as none is available locally; also bring a pair of glasses in the event of loss or irritating dusty

conditions. On previous climbs, climbers have had problems with contact lenses unless extended

wear type.

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**After the Trip**

In the unlikely event that you become ill after your return, be sure to remind your doctor where you have

traveled the previous year. This will alert your doctor to possibilities not normally considered.

POWER

During camping you will not have access to electricity for shavers or hair dryers. In hotels, you will find

240 watts, AC 55 cycle current.

AIR TRAVEL (luggage going astray)

It is recommended that in the unfortunate event of luggage going astray on the airlines, a spare set of

clothing is packed in your hand luggage. For the same reason, if you are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, wear

your climbing boots on the plane; they are irreplaceable.

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Tipping in Tanzania is customary, but NOT obligatory. To give a good tip we recommend that each

member of the party gives the amount shown in the table below. The amount depends on the number of

days you will spend on the mountain and the number of people in your group.

Mt Kilimanjaro - Amounts in US dollars per person.

# of climbers 6 day route 7 day route 8 day route

1 $310 - $320 $420 - $430 $460 - $470

2 – 3 $240 - $255 $290 - $305 $325 - $340

4 or more pax $155 – $180 $180 - $205 $210 - $235

Tipping should take place at the last camp on the final morning of the walk. It is best to collect the tipping

money from all members of the group into a ‘pot’ and then one or two members of your group act as

spokespeople and distribute the tips. It is fairest to tip each staff member individually.

Before your climb, during the briefing, you will be given a sheet detailing the names of the guides and

cook and the number of other members of staff. This sheet will also give a guideline of how to divide the

‘pot’ to give an appropriate tip to each member of staff. Please remember that these figures are a

guideline intended to assist you in making a choice. You should not feel obliged in any way to tip or be

pressured by any member of staff to do so. It is perfectly acceptable to give more or less than these

figures.

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Training should commence at least 3 or 4 months before departure.

Start off gradually by doing hikes, running or bikes rides, whatever you fancy. The object should be to

improve your overall level of fitness and your aerobic capacity. As the time for departure approaches, try

to climb a high peak near you

In the past, people have used Mt Whitney, Mt Shasta and volcanoes in Hawaii to train. If you do not have

high mountains nearby then try to increase the length and severity of your training regime.

Using stair machines, steps and bikes are a great way of getting the legs in shape for the nearly 80

kilometers of trails you will be hiking on.

Recommended gym exercises:

Set your treadmill to 6-10 degrees incline and a speed between 2-3 mph. Gradually increase your

time to where you can walk for 1 -3 hours at a lime.

Try to use a Stair Climber instead of a Stair Master. The Nordic Track is another great machine to

use.

Lunges, leg extensions, leg curls, and calf raises.

Do not forget upper body training! You will be carrying approximately 10-20 lbs on your back

throughout. Sit-ups and lower back exercises should be clone in conjunction with your lower

body program.

DO NOT OVERSTRAIN YOURSELF BEFORE DEPARTURE. BE CAREFUL DOING

ACTIVITIES IN THE WEEKS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE CLIMB.

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ACCLIMATIZATION

3 key steps in achieving successful acclimatization:

Drink lots of fluids—Recommend 4-5 litres a day

Walk Slowly—Important to place as little strain as possible on the body whilst it is trying to

adapt to a reducing oxygen supply

Walk high sleep low—take every opportunity to take afternoon excursions to a higher level

before descending again to sleep

National Park statistics show that with a 6 clay route, the chance of reaching the summit is 30%

higher than the more usual 5 day itinerary.

Statistics show the chance of reaching the summit increase by at least 20% if an extra clay is spent

acclimatizing.

Oxygen tanks are not carried on climbs.

ALTITUDE

It is impossible to predict how you will adapt to the altitude. You will probably feel some effects such

as headache and/or nausea.

Pace yourself to go slowly; you will have plenty of time to make your ascent.

Drink plenty of water.

Consider taking Diamox. Some experts recommend taking Diamox (Acetazolamide) for a fast ascent

to high altitudes. It can relieve mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult with your doctor.

Nevertheless, some people do not make it to the summit. The eighth clay is the hardest. If you feel

very uncomfortable, your guide or porter will escort you clown to a lower elevation.

HIGH ALTITUDES

Altitude affects individuals differently, and everyone must be aware of the symptoms and effects.

Some facts to note:

If you suffer from heart or lung disease, it is absolutely imperative that you consult your doctor in

detail before attempting any high altitude trek.

Your body can adapt to altitude if given time. Do not push too hard regardless of how physically fit

you may be or feel.

Altitude affects people in varying degrees: some will hike slower than others. There is nothing wrong

with this. Pace yourself.

If you persist in spite of alarm signals from your body, you may before seriously ill. Be alert of

symptoms.

Oxygen tanks are not carried.

Although the purpose of your climb is probably to make it to the top, those who have chosen not to

proceed have still found the experience very worthwhile.

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1) Early Symptoms:

Headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry cough, irregular breathing, swelling of ankles and

eyelids are all early symptoms of high altitude sickness..

It is not uncommon to experience some of these when you first arrive at high altitude. The best remedies

are to go slowly, rest frequently, and drink plenty of fluids; we recommend 3-4 quarts daily. A good

night's sleep often clears up most early symptoms. If they persist, consult with your leader. If, at any

point, you do not feel well enough to continue, you may stop with a guide and rest as long as needed. If

the altitude affects you more seriously, a guide or porter will escort you down to a lower elevation.

2) More Serious Symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:

Breathlessness continuing at rest, severe cough with watery or bloody sputum, noisy bubbling breath;

these probably indicate pulmonary edema.

Extreme weariness, vomiting, severe headache, staggering walk, irrational behavior, drowsiness,

unconsciousness; these most likely indicate cerebral edema.

If any serious symptoms develop, advise your guide at once. A descent to a lower altitude is imperative.

You should not experience any of these symptoms if you consult with your doctor before the trip and follow

the advice outlined above.

The prescription drug Diamox may be used as a prophylactic against the early symptoms of altitude

sickness noted above. Diamox is usually taken 2-3 days before going to high altitudes and for the first few

days thereafter. Some cautionary notes:

Diamox can severely dehydrate you. Be sure to drink the minimum 3-4 quarts daily if you take it.

As a Sulphur drug, anyone with a Sulphur allergy SHOULD NOT take Diamox. Please consult

your physician.

Diamox is not effective in dealing with more serious symptoms of altitude sickness. The only

remedy is descent.

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There are a number of ways of increasing your chances of making it to the top.

One of the most important things to remember is to take your time. ‘Pole pole’ is

Swahili for "slowly," which is definitely the way to go. There is no prize for being

the first to the hut or first to the top.

Pace yourself so that you are never completely out of breath. Exaggerate your breathing,

taking deeper and more frequent breaths than you feel you actually need. This will

help you acclimatize and help keep you from exhausting yourself prematurely, and

help lower the chances of developing pulmonary or cerebral edema.

Ski poles make good walking sticks; they can be rented at Park Headquarters and are

highly recommended.

Bring a small backpack to carry the items you wish to have quick access to along the trail,

such as a water bottle, snacks and a camera. Most importantly, listen to what your

body is telling you.

Don't overdo it! Many people die each year on the mountain because they don't

listen or pay attention to the signs and keep pushing themselves.

On steep portions of the hike, use the "lock step" method to conserve energy. Take a step

and lock the knee of the uphill leg. This puts your weight on the leg bone, using less

muscle strength. Pause for a few seconds, letting your other leg rest without any weight

on it, and breathe deeply. Then repeat. This technique will save vital energy that you

may very well need in your quest for the top.

Some climbers take the prescription drug Diamox, a diuretic that usually reduces the

symptoms of altitude sickness, but there are side effects from taking the drug, including

increased urination. You should discuss the use of Diamox with your doctor prior to

leaving home.

Drink a lot more water than you feel you need. High-altitude hiking is very dehydrating,

and a dehydrated body weakens quickly. Climbers should obtain 4-6 liters (4-6

quarts) of fluid daily from their food and drinks. Consume foods such as soups,

oatmeal porridge, and fresh fruits to supplement water and other liquids. Climbers

should drink until the color of their urine is clear.

Most hikers find it difficult to sleep at high altitude. Once you reach the hut each

afternoon, rest a bit, then hike to a spot a few hundred feet in altitude above the hut and

relax for a while. Acclimatizing even for a short time at a higher altitude will help you get

a more restful night's sleep. Remember, "Climb high, sleep low!"

Consume at least 4000 calories per day on the climb. This can be a problem. Most

climbers lose their appetite at high altitude. Bring along trail mix (mixed nuts and

dried fruit), chocolate and other goodies that you enjoy to supplement the meals

prepared for you.

Forget about drinking alcoholic beverages on the climb. Altitude greatly enhances

the effects of alcohol. Plus, alcohol causes dehydration. A headache caused by altitude

sickness can be bad enough without having a hangover on top of it.

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THREE STEPS TO FREEDOM (UHURU)

"Pole pole" — you will hear it 100 times over. It is Swahili for "slowly" and it is exactly what you must

do especially for your first two days on the mountain. You will feel strong the first couple of clays and

will, more than likely, want to speed up the pace. It's not a race and it is the only way your body has a

chance to acclimatize to the 16,400 feet of altitude change you will encounter in 4 clays. LISTEN TO

YOUR GUIDES AND WALK SLOWLY!!!!

EAT, DRINK and you will be merry. Your diet is specifically high in fluids and carbohydrates to help

your body through this acclimatization change. Eat and drink as much as possible.

One of the first symptoms of altitude sickness is loss of appetite — once you give into this it will only get

worse. Drink as much water as possible and try to finish your meals.

If you can make it to Gillman's Point (crater rim) — YOU CAN MAKE IT TO UHURU PEAK. The

climb to Gillman Point is very long and very strenuous and you will be very tempted to turn around at this

point (reaching Gillman Point is considered a success). The walk from the crater rim to Uhuru is very

gradual and a lot easier then to the crater rim.

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SUGGESTED READING For a list of our books, field guides and maps, please visit our website:

http://www.africa-adventure.com/safari-products.html

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The African Walking Company

The African Walking Company is one of the few specialist companies organising good quality trips on

Kilimanjaro.

What to expect With African Walking Company our service starts on the day before the Kilimanjaro climb when

we meet the clients and their trip co-ordinator, who is personally experienced on Kilimanjaro,

gives a thorough briefing. The briefing will include general information about the Kilimanjaro

region, details of the practicalities of the trek and particularly the summit day, a check to

ensure all clients have the required equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro and further detailed

information about the tipping process for the mountain crew. On all Kilimanjaro trips we ensure a ratio of 2 clients to 1 guide. This is particularly important

on the summit day when the harsh conditions mean that some clients will need personal

attention and encouragement. This is the best practice for companies offering Kilimanjaro

climbs – not many operators have this ratio and hence lack the high level of safety and

flexibility it provides. Kilimanjaro is a very busy mountain and we at The African Walking Company aim to look after it.

All the rubbish we generate is carried off Kilimanjaro and we regularly pay our porters to

collect the rubbish of other more careless companies so as to keep Kilimanjaro as clean as

possible. After the trip the clients will be met by their co-ordinator, who will find out how the trip went

and collect written feedback via questionnaires to monitor the quality of our trips.

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Who we are The African Walking Company is owned and managed by people with a love for Tanzania and

Kilimanjaro and together they have many years of experience in the region.

Rich Marsden has a passion for wild

places. He has trekked, guided and climbed

in many areas of the world. His exploits

include cycling solo across the world’s

driest desert, living and studying in The

Arctic region of Scandinavia and guiding

trips throughout the Himalayas and Andes.

He first climbed Kilimanjaro in 1995, and

after a number of subsequent visits he

moved to Tanzania in 2003 to manage The

African Walking Company. In December

2007, he took overall control of the

company and is leading it forward and

developing its already excellent reputation.

Paulo Laizer is the General Manager. He is a Maasai who ensures all parts of your trip run

smoothly. He has led many trips around Tanzania and even now sometimes comes out of the office

to meet and greet clients or accompany them on their trip.

Ngaya Mboya is from the Chagga tribe who live around Kilimanjaro. Before The African Walking

was established in 1999, he worked with other companies arranging Kilimanjaro trips. He is the only

remaining founding Director of the company and his excellent local contacts and practical knowhow

ensure that our mountain operations run smoothly.

Flora Moshi has worked for The African Walking Company since its inception and in 2006 was

invited to be a director. As the company has grown, Flora has taken on greater responsibility, she is

known as ‘Mama Porter’ because she was instrumental in setting up our porter pool, which brings

fairness and regular work to over 500 porters.

Vincent Modaha is our Accounts Manager and demonstrates that The African Walking Company

is full of people who love Kilimanjaro, because whilst he is a qualified accountant, he also has a

Kilimanjaro chief guide’s licence!

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Kilimanjaro Guides and Porters

Our Kilimanjaro crew are very important

to us. We pay a great deal of attention to

finding the right staff and retaining

them. All our staff only work for us and

we run training courses to help them

develop and regularly promote from

within. Some of our current chief guides

started with us as porters and have been

trained and worked their way up to the

highest position.

All our guides know Kilimanjaro very well; they climb it

around 20 times each year! The guides speak English and are

welcoming and helpful towards their clients. Their level of

formal education varies widely, but all have good logistical

capabilities to manage the complexities of porters, camp

routines and cooking.

Each chief guide has a licence from Kilimanjaro National

Park to lead climbs and has his own team of assistant guides

and camp staff that ensure a good level of service on the

mountain. He has the ultimate authority during a climb and

any decisions will be final and reflect The African Walking

Company policy of client’s safety being of utmost

importance.

Our porters make the trips happen behind the scenes. We

have around 500 porters who work for us and their welfare

is very important. The African Walking Company is a member

of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project) which has

guidelines that must be fulfilled before membership is

granted; these include paying a good salary immediately

after the trip and ensuring porters have adequate clothes

and food whilst on Kilimanjaro. In addition each low season

(March to May) we run an English Language School for over

150 of our porters that lasts for 8 weeks.

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Safety and Rescue Medical equipment

Group medical kits with instructions are provided on all climbs and looked after by the chief guide.

All guides have had first aid training. We do not carry PAC (gamow) bags or oxygen cylinders on our

standard climbs. We pay special attention to avoiding altitude sickness by maximising

acclimatisation and the guides training means they can recognise the symptoms of serious altitude

sickness and organise an immediate descent, which is by far the best treatment, on the few

occasions when this is necessary. We also equip all our climbs with a portable stretcher so in the

case of an accident we can evacuate the sick client effectively.

Acclimatisation on mountain trips

Technical descriptions of the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness can be found in many

guidebooks. It is likely that you will experience some form of mild altitude sickness on a high

mountain trek. What follows below is based on practical experience rather than on detailed medical

explanations. Altitude sickness is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the

reduced level of oxygen in the air as one gains altitude. There are many different symptoms but the

most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, sleeplessness and a loss of appetite. These

symptoms can be considered normal for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Very, very rarely serious altitude sickness develops; either cerebral or pulmonary oedema. Cerebral

oedema is recognised by severe headaches combined with severe loss of balance and dizziness,

whilst pulmonary oedema is characterised by crackling noises from the chest and the coughing up of

pink sputum. Both conditions lead rapidly to death unless (and this is the only cure) an immediate

descent is made. Our practical experience is that there are three key steps to achieving successful acclimatisation.

You will probably still suffer some mild symptoms of altitude sickness before adapting to function

normally with reduced levels of oxygen.

Drink lots - We recommend a fluid intake of 4-5 litres daily. Fluid intake improves circulation

and most other bodily functions. Fluid intake does not add to fluid leakage from the body. Our menu

contains lots of soup, hot drinks and fresh fruit. And you need to drink 3 litres of water per day

too! If your urine is clear and copious, you are drinking enough.

Walk slowly - It is vital to place as little strain as possible on the body whilst it is trying to

adapt to a reducing oxygen supply. Unless there is a very steep uphill section, your breathing rate

whilst walking should be as if you are walking down the street at home!

Walk high, sleep low - This means having a well-planned itinerary with afternoon walks to a

higher level than camp to stress your body, before descending to camp to sleep low. All our

itineraries have this, although due to time and the distance to be covered the longer 8 and 9 day

ones have more acclimatisation walks.

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Treatment of altitude sickness

Mild forms of altitude sickness are best treated by rest, maintaining fluid intake and by a painkiller

such as paracetamol. Mild symptoms which have lasted for 24 hours or more can be treated with

Diamox which aids acclimatisation. Some people take Diamox before the climb as prescribed by

their doctor. The use of Diamox in this manner is a personal decision, we as a company think it is

better to listen to your body and give it a chance to acclimatise naturally before resorting to the

use of Diamox.

Serious cases of altitude sickness can only be treated by immediate descent. Our guides are all

experienced in dealing with the problems of altitude and their decision will be final.

General Procedures in case of sickness

As stated above, the chief guide on the trip has received first aid training both from Kilimanjaro

National Park, before he was awarded his licence and also from The African Walking Company. All

our guides undertake a first aid course every 2 years. If there is a problem, the guide takes any

initial action and informs both the national park and also our office in Arusha. Contact is usually by

mobile telephone, as there is network coverage somewhere on each day whilst climbing Kilimanjaro.

There are a number of national park ranger posts on Kilimanjaro and they also have radios to

contact park HQ in Marangu.

Evacuation from Kilimanjaro is initially either on foot (if possible) or by stretcher. This is until the

highest point where the national park rescue car can reach; either Shira Plateau or below Mandara

Hut. This rescue car will transport the sick client off the mountain, but often it is necessary for

our vehicle to meet the rescue car at the national park gate to complete the journey. For example

when being rescued from the Shira Plateau, the rescue car only comes to Londorossi Gate and hence

our vehicle would collect the sick client from here. During the rescue an assistant guide would

accompany the sick client. If the client is very sick the chief guide would accompany the sick client

and leave the group on Kilimanjaro under the charge of his assistant. The client is taken to either a

doctor (KCMC Hospital in Moshi or ALMC Hospital, AAR Clinic or Aga Khan Clinic in Arusha) or as in

many cases, the client has recovered due to losing altitude and they go to a hotel to rest and

recover.

During the rescue the sick client is accompanied by one of the guides and looked after carefully. On

the morning after the rescue the guide would meet the client again and check how they were. At

this time there is telephone communication from Paulo or Ngaya to ensure that the correct medical

care is being offered and the client’s wishes being taken care of. This guide is then available to help

the client in any way, whether they need to go to the doctors or do a short walk around town. The

trip coordinators of African Walking Company are also involved in looking after the recovery of sick

clients as they are conveniently based in Arusha and Marangu. In serious cases, one of the senior

management of the company would visit the client to ensure the treatment and other arrangements

are the best possible.

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Any further arrangements that are needed for the sick client; hotel bookings, flight changes and

transfers can be made through The African Walking Company office. Please note that all extra

services need to be paid for by the client as per our booking conditions, and that US dollars cash is

still the best way to settle these expenses, although credit card can also be used (most of the

time!). Another option is to get Tanzania Sshilling cash from ATM’s in Arusha, Marangu or Moshi.