TANZANIA
Day 1 – Springland Hotel – Moshi
Day 2 – Mandara Hut
Day 3 – Horombo Hut
Day 4 – Horombo Hut (Acclimatization)
Day 5 – Kibo Hut
Day 6 – Uhuru Peak, then Horombo Hut
Day 7 – Springland Hotel – Moshi
Day 8 – Departure
MOST OF YOUR CLOTHING THAT YOU ARE NOT ACTUALLY WEARING WILL BE CARRIED BY YOUR PORTER. ALTHOUGH A GUIDE WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPANY YOU ON THE TRAIL YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO SEE YOUR PORTER EXCEPT AT THE HUTS OR THE CAMPS. THEREFORE IT IS IMPORTANT YOU PACK CAREFULLY THE SMALLER DAY PACK YOU CARRY YOURSELF. ANYTHING YOU NEED DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY SHOULD BE IN YOUR DAY PACK INCLUDING, MOST IMPORTANTLY, SOMETHING WARM AND SOMETHING WATERPROOF.
LIGHT CLOTHING IS GENERALLY SUFFICIENT UNTIL YOU REACH THE 3-4000 METRE / 12-14,000 FEET ALTITUDE RANGE PROVIDED YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING WARM AND WATERPROOF RIGHT WITH YOU. BEYOND THESE ALTITUDES, EVEN IF THE MORNINGS ARE GLORIOUS, YOU MUST ALWAYS BE READY FOR DRAMATIC CHANGES IN THE WEATHER, INCLUDING SNOW STORMS. YOU MUST HAVE CLOTHING RIGHT WITH YOU ADEQUATE TO THE CONDITIONS.
IT IS FOR THE FINAL ASCENT THAT ALL YOUR WARM CLOTHING IS IMPORTANT. THE ASCENTS ARE NORMALLY DONE AT NIGHT AND THIS IS WHEN THE COLDEST TEMPERATURES ARE EXPERIENCED. YOU MUST BE PREPARED FOR TEMPERATURES OF MINUS 25 CELSIUS/ MINUS 13 FAHRENHEIT. AS A RULE YOU SHOULD WEAR 2 PAIRS OF SOCKS, 3 LAYERS ON THE LEGS, 4 -5 LAYERS ON TOP. A BALACLAVA OR SKIMASK IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE
HEAD WARM AND YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOOD TO PROTECT YOUR HEAD FROM WIND. MITTENS AND DARK GLASSES.
NOTE: THE BAG THE PORTER CARRIES FOR YOU SHOULD NOT EXCEED 15KGS/33LBS. IF BAGS ARE TOO HEAVY ITEMS MAY HAVE TO BE REMOVED OR THE CLIMBER MAY CHOOSE TO HIRE AN ADDITIONAL PORTER.
1. ANORAK/PARKA WITH HOOD
2. MITTENS
3. BALACLAVA/SKIMASK
4. SKI SUNGLASSES
5. SCARF
6. 2 PAIRS WARM TROUSERS
7. THERMAL UNDERPANTS AND VEST/LONG SLEEVED
8. 6 PAIRS SOCKS THIN AND THICK
9. T-SHIRTS X 3, LONGSLEEVE SHIRTS X 2-3
10. SWEATER/FLEECE X 1
11. WATERPROOF TROUSERS AND JACKET
12. SUNPROOF HAT
13. BOOTS AND TRAINERS/SANDALS
14. SMALL FIRST AID KIT
15. DAY PACK
16. WATER BOTTLES 2 X 1 LTR
17. SLEEPING BAG
18. MATTRESS /THERMAREST-CAMPING ONLY
19. HEADACHE TABLETS
20. IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)
21. DIAMOX
22. TOWEL/SOAP/TOILETRIES
23. TORCH/FLASHLIGHT AND SPARE BATTERIES
24. GAITERS
25. SUNBLOCK/IN DAY PACK
26. CAMERA, FILM,BATTERIES
You are met at the Airport or in Arusha City, drive to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5hrs
Distance: Approximately 12kms
Habitat: Montane forest
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either after 1.5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.) Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Overnight – Mandara Hut
Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel(Senecia Kilimanjaro), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal.
Horombo hut (3720m) .
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest
Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Overnight: Kibo Hut.
(Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8hrs to Uhuru, 6hrs to get to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: Approximately 27kms
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight or to Arusha to start your safari.
A. PHYSICAL FITNESS
Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and the rigors of altitude should not be underestimated. Remember that Uhuru peak is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp!! The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the climb but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length, as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming and funnily enough aerobics are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes is helpful but don’t overdo it just before the climb.
B. ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMITIZATION
Altitudes are generally defined as follows:-
· High altitude 2,400m – 4,200m
· Very high altitude 4,200m – 5,400m
· Extreme altitude above 5,400m (Uhuru peak is 5,895m)
During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swell of ankles and fingers.
These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours.
C. PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
The following first aid materials are important: –
· Painkillers (asprin/paracetamol)
· Antihistamines
· Blister treatment
· Imodium or other antidiarrhoeal tablets
· Plaster/Band aids
· Antiseptic wipes
· Dressings, especially pressure relief for blisters
· Talcum powder
· Malaria tablets
· Sun block for skin and lips
· Antacids
· Cold cure sachets
· Oral rehydration salts/sachets
· Insect repellent
· Sanitary towels
· Etc.
D. OTHER HEALTH TIPS
All contact lens wearers should take care to remove the lenses at night, as the eye needs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The rarefied conditions of altitude reduce oxygen levels and in extreme cases a Corneal Oedema can develop.
E. EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In the event of an emergency on the mountain the rescue team plus one of the assistant guides will descend with the casualty to the park gate. At the gate the casualty will be taken care and the necessary arrangements will be done.
F. PHOTOGRAPHY
Cameras whether Video or film, need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. Do not keep in your backpack at higher elevations. A selection of lenses will aid the final results although weight and bulk will obviously influence your selection. A polarized or neutral density filter is recommended, as is slide film rather than print. Bring your own film as it can be hard to find and expensive in Tanzania.
For digital equipment, check with the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness and general hardiness.
DO’s AND DONT’s (precautions)
HELP TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Waste Disposal: “Pack it in, Pack it out”.
Litter is not only ugly but can be harmful to people. Buried litter may be dug up by animals, and burning it is illegal, so – “ Pack it in – Pack it out” Until the appropriate disposal area.
PROTECT YOURSELF.
Watch your steps: In highland areas watch for
Stinging nettles: – Plants which cause temporary painful irritation to bare skin, and
May even sting through clothes. Shorts are not recommended where these occur.
Ants: – These are small shiny brown ants that move rapidly in dense columns trails. They are carnivores and if you step in them they crawl up your legs and start chewing. Tuck your trouser cuffs into to your socks, and watch where you step.
DRESS RIGHT:
Be prepared for different physical extremes.
– In the Lowlands, shade temperatures can reach 35˚C and shade may sometimes be scarce
– In the Highlands it may freeze at night. Fine weather can change very quickly to fog or rain. To keep you warm, wool and synthetics are better than cotton, but to keep you cool cotton is best.
Always protect yourself from the sun.
– A hat reduces the risk of sunstroke.
– Protect your eyes with dark glasses.
– Protect your skin with clothes or sun block lotion.
PEOPLE: – You are the guest of the locals and Tanzanians in general. Please treat them with respect.
– Always ask your guide to seek permission before photographing people or anything.
– Avoid roadside photographic deals. They encourage resident people to harass tour vehicles. Never give anything to children from a car or by the roadside – you could cause the death of a child who runs out into the road to beg from cars.
PARK ENVIRONMENTS:
– Try to avoid any interaction with wildlife. Wild animals particularly buffalo and elephants may attack if surprised or provoked.
– As the general Remark please observes all the park rules, your Guide will explain to you or you can read AT THE PARK Gate there are Precautions notice.
REQUIRED GEAR.
This is also available for rental at Moshi.
1. Sleeping bag.
2. Thick Sweater
3. Full rain suit
4. Rain suit pants
5. Duffel bag
6. Day pack rucksack
7. Long gaiters
8. Walking stick
9. Flashlight
10. Balaclava
11. Gloves
12. Mountain boots.
Travel Connections wishes you all a successful mountain climb.
