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1 |
When is the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro? |
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Even though one can climb throughout
the year, January, February and September are the best months,
with June, July, August, October and December also being good. |
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2 |
Does climbing the Kilimanjaro involve
technicalities? |
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Not at all. Any person in good physical
condition can climb and reach the summit. You should be able to run
for half an hour or more without feeling short of breath. No one
with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3000
meters. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the
mountain at all without consulting their doctors. Being in the right
mental state is important. Do not push yourself to go if your body
is exhausted, or if you have extreme mountain sickness or more
serious symptoms. |
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3 |
Can Children climb Kilimanjaro? |
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The minimum age limit set by the National Park
Authorities for trekking to Uhuru Peak is 12 years old. |
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4 |
What is the weather like on Mt. Kilimanjaro? |
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Equatorial to arctic conditions are present on
the Kilimanjaro. The range begins with the warm, dry plains with
average temperatures of 30 c, ascends through a wide belt of wet
tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing
temperatures and rainfall, to the summit where there is
permanent ice and below freezing temperatures. The temperature at the top of the
mountain get as Low as minus 25 degrees Celcius. |
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5 |
How long does it take to reach the summit? |
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Climbing through
the Marangu route, one can reach the summit in 5 or 6 days,
including one day of descending. On the Machame, Lemosho, and
other routes it is normal for one to reach the summit in 6 or 7
days including one day of descending. |
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6 |
What kind of
climbing gear do I need? |
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You need to have
the following stuff for your climbing:
Boots, thermal underwear, warm clothes-
top and pants, water/Windproof Pants and shell, socks (at least
6pairs- to be changed at least once on the way up), winter
hat/balaclava (cover head and ears), water bottle, gators (for wind
and mud), gloves (water/wind proof), neck warmer or scarf,
sunglasses, flash lights, and batteries, walking stick, sleeping
tent (for all other routes other than Marangu), sleeping bag and
rain wear. Please be
advised that we do provide sleeping tent and mattresses on our
climbs. |
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7 |
Can we leave excess luggage behind whilst on trekking
? |
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Yes,
you can leave the stuff, which you don’t need to carry with you
up the mountain at the hotel, or in our office. Valuable items
including cash should be specified. |
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8 |
How do I cope with change of altitude? |
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As you ascend the
oxygen in the air decreases. Low oxygen in the blood causes
shortness of breath during exertion, increased ventilation and
heart-beats. You can acclimatize/adapt to the altitude by
ascending slowly and pacing yourself, avoiding exertion and
breathing regularly and deeply. |
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9 |
Are rescue facilities available? |
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Yes. Only Marangu
route has reliable, equipped rescue team. Rescue services on
other routes, is done by contacting the Park Headquarters who
will then quickly send the rescue team. The mountain rescue fees
covers rescue service from the top to the base of the mountain.
We recommend flying doctor service membership to
cover from the base of the mountain to your hospital.
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10 |
What kind of accommodation is available during
climbing? |
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Only Marangu route offers accommodation in a
dormitory style huts- having beds and mattresses. All other
routes offer accommodation in tents. There is a very limited
number of climbers on Marangu route allowed, making a necessity
for a well in advance booking. |
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11 |
What's the food like during the climb?
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Our typical food on
the mountain includes:
Breakfast: coffee, tea,
porridge, fruits, fruit juice, scrambled eggs/omelet, sausage,
toast, margarine, honey and jam.
Lunch: hot tea, coffee,
chips, sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes with honey or jam, and fruits
Dinner: soup, cooked meat
or vegetarian meal (these include chicken/beaf with rice, sliced fresh carrots
and green beans, mashed potatoes, and salads), fruits, and fruit
juice, and variety of hot drinks. |
