Qns: When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Ans: It is possible to climb
Mount Kilimanjaro all year round; however the months outside of
the rainy seasons are more desirable. The best months are from
December to March, and July to October. The finest weather is
usually at the beginning of the year from January to March,
which are typically the warmest and driest months of the year.
Qns: Will I need to purchase travel insurance?
Ans: It is essential that you
are adequately insured for the activities that you wish to do.
Your insurance policy should specifically cover cancellations,
interruption, delays and unforeseeable expenses as well as any
high risk activities that you wish to undertake.
Travel insurance covers expenses such as:
trip cancellation, interruption
or delays
emergency accident and sickness
24-hour emergency medical assistance
lost, damaged, stolen or delayed
baggage
Qns: How fit will I need to be?
Ans: Anyone of reasonable fitness
should be capable of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. You just need
to have well preparation, determination and courage as Mount Kilimanjaro
isn't a technique climbing mountain. The Kilimanjaro National
Park authority allows children from 12 years to an old man of
80 years.
Qns: Which route should I choose?
Ans: There are six routes used
to climb Kilimanjaro and one for descent only (Mweka route), each
has its own characteristics and offers a different perspective
and challenge. The most popular route is the Marangu route; or
Coca Cola route as it is also known, which attracts the majority
of all visitors to Kilimanjaro. Machame; or Whisky route as it
is known is also a very popular route and as a result can also
be very busy; these routes are typically completed in minimum
of 6 days or more. Umbwe route is the shortest but toughest of
all the routes to the top and can be accomplished with minimum
of 5 days as Marangu.
The other three routes which are Shira, Lemosho
and Rongai are less used routes but having beautiful scenic as
you trek. Lemosho and Shira routes approach Kibo from the West
while Rongai route approaches from the North. These three routes
can be completed in 6-8 days and allows a chance to have acclimatization
which increases chance of reaching the Uhuru Peak.
Qns: How many people will be in a group?
Ans: Depending on your wish
you can climb alone or join a bigger group. We normally trek everyday
on the mountain and equalize or service to each individual.
Qns: What clothing & equipment should
I take?
Ans: You do not require any
technical equipment on Mount Kilimanjaro; however you will experience
changing weather conditions and be exposed to temperatures ranging
from +30 degrees to -25 degrees, so you should be prepared for
this. You should take thin layers that can be added, or taken
away depending on the weather conditions.
Normally a maximum of 20 Kg is carried by one
porter and a minimum of 2 porters are require for a single client.
Basically we will advice you accordingly what to carry and what
to leave to minimize luggage on Kilimanjaro. But remember there
is a limit to the weight that the porters can carry and your kit
bag must be a maximum of 20Kg. You will also have a rucksack that
will contain your basic kit for a days walking. See
rough idea of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro gears and equipments
list.
Qns: How far will I trek each day?
Ans: On average you will walk
between 3 and 6 miles per day, apart from the summit night when
you will walk up to 15 miles. You will usually start your
days trekking around 8 a.m and walk for between 4 and 8 hours
per day (longer on summit night).
Qns: What food will be provided on the
mountain?
Ans: Please see our meals menu
plan which trekking or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by click here.
Normally all the suppliers are carried by your porter and they
are kept in a clean place and all the time fresh. Your cook will
be cooking for your all the energetic food while on the mount
and expect three meals each day. If you need a special diet or
you are a vegetarian please inform as in advance please so we
can have arrange for you. We really advice you to eat as much
as you can while on mountain as altitude tends to make people
loose appetite.
Qns: What do I need for my preparation
travel to Africa - Tanzania?
Ans: Please see the important
information (including how to get Visa, Vaccination, safety etc)
on Tanzania Travel Facts by click
here.
Qns: Is the water safe to drink?
Ans: Apart from the first day
when you will bring bottled water from the hotel for your first
days walking, the porters will collect your drinking water daily
from streams located near the camps. Although the water is generally
clean enough to drink, your porters will boil enough water for
your next day walking. You may wish to bring additional water
treatment tablets, if you have a particularly sensitive stomach.
Qns: Do you have a question that you still need answered?
Ans: We have tried to include
as much frequently asked questions from our past extreme clients.
Please feel free to ask any question and we will be happy to answer
you. For more information please contact us by
click here.