Spending
money, tips, gifts, etc: $300 - $500 spending money should be sufficient
for main meals, extra beverages and goodies while in Tanzania, more if
you plan to purchase souvenirs. Be sure to save $20 for your airport departure
tax.
$200 should be reserved for gratuities. It is common practice to pool
and divide tips for your guides, porters, drivers and other staff if service
has been good. A $75 - $100 pp contribution into the tip pool is sufficient
for the crew on Kili; $75 - $100 for the Serengeti safari crew. If you
receive special attention or require additional assistance from a staff
member, you may want to reward that person privately. Additionally, leaving
clothing/gear that you no longer need, will be much appreciated.
Small, inexpensive gifts such as pens, key chains, nail clippers, T-shirts,
etc. are much appreciated if someone shows you a special courtesy or favor.
TRAINING:
Climbing Kilimanjaro involves a long stretch of uphill terrain, then a
long descent. This can prove physically tiring, and can put a lot of stress
on your knees and on the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thighs.
The best training is to walk up and down hills as much as possible. If
you don't have access to hiking in the hills, training on exercise machines
such as a "Stairmaster", riding a bike or jogging will be beneficial.
Also, try putting a pack on your back to increase the strength training
associated with walking or jogging. Take stairs whenever possible rather
than an elevator. Climbing Kili will be both mentally and physically strenuous,
and the time you put into physical training before you go will definitely
be rewarded. Please call us to discuss your specific training program.
MACHAME ROUTE Kili is probably the most popular
climb in Africa, and it's easy to see why. Terrain on the ascent varies
from dusty desert, through lush forests, alpine tundra to glacial snow
and ice at the top. All the while there are huge desert vistas and wonderful
wildlife to admire, and the final sections around the crater rim (ideally
done at dawn) are nothing short of spectacular. To reach the Uhuru Peak,
we'll be taking the Machame Route, climbing a natural, rather than manmade
path, which is more demanding but is the much quieter and scenic route
up the mountain. We'll camp overnight in tents, which are carried and
pitched by our accompanying porters. Highlights of this route are the
Shira Plateau, where we will spend two nights, the Barranco Wall and the
Karanga Valley; we'll be reaching the summit, Uhuru, via Stella Point.
Because this route is more taxing, it is recommended that you be physically
fit and take each day very slowly. With the additional day built in to
our trek itinerary, you should have ample acclimatization time with a
very good chance of reaching the summit.
Temperatures: Being only 3° south of the Equator, altitude affects
the temperature as the trek progresses. Daytime temperatures on the lower
parts of the mountain can be pleasantly warm, even hot and muggy (~85°F
at the beginning of the trek), although a brief rain shower in the afternoon
can drop temperatures to below freezing. Certainly, we will find freezing
temperatures at the summit. The climatic changes experienced while climbing
Kilimanjaro are roughly equivalent to hiking from the Equator to the South
Pole in six days!
Altitude: Although many people successfully reach Uhuru Peak without
any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they
suffer from altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs as
a result of failing to adapt to a higher altitude. The early symptoms
include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness and
weakness. One should never ascend to higher elevations if suffering any
of these symptoms. Luckily, the majority of these symptoms will disappear
quickly by returning to lower altitudes. One must pay attention and be
willing to recognize them when they occur.
To prevent AMS, it is very important that you drink plenty of fluids,
maintain a healthy diet, and acclimatize properly by ascending slowly
and steadily each day. Keep in mind the Swahili mantra: Pole pole ndio
mwendo. "Slow, slow is the way to go." Even if you are fit, you should
not try to rush up Kilimanjaro. Interesting fact: Uhuru Peak is about
2000 feet higher than Everest base camp.
Toilet: There are toilet facilities at each campsite and at our
lunch stops each day. You should bring your own supply of toilet paper.
For dealing with stuffy nose, We recommend using handkerchiefs or bringing
your own tissues.
Clothing: On the mountain, weather conditions are highly variable.
Hiking at the lower elevations, lightweight trousers and shirts will work
well. Gaiters and waterproof clothing are recommended. As we increase
in altitude, layering your clothes will essential. Clothes for a cold,
windy environment will be very important, particularly on summit day,
as well as warm gloves, head cover and insulated socks. While a down jacket
is not essential, it will come in handy if the weather turns extremely
cold in the evenings and early mornings.
It's a good idea to break in your hiking boots by taking a couple of extended
(6-8 hour) walks before coming out. As you pack, remember you'll be wearing
basically the same set of clothing for consecutive days, so no need to
double up on everything. Always keep in mind that a porter will be carrying
your bag up the mountain; the weight limit for you bag on the climb is
around 30 lbs. (See clothing and equipment list below.)
Safari clothing should be of a neutral color (khaki, green, brown, etc.).
White, light and camouflaged colored clothing is not recommended. Perfume,
after-shave and citrus scents should be avoided; citrus, in fact, attracts
elephants!