Mt Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro View From Moshi

By: Donovan on November 3, 2005 | # | Comments (0) | Prices (tag)

This is a great view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from Moshi town. Normally Kilimanjaro doesn't look like a huge mountain. As you can see, however, the mountain sits high up in the surrounding highlands.

Photo courtesy of John Holman

Medical Insurance For Kilimanjaro

By: Donovan on November 2, 2005 | # | Comments (0) | Planning (tag), Resources (tag)

Almost all mountaineering companies make you get some sort of medical insurance for your climb up Kilimanjaro. If you don't have any medical insurance that will cover you climbing a mountain, in a different country, then it's best you shop for a policy in case something happens. Plus, most foreign companies will not take you up the mountain, unless you can provide proof of insurance. I am sure there are some local companies in Tanzania that don't care if you have insurance, but that's a risk you choose to take.

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Pre-hike, Post-hike

By: Donovan on November 1, 2005 | # | Comments (0) | Opinion (tag), Routes up Kilimanjaro (tag)

Since Kilimanjaro climbers bring an enormous tax revenue into the country, you would think that the Tanzanian government would do its best to invest in good roads, and to actually help their tourists get to the starting points of the routes. But just like any developing country, nobody quite knows where all that money goes. It definitely doesn't go toward roads, infrastructure, or even toiliets (which is big cement hole surrounded by a tin shed). The starting point for the Machame route, now the second most popular route on Kilimanjaro, is sometimes a big pain in the ass to get to. Many times, the vehicles can't make it up the final steep hill. It's usually a huge mud pit, and sometimes clients have to walk up to the starting point.

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Prepare for the Worst

By: Donovan on October 31, 2005 | # | Comments (0) | Gear (tag), Opinion (tag)

Like most mountains of the world, the weather on mountains are subject to extreme weather conditions. This extreme conditions - like snow, ice, wind, hail - can happen in the warmest, best times of year. Some weather analysts say that, due to global warming, extreme weather conditions happen more frequently now in places like Kilimanjaro, since it's on the equator and subject to minor changes in the environment.

Traditionally February is the best time of year for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro - that said, I have seen snow storms that last for days. I have seen 10 days of rain in the middle of August, another dry month for climbing the mountain..

What does all this mean? Be over preprepared. Expect the worst - always. And if rains or snows on the mountain, at least you come both physcially and mentally prepared.

Waterproof Duffel

By: Donovan on October 28, 2005 | # | Comments (0) | Gear (tag)

While many people bring backpacks to Mt. Kilimanjaro, there are also some other bags that work well for going up the mountain. The North Face Base Camp Duffel is my personal favorite - and works well because it's waterproof and very durable with great straps. You can also use the North Face Duffel on other types of expeditions, like rafting or desert trips. Take into consideration these types of waterproof duffels are not good for backpacking, but they are good for carrying gear up the mountain and on safari. They do have backpack straps, without a hip strap, so you can carry them on your back if needed. But I wouldn't backpack with it for multiple days.

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An Extra Day

By: Donovan on October 27, 2005 | # | Comments (0) | Opinion (tag), Planning (tag), Warnings (tag)

The top of Mt. Kilimanjaro is about the same height as Everest Base Camp. To reach the top of Kilimanjaro, it can take you five or six days. To reach the top of Everest Base Camp, it usually take two solid weeks. What does all this mean? It's means that you shouldn't rush up Mt. Kilimanjaro, like most people do.

Since it's expensive to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, many inexperienced people climb the mountain in sometimes five or six days. The problem is, many don't make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness. The key to summitting Kilimanjaro is spending an extra day on the mountain - let your body acclimate, and you will have a much higher probability of making it to the top of Uhuru peak.

Yes, it's going to cost you some extra money - maybe $100 to $150 - but you have already made the investment of traveling to Tanzania, buying all your your tours, visas, shots, etc. A little extra money can the make the difference of not only reaching the summit, but actually enjoying yourself and not coming down with altitude sickness.

Kilimanjaro View From Moshi

Medical Insurance For Kilimanjaro

Pre-hike, Post-hike

Prepare for the Worst

Waterproof Duffel

An Extra Day

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