Mt. Kilimanjaro
National Park
The Great White Roof of Africa Towering 19,340 feet in the air,
Mount Kilimanjaro is - quite literally - the "roof" of Africa. The
tallest point on the continent, Kili's Uhuru Peak is not only one of the Seven
Summits that all professional climbers seek to conquer; it is one that
thousands of amateur hikers experience each year as well. Whether you're a
seasoned pro or just a weekend athlete, however, you need to be prepared and
informed before tackling Kilimanjaro.
There are several
different routes up the mountain, so choosing the one that’s right for you is
very important. This guide seeks to explain a few things that every Kili
climber needs to know. As a Kili climb provider, we specialize in mountain
expeditions that make your journey safe, informative and comfortable. Our
guides not only know the routes, the sights and the shortcuts, they supply the
personality and attitude that greatly enhance your enjoyment of Kilimanjaro.
There are several
other things to consider before hitting the trail.
Altitude - At the top of Kilimanjaro, the
amount of oxygen available is roughly half that at sea level. That means your
lungs are literally working double time. Most organized climbs allow for one to
three days rest on the ascent to allow your body to acclimatize. However,
altitude sickness can still be a problem for some, and that means headaches,
dizziness, nausea and stiffness. While all climbers should bring aspirin and/or
ibuprofen along, those prone to altitude sickness should their doctor about the
prescription drug Diamox.
Mountain Huts - When reviewing information about
climbing Kili, you'll hear about a variety of huts that are available for
overnight stays. The word "hut" is misleading - these building are
closer to chalets, the largest sleeping up to 200 people. They are also only
used for the Marangu Route
Tipping - If you choose to travel with an
organized tour, be prepared to tip your guide, your cook and your porters for
their hard work. A good guideline (in US dollars): $10/day for the guide,
$8/day for the cook, and $5/day for your porter.
Time of Year - Kilimanjaro can be climbed at
any time of year, although you may want to avoid the two rainy seasons (late
March to mid-June and October to the beginning of December) when the route
becomes slippery.
Danger - Unfortunately, every year
brings one or more fatalities on the mountain due to heart attacks, exposure,
falling rocks and other calamities. Be informed, be prepared, follow the rules,
and you should have a safe climb.
