Kilimanjaro - frequently asked questions

Answers to most common questions.

How many days should one take to climb Kilimanjaro?

This all depends on your budget and time you have for the trip, but we recommend that you do not take less than 6 days. Although the Marangu route is normally 5 days, we suggest you add an extra day on for a trek to Mawenzi Peaks to aid acclimatisation. For all other routes, we suggest you add on a day and make it 7. For Umbwe, Shira, Lemosho and Machame you would stay the extra day at Karanga Valley. For Rongai, you would spend an extra day at Mawenzi.

What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?

You can climb any month of the year. However, the warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

How many kilometres does one cover each day?

It is more reasonable to measure each day in hours walked rather than distance, as the higher the elevation, the slower the longer it takes. Generally, you will walk about 4-7 hours per day depending on the pace of the group. This does NOT include your summit day where you may trek up to 12 or 14 hours.

Why do we make the final ascent at midnight, rather than at dawn?

The early hours of the morning bring the calmest weather on the mountain, i.e. lower winds and less cloud. This makes for an easier summit, albeit that it is of, course, colder. As the weather is clearer, it means that you are most likely to get clearer views at dawn from the summit, across the crater and surrounding areas. In addition, as the winds pick up on the summit around 09h00, it is best to avoid being at that altitude in high winds as temperature can drip rapidly and cloud can close in.

What are the different routes on the mountain?

There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same.

How much weight will I have to carry during the day?

You will carry a day pack of about 3-5kg. This will hold your camera, snacks, emergency medicine, water, fleece and headlamp etc.

How much must my gear weigh and what must I bring it in?

The kit bags should be about 33 x 33 x 75cm bag. This one can take everything including your sleeping bags and an extra thermal mattress if you wanted. The weight limit is 15kg but we ask clients to try and keep it at no more than 12kg. This must be packed in a waterproof duffel bag or large rucksack for the porters to carry.

How many porters will each climber have?

The usual ratio is three porters per climber but dependant on the number of single tents, weight of kit bags etc this may go up to 4 or 5.

What are the huts on the Marangu Route like?

The huts are just large enough for four bunks built against the walls of A-frame cubicles. Gear is stored on the floor. The huts accommodate a number of people, from 4, 6 8 and 12. Beds have mattresses but many clients like to take their own small thermal inflatable ones as and toilet facilities are shared and are outside of the bungalows.

How does the water supply on the mountain work? Does each person get 5 litres per day?

On your first day, you will carry about 1.5 litres with you, which you will buy fresh at the hotel the night before you head out. Then, on the mountain, please give your empty water bottles to your guide each day on arrival, and ask him to get the cook or who-ever, to boil water and fill them for you.

Approximately how much water should you carry with you per day?

You need to consume between 3-5 litres per day. 3 litres lower down and by the time you hit Kibo or Barafu, 4/5 litres a day. (The rule is 1l per 1000m) However, please DO NOT attempt to carry 5 litres as they get very heavy. The best thing is to spread your water intake out over the course of the day. So at breakfast, have about 3 cups of T or Coffee. Take 1.5 litres with you. On arrival at camp, drink 2 cups of T with your popcorn or more if you can. At dinner, drink another 2 cups. This way you stay hydrated all day without carrying the weight. I have only ever carried up to 2 litres a day.

Is it necessary to carry water purified tablets with you, and how much?

This really is a matter of choice. I have never used them on Kilimanjaro as the water is boiled. If you are prone to a very sensitive stomach, it may benefit you but then make sure you buy ones with little after taste.

On the water issue, you need to also pack something like Game, an isotonic drink which provides energy and nutrients. It also masks the flavour of the water and thus serves a dual purpose. However, it is important NOT to mix it at normal strength, as it may make you feel nauseous depending on how altitude affects you. So we normally recommend you mix it at 3/4 or 1/2 strength.

What happens if some members of the party need to turn back before the summit?

No one is forced to go on. There are always enough staff to split the party according to need and regroup later at the camp. If some party members decide not to climb the final distance they can wait for the climbers to come back down the same way or take a lateral path to the descent route.

What kind of help is available in case of an emergency?

We always have a first aid kit close at hand. More serious injuries are rare. Porters will assist injured climbers to the base of the mountain and onward to a clinic or hospital. Those that cannot walk will be carried down by porters or on stretchers.

Can one be emergency airlifted off the mountain?

There are only two places on the mountain that helicopters can reach, Karanga Valley and Barafu. Emergency vehicles can come up to Shira Camp but response time of the Parks Authorities is notoriously low. Often the quickest way off the mountain, is on foot or stretcher.

Should I bring snacks?

Some people like extra snacks like nuts or chocolate. If you do bring chocolate, make sure it does not contain toffee as this freezes at altitude and you many need serious tooth repair. The same applies to snack bars. Snackers, oats bars etc are normally fine. Also, avoid sweets you have to suck on like glucose sweets. Given that you may be breathing through your mouth, it may take all your energy to keep sucking on a sweet.

Will I encounter lots of snow and ice?

Yes. Ice and snow can be found year-round on the mountain's upper reaches. There are massive glaciers, ice fields, and towering walls of ice that blaze in the equatorial sun. While the glaciers have recently receded, probably due to global warming, they remain, for now, an overpowering and unforgettable sight. You should not, however, land up walking on ice. This occurs in the rarest occasions. You may trek through limited amounts of snow at the summit.

What temperatures can I expect?

The daytime temperatures tend to range around 32 to 38 degrees C in the forest, to anything from -2 to 6 degrees at the summit. Nights tend to range from 10 degrees down to well below freezing. Summit temperatures can drop below –20C. A general rule of thumb is that with every 200 metres in altitude climbed; the temperatures drop by a degree.

What it’s the minimum age limit for climbers?

The official minimum age is 12, but we don’t like anyone under 15 to attempt the trek.

How, other than spending extra time on the mountain can I acclimitise?

Another option for acclimatisation is to climb Mt Meru first, a sister volcano, in a 3 or 4 day trek. Accommodation on this trek is in dormitory style Huts, men and women sharing.

What amount should we give in tips?

Tips for guides and porters are about USD$110-$130 per person and should be given to the guide at the end of the trip.

Is the Western Breach Arrow Glacier an option?

No, as of today, the Kilimanjaro National Parks authority has closed off the Western Breach route via Arrow Glacier to the summit of Kilimanjaro. With global warming, the glaciers are melting and resulting in numerous rock falls. Tragedy struck in late 2005, when rock falls in the breach resulted in the death of three tourists.

With all that snow around up high, is there a risk of there being ice and the need for crampons - or is it really just thick trudging type conditions?

No, there is no need for crampons and you won't experience ice conditions. The snow is normally a light dusting, as it has been of late at only 2cm. The path from Barranco to Summit transverses some rock areas just above 4600m, and then you hit the volcanic scree. It does get quite icy at night and really "crunches under foot" as you walk over it. Ice picks and crampons were only ever needed on the Western Breach route, which is now permanently closed. You will only encounter snow about 4800m, but mainly from about half way to summit/Stella point that you will find snow.

Can I charge my camera equipment on the mountain?

Sadly, no, no electricity on the mountain, though you can buy a beer or soda at some camps like Barafu and Mweka. However, for the camera batteries, remember that altitude diminishes battery life so please go armed with more batteries that you would normally use over a 10 day period, for a standard 6/7 day trek.

Can I train for altitude?

No, unless you already live at a high altitude e.g. 4000m, you cannot train. All you can do is go on climbs to higher altitude than you are to determine how you will react. You must stick by the rules: a) walk slowly b) breath at the pace you walk, i.e. two breaths in for two paces, two breaths out per two paces etc c) drink 3-5 litres of water a day d) carry diamox with you, which is optional, but cannot be taken if you are allergic to sulphur.

Further Questions?

If you have further questions, then please feel free to contact us anytime.

E-mail: info@makaluadventure.com

 

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