The very peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Peak and stands at 5895m above sea level....that's nearly 20,000ft.
I stood there 5 months ago gazing across the clear sky with only the peak of Mount Meru visible in the distance above the clouds. Ladies and gentlemen....I cannot express the sense of accomplishment that such a climb brings and believe me when I tell you that the ascent was one of the most physically challenging things I have done in my life. The London Marathon which I ran soon after seemed like a piece of cake in comparison.
For those interested in making the amazing climb I would heartily recommend it. Tanzania is a wonderful country and boasts the best game reserves in the world. Ngorogoro crater is close by to the Kilimanjaro, a huge crater within which an entire safari exists. If any of you are close by to an IMax theatre then I heartily recommend watching "Africa" which was entirely filmed within the crater.
Anyway...back to the climb......
In brief...there are around 7 recognised
ascent routes up Kilimanjaro. Most tourists will take the Marangu route (Coca-Cola) which is a 4-5 day climb and is managable by most reasonably fit individuals. If you fancy something more challenging then try the Machame route (Whiskey). This is the route I took on the basis that it is one of the most beautiful and is probably the hardest climb without actually having to climb per se. For those true mountaineers then the Western Breach is for you.
You can pretty much well organise everything once you are there. The whole town is geared up for tourism and climbs in the peak season leave more than once a day. All equipment can be hired for reasonable amounts and you will also have to arrange for a guide and porter. This is compulsory as this generates revenue for the local population. Bear in mind that everything is paid in US$.
Once you decide on the ascent route then the preliminary day should be spent organising equipment. The tent, cooking utensils, food and drink will all be arranged for you and carried by the porters.
Here's a basic equipment guide :
1. A very good sleeping bag (-15 degree rating minimum). It can get very very cold at the summit especially with wind-chill sometimes as low as -20 degrees or less. 2. Multiple layers of thermal clothing including a wind-proof jacket. 3. HAT-----MUST MUST HAVE!. This keeps your body heat conserved. Make sure it covers your ears too. 4. GLOVES------MUST HAVE!. Same reason. I took two layers of gloves. A thin cotton inner and a waterproof outer. 5. At least two layers of socks. 6. A good set of worn in walking boots. 7. A walking stick....trust me...you'll need it when you get near to the top. 8. Lots of chocolate and glucose tablets....with the altitude you'll loose your apetite so it is vital to keep energy reserves up. 9. Paracetamol...for headaches which you will have for sure. 10. A camera...you want pictures 11. A mobilephone....you can call home from the top! 12. A reliable torch 13. Toothbrush and toothpaste 14. Some money for tips for the porters at the end. It is not compulsory to give tips at the end but generally you should give the guide around $20 per day, cook $10 and porters $5. Maybe slightly less but that is what I gave them. This is per group...not per person. 14. Everything else will be carried for you by the porters.
I won't tell you about the climb itself as you will experience this for yourself but it is quite spectacular.
I will just limit myself to giving you tips for the final ascent to the top.
This begins at midnight in the freezing cold. You have to do this so as to reach the top by 2pm before the mist rolls in. Take things very very slowly (pole pole). It is a very hard 8-9 hour climb and the air gets really thin up there. Do NOT smoke even if you are desparate. Firstly your cigarette will not burn and secondly you are likely to nearly pass out. That happened to me! Make sure you have multiple layers of clothing on every part of your body. The ridge which leads to Gillian's peak is very exposed and is colder than you can imagine. Well...it was -15 degrees when I went. Don't stop at Gillian's peak...keep going otherwise you will loose the will to get to the final peak. Stay at the peak for photos and a light rest only....Don't go to sleep otherwise you can die up there. In any case the guide will not let you come to any harm.
The guides are fantastic. Theses guides are trained for years and are licenced by the Tanzanian government. They will ensure your absolute safety and also provide interesting conversation on your climb. Treat them well.
The holiday (if you care to call it that) is likely to cost around £1200-1400 for around 10 days all inclusive including the climb. Maybe a little more if you intend to go on safari. Its not cheap by any standards but it is a once in a lifetime experience.
At the end of the climb you get a lovely signed certificate to prove your place in history!
Trust me when I say that you'll never be short of a dinner time story after you do this. In my books it should one of the 100 things to do in life.
When I was climbing I met a 64 year old teacher from the states and he was climbing faster than I was..so clearly age is not a problem!
I heartily recommend this holiday for anyone who is looking for a lifetime experience. It will, I'm sure, change you in a small way.
Best of Luck!
PS One last piece of advice. Make sure you have your Yellow Fever certificate with proof it was administered 10 days before entry. It is mandatory. I didn't and had to bribe the imigration officer $50 to let me in!
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Very good review. I liked the anecdote about not smoking on summit night. I found I didn't want to smoke the entire time I was on the mountain, it just didn't feel right and two months after returning I stopped for good, so it must have had a positive effect on me!
arnoldhenryrufus 22.09.2005 12:06
Great review and very helpful - passed it on to my friend that is going to do the climb next week - lyn x
Cazz 12.08.2001 20:59
Fantastic achievement/experience, well-captured in this vivid op. Good to see you writing again and thanks for the COT, Cazz xx
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