Climbing Kilimanjaro
Oct 16th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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Climbing Kilimanjaro
Hi ..
My boyfriend and I would like to climb Kilimanjaro and are seeking as much advice as possible. We have been looking for good company that leads climb (with porters), also would like suggestions on best time to do this, etc. If you can send recommendations for good companies to go through I would really appreciate this.
Lisa
My boyfriend and I would like to climb Kilimanjaro and are seeking as much advice as possible. We have been looking for good company that leads climb (with porters), also would like suggestions on best time to do this, etc. If you can send recommendations for good companies to go through I would really appreciate this.
Lisa
Oct 16th, 2006, 12:48 PM
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Lisa -
See the below link. All you (ever) need to know about climbing Kili. Routes, time of year, etc. etc. Including a list of approved companies.
http://www.go-kili.com/
See the below link. All you (ever) need to know about climbing Kili. Routes, time of year, etc. etc. Including a list of approved companies.
http://www.go-kili.com/
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:50 AM
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You may consider checking with a local climbing specialist company we used whose services were excellent. They are called Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions, www.mountkenyaclimbing.com
Hope you will be assisted
Hope you will be assisted
Oct 18th, 2006, 04:35 AM
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My wife and three children, ages 17, 20 and 23 climbed Kili in August. While it was our travel agent here that booked the trip they used The Africa Walking Co. as the outfit for the climb. They were wonderful and it was because of them that we all made it to Uhuru. They can also be booked directly if you are not going through a travel agent. It is a wonderful experience and I hope you enjoy. Be careful about short trips, the best chance to summit is in 6,7 or 8 day trips. Shorter ones do not give enough time to acclimatize and the cost saving is not worth it.
Eric
Eric
Oct 18th, 2006, 05:45 AM
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Lisa
As you have seen by know, there are 100s of companies that do Kilimanjaro treks!
Most people will tell you that their own treks were good - such is the nature of the porters and guides and the people of Tanzania in general. They will smile and joke and treat you very well.
However, behind the scenes it is a different story. Many smiling porters and guides earn very little money for their hard work. If they say something or look unhappy they will not work again for that particular outfitter!
My suggestion is to contact in Moshi http://www.kiliporters.org/index.htm
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is an independent non-profit who keeps track of climber-experiences on the mountain. They know which companies treat their crews well and may tell you which companies to avoid.
Lastly, be careful when choosing an outfitter for Kilimanjaro. It is a very dangerous mountain and 2006 has been a bad year in terms of fatalities - most deaths were unnecessary.
A very popular news program in Africa even ran a chilling report "Kilimanjaro Kills" in September:
http://www.carteblanche.mnet.co.za/D...ay.asp?Id=3179
As you have seen by know, there are 100s of companies that do Kilimanjaro treks!
Most people will tell you that their own treks were good - such is the nature of the porters and guides and the people of Tanzania in general. They will smile and joke and treat you very well.
However, behind the scenes it is a different story. Many smiling porters and guides earn very little money for their hard work. If they say something or look unhappy they will not work again for that particular outfitter!
My suggestion is to contact in Moshi http://www.kiliporters.org/index.htm
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is an independent non-profit who keeps track of climber-experiences on the mountain. They know which companies treat their crews well and may tell you which companies to avoid.
Lastly, be careful when choosing an outfitter for Kilimanjaro. It is a very dangerous mountain and 2006 has been a bad year in terms of fatalities - most deaths were unnecessary.
A very popular news program in Africa even ran a chilling report "Kilimanjaro Kills" in September:
http://www.carteblanche.mnet.co.za/D...ay.asp?Id=3179
Oct 22nd, 2006, 10:24 AM
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My husband & I climbed it in early June. It seemed like a good time because it was quite early in the season, so many things were freshly maintained.
We used Into Africa. Its owner is British, but every other employee is either Tanzanian or Kenyan - they have an office in Arusha & one in Nairobi. I did quite a bit of research, because as someone else mentioned there are many porters who aren't so well treated. From what I could tell, the porters at Into Africa are among the highest paid on the mountain, and their maximum loads are less than the legal limit. My experience on the mountain bore that out; the porters, cooks & guides all were very grateful & devoted employess, & seemed like a family. They'd all worked there for years. They had good equipment & delicious food, & the people were just terrific. I would highly recommend them.
We also used them for a week's safari & cultural tours, which was phenomenal.
I'll send a 2nd post re the climbing experience.
We used Into Africa. Its owner is British, but every other employee is either Tanzanian or Kenyan - they have an office in Arusha & one in Nairobi. I did quite a bit of research, because as someone else mentioned there are many porters who aren't so well treated. From what I could tell, the porters at Into Africa are among the highest paid on the mountain, and their maximum loads are less than the legal limit. My experience on the mountain bore that out; the porters, cooks & guides all were very grateful & devoted employess, & seemed like a family. They'd all worked there for years. They had good equipment & delicious food, & the people were just terrific. I would highly recommend them.
We also used them for a week's safari & cultural tours, which was phenomenal.
I'll send a 2nd post re the climbing experience.
Oct 22nd, 2006, 10:28 AM
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Part 2 - The climb was really tough. We're in decent shape and in our 40s. We live in Colorado so are fairly altitude-adjusted.
I'll echo someone else's comment about routes. Whichever company you choose, I'd take the Machame route over Marangu (Coca-Cola), because it takes an extra day & that seems to contribute to a much higher success rate. It's also supposed to be prettier, but after the 2nd day it's pretty much a moonscape regardless of what route you're on.
We took Diamox & I think it helped; we took only 1/2 the recommended dose.
We had great weather and it was only cold at night & on summit day.
Summit day was the hardest thing I'll ever do, but turned out it WAS doable!
Take lots of Clif Bars; they feed you plenty but on Summit day you can't take a lunch box along & you'll need the extra energy to munch on.
I'll echo someone else's comment about routes. Whichever company you choose, I'd take the Machame route over Marangu (Coca-Cola), because it takes an extra day & that seems to contribute to a much higher success rate. It's also supposed to be prettier, but after the 2nd day it's pretty much a moonscape regardless of what route you're on.
We took Diamox & I think it helped; we took only 1/2 the recommended dose.
We had great weather and it was only cold at night & on summit day.
Summit day was the hardest thing I'll ever do, but turned out it WAS doable!
Take lots of Clif Bars; they feed you plenty but on Summit day you can't take a lunch box along & you'll need the extra energy to munch on.
Oct 23rd, 2006, 08:00 AM
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My husgand and I climbed up Kili via the machame route two years ago in September with a couple of friends. We used Zara as our guide, and we were less than impressed. Our guide was an ass, and was more interested in getting to the camp quickly to play cards with the porters and other guides. The setting was beautiful, but unfortunately we didn't really have time to enjoy it because our guide would scold us every time we stopped to look around or to take a photo or two. The hike itself was not physically strenuous (at least for us), but the cold and the altitude made the experience very difficult, particularly in the evening when it was time to sleep. Neither of us took diamox, because we both have sulfur allergies. Also we started on our climb the morning after flying in from Amsterdam where we had a 6 hour layover from NYC.
Suffice it to say, we didn't make it to the top. My husband had horrible altitude sickness, and we decided to go down the night before reaching the top. I really think that if we had gone with a better tour company that allowed us to add a day or two in during the climb to acclimate we would have made it to the top. Also, be sure to have at least one day hanging out in town, before you climb up. And I definately agree that you should bring lots of cliff bars or some other snack with you. The food they packed for us was awful, and when you are at higher elevations you tend to lose your appetite anyway.
Good Luck,
Z
Suffice it to say, we didn't make it to the top. My husband had horrible altitude sickness, and we decided to go down the night before reaching the top. I really think that if we had gone with a better tour company that allowed us to add a day or two in during the climb to acclimate we would have made it to the top. Also, be sure to have at least one day hanging out in town, before you climb up. And I definately agree that you should bring lots of cliff bars or some other snack with you. The food they packed for us was awful, and when you are at higher elevations you tend to lose your appetite anyway.
Good Luck,
Z
Oct 23rd, 2006, 04:41 PM
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Copied from another thread
I booked through Zara.
I didn't use Diamox.
Felt altitude twice (nauseated)- at Shira 2 and Crater Camp.
-------------------------
Trip report and thoughts on Kili
www.walktheearth.us/tanzania/kilimanjaro
My route:
1 Londorossi to Big Tree Camp
2 Big Tree to Shira 2 Camp
3 Shira 2 to Moir Hut with Lent Mountain hike
4 Moir Hut to Barranco with Lava Tower hike
5 Barranco to Karranga
6 Karranga to Barafu
7 Barafu to Uruhu to Crater Camp with ash pit hike
8 Crater Camp to Mweka Gate
TEN THINGS ABOUT THE CLIMB
1. Bring a pee bottle, more than 32 oz. capacity. I got this advice a few days before I left and it was the best information I received. Use the bottle to pee in so you don't have to exit the tent 2-3 times in the middle of the night; dump it in the morning. You will love me for this tidbit - I promise.
2. Skip the forest camps if possible. They are small, crowded, ugly and nothing special. For the Lemosho Route, that means skipping Big Tree (go from Londorossi to Shira 1) and Mweka (descend in one day or return to Barafu). Acclimatization may be an issue on the ascent, however.
3. Midnight ascent - why? Unless you want to be at the summit at sunrise, there is no need to ascend at midnight in the dark and freezing cold. I left at 8AM wearing my normal gear (no parka) summited at noon-ish (yes, I know noon isn't the best for photos). But, I was totally alone at the top, with my guide, for 30 minutes, setting up my tripod for photos and doing panoramic 360 stitch photos. The ground/skree was not hard to climb in the sun. In fact, probably easier than doing it in the dark given I can see it.
4. Crater - not to be missed. Once you summit, even if you aren't doing crater camp, go down the route that brings you next to the glacier and crater. It's an easy descent on skree and being able to touch the glacier ice is magnificent. The ash pit hike is cool too. Do it.
5. Barranco Camp was the prettiest. The hike to and from Barranco, up the wall, was the most scenic, in my opinion.
6. Nalgene bottles are unnecessary if you have a camelback. I had a 2L bladder and it was plenty. You can have it refilled during the day if needed. I never used my 2 Nalgenes, and donated them to my porters.
7. Bring more comfort food, less health bars. I had a ton of bars/gels/powders that I didnt use and ended up giving them to my porters. I'd bring no more than 2 per climbing day. They give you a lot of food up there. Instead, I wished I'd brought some junk food because the same tastes get tiresome. I would have loved a pack of gum, Sprees, potato chips, Doritos, Combos, crackers, etc.
8. Difficulty of climb is exagerrated. I consider myself to be slightly above average in fitness. This mountain was only mildly difficult. I'd rate it a 5 or 6 of 10, and I carried 16-18kg everyday except descent. I met a couple of Colorado hikers afterwards and they agreed that it was terribly easy - easier than any day hike they do. The only day I felt tired (although admittedly I was VERY tired) was descent from Crater(Stella) to Mweka Gate (5750m to 1800m), which I did in 6 hours.
I booked through Zara.
I didn't use Diamox.
Felt altitude twice (nauseated)- at Shira 2 and Crater Camp.
-------------------------
Trip report and thoughts on Kili
www.walktheearth.us/tanzania/kilimanjaro
My route:
1 Londorossi to Big Tree Camp
2 Big Tree to Shira 2 Camp
3 Shira 2 to Moir Hut with Lent Mountain hike
4 Moir Hut to Barranco with Lava Tower hike
5 Barranco to Karranga
6 Karranga to Barafu
7 Barafu to Uruhu to Crater Camp with ash pit hike
8 Crater Camp to Mweka Gate
TEN THINGS ABOUT THE CLIMB
1. Bring a pee bottle, more than 32 oz. capacity. I got this advice a few days before I left and it was the best information I received. Use the bottle to pee in so you don't have to exit the tent 2-3 times in the middle of the night; dump it in the morning. You will love me for this tidbit - I promise.
2. Skip the forest camps if possible. They are small, crowded, ugly and nothing special. For the Lemosho Route, that means skipping Big Tree (go from Londorossi to Shira 1) and Mweka (descend in one day or return to Barafu). Acclimatization may be an issue on the ascent, however.
3. Midnight ascent - why? Unless you want to be at the summit at sunrise, there is no need to ascend at midnight in the dark and freezing cold. I left at 8AM wearing my normal gear (no parka) summited at noon-ish (yes, I know noon isn't the best for photos). But, I was totally alone at the top, with my guide, for 30 minutes, setting up my tripod for photos and doing panoramic 360 stitch photos. The ground/skree was not hard to climb in the sun. In fact, probably easier than doing it in the dark given I can see it.
4. Crater - not to be missed. Once you summit, even if you aren't doing crater camp, go down the route that brings you next to the glacier and crater. It's an easy descent on skree and being able to touch the glacier ice is magnificent. The ash pit hike is cool too. Do it.
5. Barranco Camp was the prettiest. The hike to and from Barranco, up the wall, was the most scenic, in my opinion.
6. Nalgene bottles are unnecessary if you have a camelback. I had a 2L bladder and it was plenty. You can have it refilled during the day if needed. I never used my 2 Nalgenes, and donated them to my porters.
7. Bring more comfort food, less health bars. I had a ton of bars/gels/powders that I didnt use and ended up giving them to my porters. I'd bring no more than 2 per climbing day. They give you a lot of food up there. Instead, I wished I'd brought some junk food because the same tastes get tiresome. I would have loved a pack of gum, Sprees, potato chips, Doritos, Combos, crackers, etc.
8. Difficulty of climb is exagerrated. I consider myself to be slightly above average in fitness. This mountain was only mildly difficult. I'd rate it a 5 or 6 of 10, and I carried 16-18kg everyday except descent. I met a couple of Colorado hikers afterwards and they agreed that it was terribly easy - easier than any day hike they do. The only day I felt tired (although admittedly I was VERY tired) was descent from Crater(Stella) to Mweka Gate (5750m to 1800m), which I did in 6 hours.
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:28 AM
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I just returned from climbing Kili - took the Lemosho route (8 days). Biggest piece of advice is to take your time - adding a day to the route made us feel much better and aided in acclimitization.
I'm going to disagree on the Nalgene bottles - I had my 3 liter camelback, but I still used my Nalgenes. If you do a midnight summit, they are a must have, as your camelback will freeze (even if you have the insulated tube). Our only water was what was in our Nalgenes - I ended up giving mine away to someone who only had a Camelback to drink from.
We brought a lot of Cliff bars, etc, but they got really old after 5 days or so - bring a variety of snack food.
Our guides were great - we never felt rushed at any time, and we stopped whenever we wanted to.
Overall, the climb is very doable if you're in good health and fitness level. Practice hiking for 6-8 hours with a pack before you leave, that'll give you an idea of what your day will be like.
I'm going to disagree on the Nalgene bottles - I had my 3 liter camelback, but I still used my Nalgenes. If you do a midnight summit, they are a must have, as your camelback will freeze (even if you have the insulated tube). Our only water was what was in our Nalgenes - I ended up giving mine away to someone who only had a Camelback to drink from.
We brought a lot of Cliff bars, etc, but they got really old after 5 days or so - bring a variety of snack food.
Our guides were great - we never felt rushed at any time, and we stopped whenever we wanted to.
Overall, the climb is very doable if you're in good health and fitness level. Practice hiking for 6-8 hours with a pack before you leave, that'll give you an idea of what your day will be like.
Oct 24th, 2006, 10:50 AM
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Another reason to take the nalgenes is that you can use them as hot water bottles. When it got cold at night, we would have them fill our nalgenes with hot water, and we could then stuff those in our sleeping bags for warmth. Just make sure you have a good nalgene and secure the lid properly.
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