Trip Report: March 07 Kilimanjaro Climb with Tusker
Mar 25th, 2007, 12:29 PM
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Trip Report: March 07 Kilimanjaro Climb with Tusker
Just got back from Kilimanjaro, and I thought I'd pass along some of my thoughts on our Kilimanjaro climb (I'll post our safari trip report separately).
Some background on us: My husband and I are in our 30's and from the Midwest. We've never done mountain climbing before, but we're in pretty good shape. We've done lots of bike trips internationally, but nothing like this!
CLIMBING COMPANY CHOICE: We used Tusker Trail for our climb. They were absolutely wonderful! The food was fabulous, service was great, and medical attention extraordinary. As a woman who loves the outdoors, but doesn't like to camp that much, I was so thankful for their "toilet tent." Although it's a bucket with a seat, it is a lot better than the outhouses on the mountain (at least on the Machame route).
Tusker seems to be one of the best on the mountain. As we hiked from camp to camp, we'd come across many other Tusker camps, and were able to share their mess tent and toilets for lunch breaks. Also, Tusker was the only company that I saw that used ropes on Barranco wall, just to be sure we were safe.
PORTERS & GUIDES: They were phenomenal! They worked hard and always had a smile on their face. These folks made the trip. Our guides were medically trained, which is so important. One of the climbers in our group had an oxygen level of less than 65% on our midnight ascent to the summitt. He was given oxygen and made it to the summitt with no problem. I got sick on that same night, but my oxygen level was fairly high (80's). They knew that my problem was lack of sugar, so they gave me about 1/2 cup of pure sugar. Without their knowledge, I wouldn't have made it to the top. In fact, on that same night, we saw another climber coming down, who did not make it. Tusker's guides really know their stuff. Also, we were so impressed with other staff members. For example, our waiter would sit for hours in our mess tent with us teaching us native songs, and helping us with our swahili. It was such a great experience!
HOTEL: Tusker uses the Keys Hotel as its base. It's not a luxury hotel, but has adquate facilities, and the food is actually cheap and pretty good.
GEAR: We brought about 50 power bars. We gave them away. The food was so good, we never really needed them. We made the mistake of not taking camelbacks- you definately need these on the mountain. I also took body wipes. I think some companies tout a hot shower, but we never felt like a shower because it was so cold. We brought body wipes, which worked great. Also, Tusker had hot water and soap for us to wash-up with when we got to camp. They also had chlorinated water for us in the mess tent to wash our hands. Sleeping bags: we rented these- they were warm (it gets really cold at night).
DIAMOXX: Many people take 125 mg twice daily to help acclimitize. My husband did this dosage. I didn't use it except on summitt night (I used Gingo Biloba throughout the climb). I had higher oxygen levels than my hubby during the climb, but it is probably due to other reasons. People all acclimitize differently.
TIPPING: Tusker recommends a $350 tip to the crew. We had 20 crewmembers. You can give extra tips to those that went out of their way. We took a little extra cash and gave an extra tip. The crew works so hard. You might want to take extra $ just in case. Also we left some clothes to donate to the Porter Assistance Project.
CONDITIONING: We did the Machame route in 5 nights and 6 days, which is pretty quick. The only problem we had was on the midnight ascent. We were in pretty good cardio shape before the climb, which I think helped throughout the climb. Going down is actually more difficult on the legs (esp. your knees). Trekking poles are a must!
WHEN TO GO: We went on the border of the rainy season. We noticed the fog, mist, and then rain came into camp everyday around 4:00pm. While it was sunny, we'd walk around in t-shirts, but when the mist came in, I put on 2-3 more layers. I'd try to climb during the dry season, if you can.
OVERALL SERVICE: Tusker sent out trip manuals and updates months in advance. Because of their advice, we got a VISA before we went to avoid waiting at the airport. Our safari company, Kiliwarriors, didn't provide us with our trip packet until a few weeks before our departure date. Tusker's customer service was really superior. We also talked to another group with Good Earth. While they told us the service was adequate, it wasn't what we experienced. For example, their guides forgot to boil water, so they were delayed about an hour out of camp one day. One of their members also got very sick, and he came to our tent to get the medical supplies he needed.
If you are not use to doing a lot of camping/climbing, or just want more of a comfortable (and fun) climbing experience, I'd recommend Tusker.
Some background on us: My husband and I are in our 30's and from the Midwest. We've never done mountain climbing before, but we're in pretty good shape. We've done lots of bike trips internationally, but nothing like this!
CLIMBING COMPANY CHOICE: We used Tusker Trail for our climb. They were absolutely wonderful! The food was fabulous, service was great, and medical attention extraordinary. As a woman who loves the outdoors, but doesn't like to camp that much, I was so thankful for their "toilet tent." Although it's a bucket with a seat, it is a lot better than the outhouses on the mountain (at least on the Machame route).
Tusker seems to be one of the best on the mountain. As we hiked from camp to camp, we'd come across many other Tusker camps, and were able to share their mess tent and toilets for lunch breaks. Also, Tusker was the only company that I saw that used ropes on Barranco wall, just to be sure we were safe.
PORTERS & GUIDES: They were phenomenal! They worked hard and always had a smile on their face. These folks made the trip. Our guides were medically trained, which is so important. One of the climbers in our group had an oxygen level of less than 65% on our midnight ascent to the summitt. He was given oxygen and made it to the summitt with no problem. I got sick on that same night, but my oxygen level was fairly high (80's). They knew that my problem was lack of sugar, so they gave me about 1/2 cup of pure sugar. Without their knowledge, I wouldn't have made it to the top. In fact, on that same night, we saw another climber coming down, who did not make it. Tusker's guides really know their stuff. Also, we were so impressed with other staff members. For example, our waiter would sit for hours in our mess tent with us teaching us native songs, and helping us with our swahili. It was such a great experience!
HOTEL: Tusker uses the Keys Hotel as its base. It's not a luxury hotel, but has adquate facilities, and the food is actually cheap and pretty good.
GEAR: We brought about 50 power bars. We gave them away. The food was so good, we never really needed them. We made the mistake of not taking camelbacks- you definately need these on the mountain. I also took body wipes. I think some companies tout a hot shower, but we never felt like a shower because it was so cold. We brought body wipes, which worked great. Also, Tusker had hot water and soap for us to wash-up with when we got to camp. They also had chlorinated water for us in the mess tent to wash our hands. Sleeping bags: we rented these- they were warm (it gets really cold at night).
DIAMOXX: Many people take 125 mg twice daily to help acclimitize. My husband did this dosage. I didn't use it except on summitt night (I used Gingo Biloba throughout the climb). I had higher oxygen levels than my hubby during the climb, but it is probably due to other reasons. People all acclimitize differently.
TIPPING: Tusker recommends a $350 tip to the crew. We had 20 crewmembers. You can give extra tips to those that went out of their way. We took a little extra cash and gave an extra tip. The crew works so hard. You might want to take extra $ just in case. Also we left some clothes to donate to the Porter Assistance Project.
CONDITIONING: We did the Machame route in 5 nights and 6 days, which is pretty quick. The only problem we had was on the midnight ascent. We were in pretty good cardio shape before the climb, which I think helped throughout the climb. Going down is actually more difficult on the legs (esp. your knees). Trekking poles are a must!
WHEN TO GO: We went on the border of the rainy season. We noticed the fog, mist, and then rain came into camp everyday around 4:00pm. While it was sunny, we'd walk around in t-shirts, but when the mist came in, I put on 2-3 more layers. I'd try to climb during the dry season, if you can.
OVERALL SERVICE: Tusker sent out trip manuals and updates months in advance. Because of their advice, we got a VISA before we went to avoid waiting at the airport. Our safari company, Kiliwarriors, didn't provide us with our trip packet until a few weeks before our departure date. Tusker's customer service was really superior. We also talked to another group with Good Earth. While they told us the service was adequate, it wasn't what we experienced. For example, their guides forgot to boil water, so they were delayed about an hour out of camp one day. One of their members also got very sick, and he came to our tent to get the medical supplies he needed.
If you are not use to doing a lot of camping/climbing, or just want more of a comfortable (and fun) climbing experience, I'd recommend Tusker.
Mar 25th, 2007, 01:49 PM
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You gave a great primer for anyone considering a Kilimanjaro climb.
I have one question. I thought Kiliwarriors did climbs and you inidcated you booked with them. Or is Kiliwarriors the agent and Tusker is the actually climbing outfit?
Glad your climb went so well and that you were taken care of, sugar and all.
I have one question. I thought Kiliwarriors did climbs and you inidcated you booked with them. Or is Kiliwarriors the agent and Tusker is the actually climbing outfit?
Glad your climb went so well and that you were taken care of, sugar and all.
Mar 27th, 2007, 12:00 PM
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Hi Yooper1:
Great report on your trek. It was great meeting you guys at Kirumuru and I've been thinking about you since we last saw you at Kili Airport. Our flights home were great, tho a tearful parting in London. We both decided that our safari was the most exciting trip we had ever taken, either together or independantly.
I'm waiting for pics and notes from Lyn to do my trip report. Lyn was totally impressed by your ascent of Kili and actually decided that she wouldn't do it after all. I think the shivering bit got to her.
Looking forward to your safari trip report. Did you see the post re KIA Lodge? What was you experience there?
Natalie
Great report on your trek. It was great meeting you guys at Kirumuru and I've been thinking about you since we last saw you at Kili Airport. Our flights home were great, tho a tearful parting in London. We both decided that our safari was the most exciting trip we had ever taken, either together or independantly.
I'm waiting for pics and notes from Lyn to do my trip report. Lyn was totally impressed by your ascent of Kili and actually decided that she wouldn't do it after all. I think the shivering bit got to her.
Looking forward to your safari trip report. Did you see the post re KIA Lodge? What was you experience there?
Natalie
Mar 28th, 2007, 06:16 AM
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Yooper1:
Where you there when a Canadian climber (who was on the trek with Tusker Trail) died?
I was about to book a trip with Tusker....but after reading the tragedy (http://www.canada.com/topics/news/wo...7d&k=62674 ) I am a little hesitant; I would rather pay someone else less $$$ and spend more time to acclimatize well than paying a lot to Tusker and spend less number of days....
Where you there when a Canadian climber (who was on the trek with Tusker Trail) died?
I was about to book a trip with Tusker....but after reading the tragedy (http://www.canada.com/topics/news/wo...7d&k=62674 ) I am a little hesitant; I would rather pay someone else less $$$ and spend more time to acclimatize well than paying a lot to Tusker and spend less number of days....
Mar 28th, 2007, 06:34 AM
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Hi Greg_M,
From my perspective Tusker is one of the safest and most medically advanced climbing companies on the mountain. They carry oxygen (most companies don't). They also used ropes on Barranco wall, when other companies didn't. They listen to your lungs every night of the climb. I'd highly recommend them. I met the leader in charge of the Canadian group. We had just gotten off the mtn as they were going up. I think that when you have a 65 year old person doing a strenuous activity, there are obviously more risks involved. It is very sad, indeed, but climbing a mountain does have risks.
Tusker, as most companies do, offers longer packages. We chose the shortest (and most aggressive) package in terms of climbing. Most climbers we met (Tusker and non-Tusker climbers alike) did the longer Lemosho route.
Here is a web "photoshow" : http://brianrfox.net/Photos/Kilimanjaro/data/index.html. To get the actual photoshow (with MUSIC!) click on the bottom link that says "Deluxe Photo Show.." It may take 2.5 mintues to load the entire presentation, but its worth it! Enjoy!
From my perspective Tusker is one of the safest and most medically advanced climbing companies on the mountain. They carry oxygen (most companies don't). They also used ropes on Barranco wall, when other companies didn't. They listen to your lungs every night of the climb. I'd highly recommend them. I met the leader in charge of the Canadian group. We had just gotten off the mtn as they were going up. I think that when you have a 65 year old person doing a strenuous activity, there are obviously more risks involved. It is very sad, indeed, but climbing a mountain does have risks.
Tusker, as most companies do, offers longer packages. We chose the shortest (and most aggressive) package in terms of climbing. Most climbers we met (Tusker and non-Tusker climbers alike) did the longer Lemosho route.
Here is a web "photoshow" : http://brianrfox.net/Photos/Kilimanjaro/data/index.html. To get the actual photoshow (with MUSIC!) click on the bottom link that says "Deluxe Photo Show.." It may take 2.5 mintues to load the entire presentation, but its worth it! Enjoy!
Apr 1st, 2007, 09:57 AM
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Wow, that photoshow was awesome and totally made me want to do Kili sooner than later. On the night before the summit, how high up was your camp? We are from Denver, so we spend lots of time campin and skiing in the rockies, but I don't think I've spent the night over about 12,500 ft before. Just curious.
Apr 2nd, 2007, 07:02 AM
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Hi! Thanks. There are so many different routes to choose from. But, our last camp was Barafu, which is at 15,000 feet. The altitude really wasn't an issue until we got to that camp-- and we were only there for about 6 hours to eat, rest, and then prepare for the summit. It was was a great trip, and I'd highly recommend it!
Apr 4th, 2007, 04:41 AM
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Oh my gosh, you had SO MUCH SNOW! We went last Jan/Feb and saw none. I'm so jealous you got sunrise shots on summit day, I was practically comatose at that point and couldn't bear the thought of getting my camera out.
Wow, I'm surprised at the ropes, the oxygen, and most of all the toilet tents! That's practically luxury!
I loved the video of the singing, you make me want to watch ours again.
Thanks for bringing back memories!
Wow, I'm surprised at the ropes, the oxygen, and most of all the toilet tents! That's practically luxury!
I loved the video of the singing, you make me want to watch ours again.
Thanks for bringing back memories!
Apr 4th, 2007, 11:53 AM
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If I went, with my luck I'd probably wind up with someone like this and have forgotten my earplugs:
http://www.nbc4.com/news/11494202/detail.html
http://www.nbc4.com/news/11494202/detail.html
Aug 12th, 2008, 07:55 PM
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Did you ever post any safari info on your trip with Kiliwarriors? I am using them for both Safari and Kili climb in Sept 08 and wondered if you have any details. They have been fabulous to work with and I couldn't be more excited for the trip. Thanks.
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