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[ Kilimanjaro ][ Machame ][ Marangu ][ Serengeti ][ Zanzibar ] |
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WHAT TO TAKE AND WHAT TO KNOW? For a successful summit, you need to improve your chances with every bit of useful knowledge you can get. It's never possible to prepare for every eventuality , but the following equipment list and guidelines have been developed over 5 years of experience. Please feel free to add any items which you personally require and which are not on the list. TIPS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLOTHING - Correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably mittens), warm hat, rain coat, sunglasses, sun protection cream (20 +), hiking boots, hiking/running shoes (It is not necessary to walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks are encountered), and very importantly, a walking stick. One of the most important items of clothing will be a an outer jacket. You want it to perform the function of keeping you warm and protected at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out, yet still "breath". Never take tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or extreme discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Definitely have this in your bag. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are a must, especially for the lower slopes when the temperatures are still high. The only way to ensure that you are dressed warmly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct layers, starting from against the body. The biggest mistake made by people is to wear everything they've got and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, but has absolutely no wicking properties."Wick" means that the fabric has the ability to draw moisture away from the body and then to make it evaporate on the outside. Cotton fabric will soak up any moisture perfectly, but will then trap it in the fabric, meaning that you are trapping moisture against the skin, ensuring a very cold and miserable time. On Kilimanjaro, this could mean hypothermia which is potentially lethal. So, don't take chances with incorrect clothing. The first layer should be thermal, offering good insulation and good wicking properties. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will provide this. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex, Goretex or Jeantex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. ADDITIONAL - Aspirin, torch and batteries, toilet paper, 2 x water bottles (carrying 2 - 3 litres). Sodas and drinks may be bought on the mountain on the Marangu route. Bring smaller currency notes (100's and 200's shillings) as change is not always available on the mountain. The prices increase the higher you reach. (This facility you will only find on the MARANGU ROUTE!.) CAMERA - Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at the summit of Kilimanjaro is possible, and most people do this. The secret is to always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas at high altitude. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but remember. If you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens is warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning. FILM
- ASA 200 film is good for taking shots with relatively little light.
You might reach the summit just before sunrise and may not wish to wait
owing to the altitude and the cold. After sunrise, film with ASA 200 or
100 are fine. There are numerous classic photo opportunities, some of
which are only available in low light conditions. If you can, and if you
are a serious photographer, we recommend that you take a small, portable
tri-pod with you. Also remember that it is sometimes so cold that you
cannot hold the camera steady. PACKING
- Remember
that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to
take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to
frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable
to individually pack items in your bag. These individually packed items
should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in
case of rain or accidentally dropping a bag in a stream.
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CHECKLIST FOR KILIMANJARO DOCUMENTS:
Passport, Yellow Fever Certificate, Visa, Travel insurance and Medical
Cover
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CREDIT
CARDS:
Credit cards are only accepted by major airline companies or by some of
the larger hotels. Do not rely on this as a source of cash while in Tanzania. Click Here for our complete and dedicated guide to climbing Kilimanjaro. www.climbingkilimanjaro.com |
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Africa Tours |
