Things I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. Part Three.

Welcome back. This is part three of Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro. In case you didn’t read the first part, we covered the climb not being technical and packing according to the gear list, especially when it comes to the cold and wet conditions on Kilimanjaro. We also discussed tipping your guides and porters.

In part two, we talked about the use of a buff and how versatile it is. We cover the importance of bringing both ear plugs and an eyemask. Why you should rent a private toilet tent and make sure you have time-tested footwear—both socks and shoes.

So without further ado, here is the third installment of Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro.

ROUGHING IT

That’s right, roughing it. Mount Kilimanjaro is a mountain, a pretty remote one. Most people have to travel halfway around the world to get to it. Then you have to hike for several days on it. There are no hotels, no showers, no charging stations, and no restaurants (even though the food is pretty dang good for being on a mountain).

WHAT REPLACES HOTELS?

I knew I’d be sleeping in tents, but I was not aware that they were going to be that cozy. They are the best I have used, and I do a lot of camping and backpacking. Kailas makes them and they are used for both the dining tent and client tents. See them here:

Why are they so great? For one, they are waterproof and windproof. This is essential for staying comfortable for several days on Kilimanjaro. They are roomy with an added large vestibule on the front with two entrances and a small vestibule on the back. The two entrances are on either side so if the wind and rain are coming from one side, you can use the other side. Furthermore, the sleeping tent is designed to wick away moisture into the vestibule to keep the separate sleeping area warm and dry.

SHOWERS

Bowl of warm water for washing

I did know there were no showers on the mountain. I’m okay with that since I spend many days outdoors. There are no showers because the porters have to gather water from nearby streams. Once you pass Karanga camp, those streams are not nearby. They have to hike back down and carry the water back up.

So what replaces a shower? One, you’re going to be cold, so you can use the warm bowl of water the porters bring to clean up inside your tent. They will provide one each morning and evening. Secondly, you should bring wipes to give yourself a nice hobo bath. We recommend combat wipes, they are large and biodegradable.

CHARGING STATIONS

Everyone is so used to being able to charge their phones anywhere. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to plug your phone in as you do at the airport since there is no electricity. We recommend bringing power banks, solar chargers, and extra batteries for all your electronics. Furthermore, there is no cellular service or WiFi on Kilimanjaro. You can rent a satellite phone if you really need to call someone. According to satphonestore.com, they start at around $200 for a 2-week rental. We haven’t tried renting them before so we don’t promise anything. You’ll have to rent them before heading to Tanzania.

RESTAURANTS

Chef prepare food

Obviously, there are no restaurants on Kilimanjaro, but you don’t have to make any food. The camp chef makes amazing meals that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. Here is a sample menu: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/wp-content/uploads/Lemosho-Menu.pdf

GO SLOW

One of the most common phrases you will hear on the mountain is “Pole-Pole”. In the local language of Swahili, this means “slowly, slowly”. When climbing from 5,000 to 19,000+ thousand feet, it is important to pace yourself. The slower you go, the more oxygen you will get in your body, and the better you will acclimatize. I am a pretty fast hiker and this was one of the most difficult things for me to do on Kilimanjaro. I constantly heard “pole, pole”.

PREVENT AMS BY TAKING DIAMOX

Our guide explaining how the ALTOX works

Diamox is a common medication for altitude sickness or AMS. While I am no doctor, I know that this medication helped me during my climb. There are many ways to prevent altitude sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro and using Diamox was the best thing that I ever did. I started taking Diamox once I reached about 10,000 feet and continued taking it throughout the climb until I summited the mountain. This helped me with the headaches, tiredness, and shortage of breath that so many other people experienced when we hit above 10,000 feet.

Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication. While it was still a physical struggle, I summited the mountain without any signs of altitude sickness. However, I did get pretty sunburnt, which is one of the side effects of taking Diamox.

If you are allergic to Diamox, you can rent ALTOX. It is a personal oxygen system. You’ll only use it on summit night since taking oxygen can mask the symptoms of AMS. I used it the first time I climbed, from 17,500 feet to the summit and it really helped. But, on the other days, I did struggle with headaches, bloating, nausea, etc.

I would recommend Diamox over ALTOX. Take it before you head to Tanzania to make sure you do not have any issues with it.

SUMMIT DAY IS TOUGH BUT SO WORTH IT!

The first few days of climbing Kilimanjaro are long, but not too difficult. The terrain changes from straight flats to uphill climbs, and even some downhill.

Another unique aspect of climbing Kilimanjaro is that you go through five different climatic zones – Cultivation, Rainforest, Heather/Moorland, Alpine Desert, and lastly—Arctic. The first three climatic zones are beautiful, scenic, and not as difficult as the last two. When you reach the Alpine Desert you are at 15,000 feet, and that is when the climb gets more difficult. The air is thinner and colder, and the terrain is steeper.

On the last day of the ascent, your team will wake up around 11 PM to prepare to traverse up the side of the volcano, making it in time for sunrise at the Crater Rim of Stella Point or Gilman Point. I remember taking my summit night one step at a time, and between each step was a much-needed gasp for air. Before I knew it, I made it to both Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, the Summit!

The sunrise rising over Mawenzi Peak on Summit Day

SAFARI

Lioness in the Ngorongoro Crater

Finally, I would definitely do a safari after your climb. I have now done a safari in 4 out of the 5 safari parks that Kilimanjaro Sunrise offers. They are the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (twice), Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Consequently, I liked them in that order. They are a great way to recover from your climb and they are among the best parks in the world. If you have the time (and honestly, make some, because when will you be back to Tanzania?) try and get out to the Serengeti. It takes about 10 hours to get there from Arusha, but they break up the drive with other safari parks. The Ngorongoro Crater is also amazing and is packed with animals. If you can’t get to the Serengeti, then at least do a 2-day safari to the Crater and Tarangire.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m sure there are more items I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. Feel free to email us and we can add yours. I hope all three installments help you plan your trip. I also hope they make your experience a better one. One that will create memories that last a lifetime.

Kilimanjaro Training Program

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Getting to the peak takes several days. You increase elevation from the start to the summit faster than going to Everest Base Camp. It is much more difficult than you think. However, reaching the summit is much easier if you do your research, have the right gear, and train for Kilimanjaro.

Climbing the Barranco Wall on Kilimanjaro

It is essential that you train for Kilimanjaro. Science has not specifically pinpointed the cause of altitude sickness, but being fit will definitely reduce the wear and tear on your body as you ascend Kilimanjaro. This will reduce the stress on your body and in turn allow you to better adapt to the extreme elevation.

Most of our clients have never hiked for so many consecutive days at such high elevations. We strongly encourage you to be in great shape. The daily hike is at a slow pace and most days end in the early afternoon, however, the combination of physical activity, lack of sleep, poor appetite, dehydration, weather, and elevation are working against you. As you ascend toward the summit, your physical and mental aptitude will be tested.

We recommend training a minimum of eight weeks before your climb. 12 weeks is better. You may require more or less depending on your current fitness and your hiking skill. Keep in mind that hiking should be the focus of your training. Hike as much as you can. It is much more effective than weight training.

Altitude sickness can happen to anyone, but being physically fit makes it easier to summit. Why is that, you ask? Because your body will struggle less and recover quicker allowing you to adapt to the extreme elevation gain.

Furthermore, the fitter you are, the less of a mental challenge climbing Kilimanjaro will be. You’ll be more confident and that swagger will give you that “I Got This” attitude.

TRAIN FOR KILIMANJARO

First of all, hiking is the best way to get better at hiking. The type of fitness is more important than the degree of fitness. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a hike, therefore the best preparation one can do is to hike, preferably under simulated conditions. Running is beneficial to your fitness level, however, it does not fully prepare your muscles for a strenuous multi-day hike.

Royal Arch Loop

As an example. I’ve hiked 38 miles with more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain in Grand Canyon on the Royal Arch Loop. I did a side trek rappelling through Royal Arch and down to Elves Chasm as well. I was fine. I had trained for it. One week later I did a 6-mile “Mud Run” and could barely finish. There is a science behind Sport Specific training. Training for hiking Kilimanjaro is no different. If you’d like to know more about Sport Specific Training go here: http://www.purewinnipeg.com/sport-specific-training/

ROYAL-ARCH

ELVES-CHASM

MUD-RUN

ROYAL-ARCH-RAPPEL

TRAIN FOR KILIMANJARO SCHEDULE

10-12 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

Make a training schedule and force yourself to do it each day. Your trip will arrive quicker than you expect.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Light leg workout with weights, cycling, or jogging
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise you like
Day 6: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 7: Rest

Notes: For your hikes and StairMaster training wear a daypack with 8-10 pounds in it.

8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

Build your foundation of strength and endurance. Try to keep workouts challenging and fun.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Moderate leg workout with weights
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise you like
Day 6: Hike at least three hours with a weighted pack
Day 7: Rest

Notes: Increase the weight in your daypack to about 20 pounds. At least once a week do a long hike of eight hours. Work in overnight backpacking so you get used to sleeping outdoors.

4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

You have reached a month before your trip. Your workouts should be more intense. Increase the weight of your pack, hike faster, and challenge yourself.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Hard leg workout with weights
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Light leg workout with weights, cycling, or jogging
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise you like
Day 6: Hike at least four hours with a weighted pack
Day 7: Rest

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

With two weeks to go, you should start to reduce your training to prevent injury. Now you just want to maintain your endurance and strength. Make sure to get as much sleep as possible to allow your body to recover before you begin your trip.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Light leg workout with weights, cycling, or jogging
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise
Day 6: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 7: Rest

Before embarking on a fitness program, it is always wise to first seek the advice of a medical doctor. Feel free to share this program with your family doctor for input. Chances are, your doctor will be delighted to know that you undertake to exercise regularly.

GET A WORKOUT PARTNER

What better way to get in shape than to get a workout partner. Book your climb with a friend or family member. Father’s day is coming up, why not give the gift of adventure and make some lasting memories by booking a Kilimanjaro climb for you and your father. Imagine how great that could be to train for Kilimanjaro and then climb it together.

Things I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. Part Two.

Welcome back, in this post, we are going to discuss part two of Things I Wish I knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro. In case you didn’t read the first part, we covered the climb not being technical and packing according to the gear list, especially when it comes to the cold and wet conditions on Kilimanjaro. We also discussed tipping your guides and porters.

So moving right along, In this post, we are going to talk about one important item you should bring on your trip, buffs.

BUFFS

Buffs are great for traveling to Tanzania. First of all, they pack down small and are lightweight. This makes it easy to bring a few of them. If you are like me, you’ll find many uses for them so in turn will need several.

You should wear it around your neck each day. It makes a great cover-up from the sun. At high altitudes, the sun is pretty intense.

It also is a great way to block the dust. When you are descending from the summit we recommend having one to cover your mouth and nose from the fine particles of volcanic dust that get kicked up.

When you are hot, you can also get it wet to cool you down.

Additionally, if you don’t have an eye mask and you climb during a full moon, you can wear one over your eyes to block the bright light while sleeping.

And finally, if you go on safari, the roads are dusty and the buff is a good way to block the dust from the roads.

EYE MASKS

As we mentioned above, bring an eye mask. Especially if you are a light sleeper and your climb dates fall during a full moon. The tents do not block the bright moonlight and may make it tough to sleep. Wearing an eye mask will block most of the light.

White-necked Raven

EAR PLUGS

We have earplugs on the gear list, but most people do not bring them. We recommend bringing at least two pairs. Somehow one will go missing during the night. It will probably fall out of your ear as you head to the bathroom, half asleep. It will be a bright toy for a White-necked Raven and you’ll not be able to find it the next morning.

Why earplugs? One word. Snoring! Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenge for most people. Hiking for so many days is not something that most people do. They will be very tired. This means they will sleep deeply and may snore like an angry bear. Bring some earplugs so you too can sleep deeply and in turn snore like an angry bear.

PRIVATE TOILET TENT

Speaking of bathrooms… Where do you go to the bathroom on Kilimanjaro? There are three types of toilets on Kilimanjaro. One is the original bathrooms which are the “long-drop” pit toilets. The way they work is several porters will dig a large hole. They will move a previously constructed wooden shack that currently resides over a full pit to the new pit. Hopefully, that paints a good enough picture in your head so we don’t have to explain it further.

The second toilet is the newer composting toilet. They are a permanent structure. They have concrete floors with a wooden building around them. There is a locking door and a hole in the floor. You straddle the hole to do your business. In this position, people apparently find it difficult to aim…

The third and highly recommended toilet is a private toilet tent. You can rent them. There is a porter that sets up, cleans, and takes down the tent at each campsite. They are the most sanitary and the preferred way to use the facilities.

You can see more by watching this video:

FOOTWEAR

And finally, make sure to buy and try out appropriate footwear for climbing Kilimanjaro. This doesn’t only mean shoes, but socks as well.

Everyone’s feet are different. We recommend trying different combinations of socks and shoes to see what works for you. The last thing you want is sore and blistered feet after just a few hours or days of hiking. Especially since you are on the mountain for several more days. That can make your climb unbearable.

What works for me is a combination of Injinji original toe socks and Thorlo light hikers. I have tried the Injinji hiking socks but they are too thick and the thick material bunches up around the toes. Some people swear by Smartwool socks, but I get hot spots quickly with them. There are also other brands like Darn Tough and REI. Again, everyone’s feet are different so hike before going to Kilimanjaro and find what works for you.

For shoes, we recommend a light hiking shoe for the dry days, even in the rainforest if isn’t raining. There are several hiking shoe companies like Las Sportiva, Adidas, Soloman, Keen, and Merrell, just to name a few. Wear whatever is comfortable for you.

You can see our review of the Adidas AX4 shoe here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/adidas-terrex-ax4-hiking-shoe-review/

When it’s raining or snowing or for summit night we recommend a more traditional hiking shoe. One that is taller like a mid-height hiking boot with Goretex. It should be waterproof and tall enough to walk through snow and water. Wear gaiters to further keep the moisture and dirt and debris out.

You can see our review of the Mammut Ducan Boot here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/mammut-ducan-high-gtx-hiking-boot-kilimanjaro-review/

Whatever combination of shoes and socks you choose to go with, wear them several times and over several miles of hiking before heading to Tanzania. Break them in so your feet are as comfortable as possible before heading up the mountain. For more information on footwear, you can watch this video:

We hope these items help make your Kilimanjaro climb a much more pleasant experience. Look for more helpful tips in part three of Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro coming soon.

Things I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. Part One.

Many people choose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because it is one of the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain in Africa, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Many also see images on social media and want to climb Kilimanjaro. Others are peak baggers or just love traveling and hiking. Whatever your motivation, the following is part one of Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro.

After my second climb of Kilimanjaro, there are some items I feel need to be addressed for those first-time climbers.

The difference between the first time I climbed and the second was significant. The first time was good, but I really had no time to prepare and didn’t know what to expect. I am an avid outdoorsman and have done multi-day backpacks and canyoneering/pack rafting trips, so I felt I was aptly prepared. However, the second time I knew what was in store for me and came prepared. I put in a lot of hiking miles before I went and had all the essentials for the trip. I even brought some “luxury” items that I didn’t bring the first time such as camp slippers. You can see the other items here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/five-must-have-items-for-kilimanjaro/

So what are some nuggets of wisdom I can pass along to anyone who hasn’t climbed Kilimanjaro? Keep reading to find out.

THE CLIMB ISN’T TECHNICAL

Yes, we say, climb Kilimanjaro, but you don’t do any rock climbing or mountaineering. Ropes are not involved. If you are an avid hiker, the hike isn’t that aggressive. If it was at sea level, the difficulty would be a 1 out of 5. Of course, the elevation makes it difficult, but there are things you can do to minimize the effect of the altitude.
Read more here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/ways-to-prevent-altitude-sickness-on-kilimanjaro/

So how difficult is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Climbing Kilimanjaro does require a high level of physical endurance and mental strength. However, it is attainable for climbers from ages 14 to 70+ years old. With a few months of training, most people can scale the highest summit in Africa.

Conversely, the other six summits located in North America, Asia, South America, Europe, Oceania, and Antarctica are very technical climbs that need a lot of training and preparation. You can read more about those here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/seven-summits-highest-peaks-on-each-continent/

READ THE GEAR LIST AND PACK ACCORDINGLY

Having the right equipment and clothing is essential when climbing Kilimanjaro. Additionally, when you are in camp you won’t have any electricity, so it is important to prepare for low light situations. Make sure you bring either a rechargeable headlamp and power bank/solar panel or a battery-operated one with extra batteries. It can be very difficult if you don’t have a headlamp or other way to light up the path in front of you. Make sure you have a fresh set of batteries for summit night since you’ll be hiking in the dark for several hours.

PREPARE FOR COLD & WET

Although Kilimanjaro is in Africa and is located on the Equator—it is cold no matter what elevation you are at.  It is a very high mountain and can create its own weather pattern. So you’ll need to be prepared for several types of weather. These can be rain, snow, heat, cold, and wind. These can occur at any elevation and rain and snow are more likely during the rainy season.  For this reason, we recommend climbing during the dry seasons. The dry seasons are June-October and December-Mid March. Even then, there is a good chance of rain each day. So be prepared and dress in layers.

Be prepared for the cold. Pack thick socks, an extra layer of thermals, a fleece top, and a warm hat. You’ll probably still wish you had more clothing. Read more here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/what-to-wear-on-kilimanjaro/

Additionally, the mountain crew that accompanies you on the climb is there to help you and will carry your gear. You should rely on your team members with their mountain expertise and equipment.

TIPPING

In many countries tipping is considered nice, but not necessarily a common practice. When hiking Kilimanjaro, tipping is different. The crew that takes you up the mountain consists of a lead guide, assistant guide(s), chef, and a team of porters. Your Kilimanjaro Mountain crew plays a huge role in the success of your summit. They make sure that you know what is required to safely make the summit. The guides will let you know what time to eat, when to sleep, and how much you’ll climb each day. They will also tell you how much water to pack and drink each day. They will also monitor your health during the daily health checks.

It is common for people to ask, How much do I tip my guide and porters on Kilimanjaro? Whatever you decide to tip—with everything they do—you’ll probably feel it isn’t enough.

If you don’t know the size of your group, you can use this KPAP guideline to decide how much to tip:

• Guide: $25 per day
• Assistant Guide: $25 per day
• Cook: $15 per day
• Summit Porter $15 per day
• Porter: $10 per day

Your mountain crew will gather together at the end of your climb for a tipping ceremony. They will perform local songs and dances. One person from your group will tell how much you are tipping each person to keep them honest. Tipping guides and porters on Kilimanjaro is important. You are helping their families and local communities with your tip.

Having a successful experience and summit on Kilimanjaro is very possible and comes down to three things: Training for Mount Kilimanjaro, packing the right gear for Kilimanjaro, and trusting in your mountain crew.

This is part one of the Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro. Watch for the second, and third articles to come.

How to Stay Hydrated While Climbing Kilimanjaro

Think of what you need to survive, really just survive. Food? Water? Air? Naturally, we are going to concentrate on water here. Water is of major importance to all living things; in some organisms, up to 90% of their body weight comes from water. Up to 60% of the human adult body is water.

According to the Water Science School,  different people have different percentages of their bodies made up of water. Babies have the most, at birth they are about 78%. By their first year, that amount has declined to 65%. In adult men, about 60% of their bodies are water.

Furthermore, fat tissue does not store as much water as lean tissue. In adult women, fat makes up more of the body than men, so 55% of their bodies are made of water. Since we are made up of so much water, staying hydrated is essential when hiking. In this post, we are going to tell you how to stay hydrated while climbing Kilimanjaro.

DRINK WATER

The first, and most obvious way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of fluids. Make sure you listen during the trip briefings each evening. The guides will tell you how much water you should drink the next day. You should pay attention and follow their guidance since they have summitted Kilimanjaro well over 200 times.

They will also quiz you on how many liters you consumed that day. If you didn’t drink enough they will have you drink more.

You may find it difficult to drink all that water. But trust us, it is a very important step in making sure you reach the summit. You paid all that money to get to Tanzania, so you may as well follow directions and drink as much as they tell you.

And tell you they will. Maji is Swahili for water and you’ll probably get tired of hearing it all the time.

“MAJI, MAJI.”

—Kilimanjaro Guide

ELECTROLYTES

In addition to drinking water, you can also bring electrolytes with you to flavor the water.

According to Medical News Today, electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the “electric tissues” of the body. They rely on the movement of electrolytes through the fluid inside, outside, or between cells.

The electrolytes in human bodies include:

• sodium
• potassium
• calcium
• bicarbonate
• magnesium
• chloride
• phosphate

For example, a muscle needs calcium, sodium, and potassium to contract. When these substances become imbalanced, it can lead to either muscle weakness or excessive contraction.

A few types of electrolytes you can bring are  Gatorade powder, GU Drinking Tabs, NUUN tablets, and Saltstick. They are all lightweight and easy to use. Just add them to your Nalgene and shake, wait a few minutes then drink up. Or, like Saltstick, you can just swallow them with water.

We do not recommend adding them to your 3-liter bladder since the sugar can cause mold and bacteria to grow. It isn’t easy to clean your bladder when you are on the mountain.

IDIOCRACY

Idiocracy Written and Directed by Mike Judge and Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

ACCLIMATIZATION

By drinking plenty of fluids both while hiking and at camp, your body will acclimate to the elevation increase much easier. Dehydration causes your body to work harder and that will make it more difficult to adapt to the altitude.

WHERE DOES THE WATER COME FROM?

Our porters treat the water from the streams you’ll see along the route. They use large buckets and jugs to gather the water and then treat them at camp. Once they are finished with the treatment process, they will bring you fresh water to drink. Even though it is treated, don’t worry the water tastes grerat.

We also have a porter whose job is to empty, clean, and refill your bladder each day.

VIDEO

You can watch a video here that shows you more about the drinking water on Kilimanjaro.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Our goal is to make sure you summit Kilimanjaro as safely and as easily as possible. Altitude sickness can happen to anyone at any time on the mountain. We have you hike slowly to allow your body to adapt easier to the extreme elevation gain. Resting at camp and eating can help aid your body’s recovery. Another way is to stay hydrated while climbing Kilimanjaro.

Can You Get by with English in Tanzania?

Can you get by with English in Tanzania? The answer to that is yes. Most people in Tanzania speak English. Nonetheless, Swahili is the native language in Tanzania, well not exactly.

“Polepole” means slow. The guides will say it if you are hiking too fast

SWAHILI

In Tanzania, there are more than 120 different tribes. Most of them speak a different language. However, one of the founding directives, when the United Republic of Tanzania became independent in 1961, was that no ethnic group should dominate. To achieve this, the Tanzanian government has adopted Swahili as the official language of Tanzania. 

With Swahili being the official language do you have to know it to travel to Tanzania? No, you don’t. In Tanzania, Swahili is taught and used exclusively in primary school. However, when students get to secondary school English is the primary language. Unfortunately, this causes a high dropout rate.

Despite English being used everywhere, there are a few key words and phrases you can learn and use around the country. This applies more to traveling in town such as the market or out in the countryside between safari parks.

Tanzania has many people selling food and souvenirs on the street around the smaller towns. Some of them can get rather aggressive with trying to push their wares on you. We have witnessed pedallers jumping on safari vehicles to get them to stop so they can sell to tourists. This doesn’t happen very often but you may have to deal with them poking their heads into your vehicle. So how can you keep them from getting too pushy? One way is to learn some Swahili.

LEARN THESE

These are the ones you will hear frequently, so learning them will allow you to understand what is being said.

Polepole Slow

Maji Water

Asante Sana Thank you very much

Hapana Asante No thank you

Asante Thank you

Takataka Trash

Maji Water

Chai Tea

Kahawa Coffee

Bia Beer

Jambo Hello

Habari How are you?

Hapana No

Ndiyo Yes

Hakuna mata No trouble

Karibu Welcome

Ask for “Kahawa” so you’ll get coffee in the morning.

ADDITIONAL WORDS

These words are not as important to know, but if you are enjoying learning Swahili, then why not?

Bei gain? How much is it?

Ghali sana It’s too expensive

Ninatazama tuy I’m just looking around

Benki Bank

Wakati gani? What time is it?

Nina njaa I’m hungry

Ladha! It was delicious!

Nina mboga I am vegetarian

Mvinyo Wine

Sina sana I don’t feel very good

Siku nzuri Have a nice day

Bafuni Bathroom

Teksi Taxi

Acha Stop

Nenda Go

Private Toilet Tent

FINAL THOUGHTS

Again, it isn’t required to know the language, but it is good to know some words. It is fun to use them and the locals will also enjoy teaching them to you.

For the mountain, you definitely will hear, “maji” frequently. You need to drink water on your climb. and they will remind you often. You’ll also hear “polepole” if you are hiking too fast. “Asante” and “jambo” will also be used daily. And don’t forget “Hakuna mata”. This is actually not just from Disney’s Lion King it is an actual phrase and the mountain crew loves to sing about it.

On safari, “acha” is used when you want to stop and take a picture. When you are ready to proceed, then “nenda asante” (go, thank you) can be used. Keep in mind that that isn’t always the words that our drivers or guides may use. Because they may teach you some of these words in their tribal language instead of Swahili.

We hope this information makes traveling to Tanzania an even more enjoyable experience. We are confident that you’ll find the people of Tanzania as friendly and as pleasant as we do.

Protip: Have a Swahili cheat sheet on your phone. Click to enlarge

Our October 2, 2022, 8 Day Lemosho Route is on Sale

Tired of being cooped up in the house? Need to travel? Thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro? Well, look no further. Our October 2, 2022, 8 Day Lemosho route is on sale. Climb Kilimanjaro for a discounted rate of $2,899 per person.

THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

What exactly is the Lemosho route? In our opinion, it is the prettiest route on Kilimanjaro. It takes eight days, therefore it has a more than 90% summit success rate. You’ll start on the west side of the mountain. The first day and a half are spent hiking through the rainforest. Once above the rainforest, you’ll hike through the Heather/Moorland region and across the Shira Plateau to ascend the Shira Catherdal before circling around and heading for the summit from the South East.

8 DAY LEMOSHO ITINERARY

DAY 1

• 2-3 hours
• 2.9 miles
• Elevation +1,700 ft/518 m
• Start at Lemosho Gate 7,000 ft/ 2,134 m and ascend to 8,700 ft/2,650 m
• Camp: Big Tree/Lemosho Forest/Mti Mkubwa

DAY 2

• 6-7 hours
• 4.9 miles
• Elevation: +3,000 ft/914 m
• Start at 8,700 ft/2,650 m and ascend to 11,600 ft/3,536 m
• Camp: Shira I

DAY 3

• 4-5 hours
• 9.9 miles
• Elevation: +1,000 ft/304 m
• Start at 11,600 ft/3,536 m and ascend Shira Cathedral at 12,800 ft/3,901 m then descend back down to 12,600 ft/3,840 m
• Camp: Shira II

DAY 4

• 5-7 hours
• 6.3 miles
• Elevation: +2,539 ft/774 m -2,278 ft/694 m
• Start at 12,600 ft/3840 m and ascend to Lava Tower at 15,100 ft/4,602 m then descend back down to Barranco Valley at 12,800 ft/3,901 m
• Camp: Barranco

DAY 5

• 4-6 hours
• 3.2 miles
• Elevation: +1,383 ft/422 m -1,096 ft/334 m
• Start at Barranco Valley at 12,800 ft/3,901 m ascend the Barranco Wall +800 ft/244 m and then continue to 13,100 ft/3,993 m
• Camp: Karanga

DAY 6

• 3-5 hours
• 3.4 miles
• Elevation: +1,700 ft/518 m
• Start at Karanga Camp 13,100 ft/3,993 m ascend to 14,800 ft/4,511 m
• Camp: Barafu

DAY 7

• 11-15 hours
• 10.4 miles
• Elevation: +4,500 ft /1,371 m -9,300 ft/2,835 m
• Start at Barafu Camp 14,800 ft/4,511 m ascend to the Summit 19,341 ft/5,895 m then descend to 10,000 ft/3,048 m
• Camp: Mweka

DAY 8

• 4-6 hours
• 5.14 miles
• Elevation: -4,800 ft/1,463 m
• Start at Mweka Camp 10,000 ft/3,048 m descend to Mweka Gate 5,400 ft/1,646 m
• Return to hotel

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you don’t get a chance to climb in October (Why not? There is still time to train, and the Lemosho route is on sale), we hope you do get to climb Kilimanjaro. It is an amazing journey. One that will be with you for the rest of your life.

How to Climb Kilimanjaro Without the Crowds

Many travelers, go to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro. In their head, they picture a remote trek on the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. At the very least, they expect some peace and quiet. But instead, they find the mountain is teaming with other trekkers, porters, guides, and trash. This can make your climb a bit disappointing. So how do you climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds?

WHY IS THE MOUNTAIN SO CROWDED?

Reason one, it is a walkable mountain. Kilimanjaro requires no mountaineering skills to climb to its 19,341-foot summit. Therefore any reasonably fit person, with perseverance, can make its summit. As long as their body can adapt to the extreme elevation gain.

Secondly, Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the Seven Summit to summit. This is appealing to many people. Before COVID, the Tanzania National Parks recorded on average about 50,000 climbers a year attempting Kilimanjaro. That is about 50 times more than those attempting either Everest or Denali in Alaska.

Thirdly, with all the people on the mountain comes all the porters to carry each group’s equipment, water, and food. For example, a group of 10 trekkers can have a mountain crew of 36 people. That would be one guide, three assistant guides, two cooks, and 30 porters.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Managing the impact of so many people on the mountain is a serious challenge. The Park has implemented several rules and regulations to help this. Hikers must stay on predetermined routes and sleep at designated camps. Each camp now has a weigh station where guides and porters check-in. These weigh-ins protect porters from carrying too heavy of load (no more than 33 pounds) and also protect the mountain from litter. Groups must weigh their trash to ensure what goes up Mount Kilimanjaro, also comes back down.

Human waste is also an ongoing problem. Recently, the Park has installed permanent composting toilets at each campsite. These are for the trekkers if they have not rented a private toilet tent. There are also older, moveable long-drop toilets that are for the porters.

Perhaps it is the new regulations or that far fewer people are currently going to Kilimanjaro right now. Or perhaps it is the results of a massive Kilimanjaro cleanup by porters that occurred toward the end of  2020. Either way now is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro since it is quite clean and there are far fewer people going there due to the pandemic.

CHOOSING YOUR ROUTE

Choosing the right route is vital for crowd avoidance. On Kilimanjaro, hikers can choose from several routes. Some of these routes join with other routes as they near the summit. Two-thirds of trekkers opt for the Marangu or Machame routes. These routes are so popular they’re nicknamed the Coca-Cola and Whiskey routes.

If you’d like a route with fewer people, then the Northern Circuit route is one for you. It is the only route that circles around the north side of Kilimanjaro and summits from the East. Less than 1% of trekkers book their climb on the Northern Circuit.

The Lemosho route is also a good route since only about 9% of all trekkers choose this route. It starts with the Northern Circuit and departs near Lava Tower. However, it then joins the Machame route and becomes a bit more crowded the rest of the way.

The Rongai route is also a good choice for those looking for a more remote climb with fewer people. The Rongai Route is the easiest and most gradual approach to the summit but well worth the climb.

PRIVATE CLIMB

Another way to avoid the crowds is to book a private climb. On a private climb, you can go on any date and route, Most group climbs start on the weekend. This means most people climb at the same time. If you choose a private climb, let’s say on a Tuesday, then the group climbers will be ahead or behind you so you’ll have fewer people at the camps.

Additionally, areas where the crowd bottlenecks, like the Barranco Wall, can be climbed before the crowds go up or after they have already ascended.

WEATHER

A more extreme method to climb Kilimanjaro without other people—and one we only recommend for seasoned hikers—is to climb during the rainy season. Most of the time the rain doesn’t arrive until the afternoon, once you are at camp. The rainy seasons are November and Mid-March through the end of May. Keep in mind that the roads can become impassable if it has rained too much, so you won’t be able to get to the trailheads. If you do, we recommend the Northern Circuit or the Marangu routes. Ther Northern side of the mountain receives less rainfall. The Marangu route has huts to sleep in so you don’t have to sleep on the wet ground.

IN CONCLUSION

If climbing Kilimanjaro is something you want to do, but don’t like the crowds your options are choosing a less-traveled route like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit, booking a private climb, and starting on a weekday. Furthermore, we suggest climbing in 2022. Most people are not traveling as much as they were before the pandemic, but we are sure they will be back. Climbing Kilimanjaro is definitely an adventure of a lifetime and one that every outdoor enthusiast should add to their bucket list.

Mammut Ducan High GTX Hiking Boot Kilimanjaro Review

After reading our review of the hiking shoe we recommend, you realize that you also need a taller waterproof boot. You’ll need them for the summit in case there is a lot of snow and to keep your feet warm and dry. You may also need them on days that there is substantial rain.

Mammut Ducan GTX on Kilimanjaro’s Summit

Unfortunately, you don’t know the first thing about hiking boots. You are more of a trail runner hiker and the thought of wearing big old boots is unappealing. Don’t stress out! Boot technology has come a long way. There are amazing boots by Salomon, Salewa, La Sportiva, and Lowa, just to name a few. However, in this article, I am going to cover the Mammut Ducan High GTX Men’s hiking boot.

The first time I summited Kilimanjaro, I wore a pair of used North Face boots that I picked up at an REI Garage Sale. They were sufficient to keep out the snow and cold and were relatively comfortable. But that was several years ago and I felt like I need a new pair of boots. I went researching reviews for trekking boots that are made for wider feet. I am a size 10.5-11 and usually size up to 11.5 to keep my toenails.

Furthermore, as I said in my blog about the Adidas, I wear an Injinji toe sock for liners, and with these boots a mid-calf light hiker from Thorlo. I don’t change my sock combination, because I did a lot of variations of socks both in the Marine Corps and throughout my many years of canyoneering, ultralight backpacking, and hiking and have found this combination works best for me. You need to experiment to see what works for you. The Injinji toe socks do take some getting used to.

Getting back to the Mammut boot, I found several reviews that said they were very comfortable so I gave them a shot.

MAMMUT DUCAN HIGH GTX MEN HIKING BOOT KILIMANJARO REVIEW

This is my personal experience with their Ducan High GTX men’s hiking boot, Mammut is not paying me for my review. Also, they do come in a women’s version, but I cannot tell you how those perform either.

Even before I headed to Tanzania I wore these boots hiking in the desert usually about 4-6 miles twice a week. I took them up north and hiked up a 12,000 mountain there. They were very comfortable.

I did say previously that I have wide feet. These boots are made for regular feet so I had to lace them for wide feet (see picture). But I didn’t get any rubbing or hot spots, both while training and on my trek.

How to Lace for Wide Feet

DUCAN HIGH GTX MEN PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL HIKING SHOE

A super-sporty and agile hiking shoe for multi-day outings, trekking excursions, or fast-paced hikes in the mountains, incorporating the benefits of cutting-edge production techniques. The core of the Ducan High GTX® Men is the Mammut Flextron technology which integrates a spring-steel sole as a midsole in the shoe. This prevents deflection of the foot while at the same time providing improved vertical support. The result: more efficient use of energy on hikes and climbs. Mammut Georganic 3D technology ensures the natural movement of the foot. The geometric-dynamic design is combined with cuts tailored organically to the foot. The focal point is the anatomical last which, together with the asymmetric lacing and mono-tongue for one-sided entry, provides a very good fit. With the specially designed Vibram® sole, the Ducan High GTX® Men will bring you outstanding grip on uneven terrain in the world of nature and the mountains.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight (Size 9 US/UK 8.5) 19.22 ounces (545 grams)
• Flex index A6
• Lace system Asymetric
• Soles Vibram® Flextron
• Material Double Layer Engineered Mesh
• Lining GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear
• Cut Basic
• Elastic GORE-TEX® tongue construction
• Mammut Flextron Technology™
• Engineered Mesh
• Mammut Georganic 3D Technology
• Vibram® Flextron Outsole

HOW’D THEY DO ON KILIMANJARO?

Summit night is the longest day on the mountain, with the most hiking both up and down. I found these to really fit nice, were lightweight, and warm. The size 11.5 US weighs 2 pounds 11.6 ounces. I did replace their insoles with Superfeet Trailblazer insoles for better arch support so I am not sure how their insoles do.

The boots performed great on both the uphill switchbacks and the long scree downhill. My toes did not hit the front on the steep descent.

I would definitely recommend these boots for Kilimanjaro. If you need ankle support they do hug your ankles well. The Vibram soles stick quite well to the rocks and scree. Unfortunately. I didn’t really get to try them in the snow since there wasn’t enough at the summit to walk through. If the snow is deep we do recommend bringing gaiters to couple with the boot for more protection from the wet and snow.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MAMMUT DUCAN HIGN GTX HIKING BOOT

My overall rating of the boot is inconclusive. From what I have seen I would give it a 5-star review. It is a well-made boot, comfortable and warm. However, without actually getting into any snow, I can’t for sure say they would work well to keep moisture out. I’m sure they would do great—they are Goretex after all. Hopefully, if you choose to get them, they will do a good job keeping the snow and moisture out.

The Complete List of Items to Bring for Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not easy, it takes preparation and training. In this article, we will focus on what we believe to be a complete list of items to bring for Kilimanjaro.

Once you arrive at your hotel in Arusha, we will give you a pre-climb trip briefing. At this briefing, we will cover your Kilimanjaro climb and the minimum gear you’ll need to do it. We will look at the gear you brought and also bring any gear that you rented from us. We will then give you tips on how to pack everything both in your day pack and your duffel bag for the porters. Once you have packed your duffel we will weigh it to make sure it is less than 33 pounds.

If you are missing any essential items we will take you to a rental shop before the mountain. Our guides have climbed Kilimanjaro many times, some more than 300 times. Listen to them and make sure you pack everything you need.

During your trek, you will encounter many different types of weather and a wide range of temperatures. The clothing layers you bring must be able to adapt to the changing environment. Below is our recommended gear list. You are required to bring all the necessary items for your climb. Note that some items may be rented from us on location and some are optional, but highly recommended.

Kilimanjaro Sunrise will provide your sleeping tent, sleeping pad, dining tent, tableware, food, and clean water. If you would like to have a private toilet tent, it can be rented. See here: https://youtu.be/cxZopwU1_8g

Let’s start with what to wear.

WHAT TO WEAR

CLOTHING

•  A warm, waterproof outer shell jacket
• Insulating jacket—fleece or soft-shell. Fleece works better.
• Lightweight rain jacket
• 1-2 Long sleeve shirts. They should be moisture-wicking fabric, not cotton unless it is a blend of moisture-wicking and cotton. 100% cotton is not good trekking material since it does not dry well.
• 2-3 Short sleeve shirts, moisture-wicking fabric
• Waterproof/ windproof pants. This is for summit night to block the wind and possible rain and snow, and any other day it may rain.
• 1-2 Hiking pants/convertibles. Convertibles work better so you can zip off the legs. However, rolling up your pants works as well.
• Fleece pants. These might sound like much, but you’ll be really glad you have them at camp when it gets cold.
• Pair of shorts (optional). These are not really used. If you need shorts, a better choice is convertibles so you don’t have to carry the extra weight of a pair of shorts.
• Baselayers, moisture-wicking fabric. You can bring one or two pairs. One to sleep in when it’s cold and one for summit night. Sleeping in fleece also works.
• 3-4 Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
• 2 Sports bras (women)

 ACCESSORIES

• Pair of sunglasses
• Backpack cover, waterproof (optional). It really doesn’t rain enough to warrant a pack cover. Good daypacks like ones from Mountain Hardwear are usually water-resistant.
• Water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.) This makes it easier to take water to bed with you or to drink at meals. Bladders are more awkward.
• Water bladder (3 liters). Since you should drink at least 3 liters each day hiking, you should have a 3-liter bladder. Not a 1.5 or 2 liter.
• A pee bottle, to avoid leaving the tent at night. Make sure you label it so you don’t mix it up with your Nalgene.
• Stuff sacks, dry bags, or Ziploc bags, of various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate. Grocery sacks are illegal in Tanzania, but Ziplocs are acceptable.

HANDWEAR

• A pair of waterproof and windproof gloves. These can be trekking, ski, or snowboard gloves or mittens.
• Pair of gloves liners or lightweight gloves for cool days or to wear under your larger gloves.

HEADWEAR

• A cap or hat, for sun protection
• Beanie
• Balaclava/buff/shemagh to cover your face from the windy, dirt, sun, and cold.

FOOTWEAR

• A pair of hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in. These can be hiking shoes with Goretex or without. Goretex is best for rainy days or through the snow.
• Gym shoe or hiking shoe to wear at camp (optional0.
• 4-5 Socks, wool, or synthetic
• 1 pair of gaiters, (optional), you’ll not need these if you have waterproof pants and high cut Goretex boots.
• Camp Slippers (optional). We highly recommend camp slippers that are warm and have hiking treads on them to walk around camp.

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

• Sleeping bag, at least 0° F. We rent sleeping bags that are good down to -15° F.
• Set of trekking poles, collapsable. We highly recommend trekking poles to use especially on the downhill once you are tired after the summit. We rent these as well.
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Duffel Bag, 70-90L, for porters to carry your gear
• Day pack, 30-35L, for you to carry personal gear

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

• Toiletries
• Prescriptions – Malaria tablets (optional), Diamox (optional). Diamox may make you susceptible to sunburn, but we recommend it for the extreme altitude. Talk to your doctor first.
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Insect Repellent
• First Aid Kit
• Painkillers (optional)
• Blister kit (optional)
• Anti-diarrhea tablets (optional)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper
• Wet Wipes (recommended)
• Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
• Electrolytes, powder, or tablets (optional)
• Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
• Hand warmers (optional). Hand warmers work with oxygen, since there is less oxygen at a higher elevation, they do not work consistently.

PAPERWORK

• Immunization Papers
• Trip Receipt
• Passport
• Visa (available to JRO)
• Insurance Documents

FINAL THOUGHTS

This article was written by a male, ultralight backpacker. Some items are optional and you may want to bring extra socks, underwear, etc. We usually just wear one shirt and a pair of pants for the entire trip. So with that in mind, and with weight to consider, choose your items carefully. Furthermore, are you a female? Then check out this article on what women should also bring to Kilimanjaro: http://wanderlust-nation.squarespace.com/blog/2021/12/5/what-to-pack-for-kilimanjaro

We hope this list helps you pack your items for Kilimanjaro. We want your trip to be as pleasant as possible and will make sure we do everything we can to make that happen.