Accommodation
Hotels (2 nights), mountain huts (4 nights).
Transport
Minivan, trekking.
Meals
All meals during trek.
Staff
This tour is led by experienced guides, with a minimum of 1 guide to every 2 climbers. Sufficient porters are employed to carry the group’s equipment.
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Suitcases are not recommended for operatorlers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing a water purification method. Some of the options are:
- Refill from water dispensers when available at some of our accommodation.
- Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies.
- 2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
- Personal water filters available from camping stores. (Bottles with filters built into the cap are lightweight and easy to use. Water is forced through the filter by squeezing the bottle as you drink.)
Clothing check list
Most of your clothing that you are not actually wearing will be carried by your porter in a bag which is locally known as a sulfet. This comes from the word "Sulphate" as these sacks originally contained fertilizer. The bags, which carried 50 kgs of fertilizer, are washed and go on sale in the markets. They are made of a woven plastic material and are very strong if far from pretty. The items to be carried by the passenger's porter go into this and it is then put into a homemade plastic sheath for waterproofing and finally a canvas pack that the porters carry on their heads.
Every porter load is weighed by the Park and cannot exceed 25kg. Marangu Hotel weigh the "gear sacks" at the hotel before the group sets off - 15 kg is your maximum gear allowance. Although a guide will always accompany you on the trail you are unlikely to see your porter (as they are very fast!) except at the huts or the camps. Therefore it is important you pack carefully the smaller day pack you carry yourself. Anything you need during the course of the day should be in your day pack including, most importantly, something warm and something waterproof.
Light clothing is generally sufficient until you reach the 3-4000 metre/12-14,000 feet altitude range provided you always have something warm and waterproof in your daypack. Beyond these altitudes, even if the mornings are glorious, you must always be ready for dramatic changes in the weather, including snow storms. You must have clothing with you in your daypack adequate to the conditions.
It is for the final ascent that all your warm clothing is important. The ascents are normally done at night and this is when the coldest temperatures are experienced. You must be prepared for temperatures of minus 25 celsius/minus 13 fahrenheit. As a rule you should wear 2 pairs of socks, 3 layers on the legs, 4 -5 layers on top. A balaclava or skimask is necessary to keep the head warm and you should have a hood to protect your head from wind. Mittens and dark glasses are also needed.
Note: the bag the porter carries for you should not exceed 15kgs/33lbs. If bags are too heavy items may have to be removed or the climber may choose to hire an additional porter.
1. Anorak/parka with hood
2. Mittens
3. Balaclava/skimask
4. Ski sunglasses
5. Scarf
6. 2 pairs warm trousers
7. Thermal underpants and vest/long sleeved
8. 6 pairs socks thin and thick
9. T-shirts x 3, longsleeve shirts x 2-3
10. Sweater/fleece x 1
11. Waterproof trousers and jacket
12. Sunproof hat
13. Boots and trainers/sandals
14. Small first aid kit
15. Day pack
16. Refillable Water bottles 2 x 1 ltr water purification method
17. Good quality super warm 4 season Sleeping bag (these can be hired for a small fee- please pre book your bag at time of booking)
18. thermarest or trekking roll mat.
19. Headache tablets
20. Imodium (loperamide)
21. Climbers may like to consult their physicians about azetazolomide (Diamox), a drug that many find mitigates the ill effects of altitude, headache, diarrhoea & vomiting.
22. Towel/soap/toiletries
23. Torch/flashlight and
Spare batteries(head torches are really great)
24. Gaiters
25. Sunblock/ sunscreenin day pack
26. Camera, film, extra batteries- you will not be able to recharge on the mountain but can at the Marangu Hotel before and after the climb
27. Wet Wipes
Group Size
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Other Information
In order to secure your Kilimanjaro climb permit, an additional deposit is required at time of booking.
Please make sure you arrange your flights in order to arrive at Marangu Lodge before 6pm on Day 1 in order to attend a very important pre climb briefing and information session.
If you do not own a suitable sleeping bag, it is possible to rent one for a small charge, but this needs to be booked and paid in advance. Please ask when booking your tour.
Operator Remarks
Allow USD $50 for meals not included.