Most Inspirational Moment
Clambering out off my frozen tent at Shira 1 Camp, and seeing the snow-clad summit of Kilimanjaro in the distance, and knowing in only a few days, we would be at the top.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was one of the funniest, happiest, and most competent outdoor professionals it has ever been my pleasure to meet.
A totally indomitable spirit, and for whom I grew to have the utmost respect.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In the form of a list:-
1. Don't under-estimate the extremes of temperature. Days are hot and sweaty. Nights can be bitterly cold.
2, Make sure you have a very good sleeping bag... you're going to be spending a lot of time in it.
3. Don't under-estimate how cold it will be on the summit attempt. We had wind-chill down to -20deg. You'll be making the summit bid at night and we did ours in a snowstorm, even at the end of March. It was very very cold. Take lots of thermals, and layer up.... 4 or 5 layers is expected.
4. Don't use a Camelbak, Platypus or other water bladder system. Trying to suck a mouthful of water through a 1m length of tube at 4500m will disrupt your breathing and make you gasp for breath. Better to take a couple of 1litre bottles so you can pour water into your mouth and swallow. Your mouth will get very dry due to the dry air at altitude.
5. Don't take a Camelbak etc as the drinking tube WILL freeze solid on summit day.
6. Take some form of insulation for your drinking bottle.
7. Take a pee bottle for use at night. Campsites can be busy, and struggling to get out of a sleeping bag, get dressed and walk across to the toilet tent can be a real pain. Pee in a bottle and empty it in the morning. Much easier.
8. Take lots of snacks you enjoy, and comfort foods. The food on the trek is good, but nibbling something you love when you need a lift is the best feeling ever.
9. Take high energy foods, gels or "power bar" type snacks for summit day. You will need them.
10. Take factor 50 sunblock and apply it every day even if it's cloudy. I burned my arm and wrist in about 1 hour on the journey from the airport to our hotel, and it only got worse as the trek went on. Do not ignore this advice. UV effects are far more intense due to the thin air. Every one of us suffered with sun or wind burn.
11. Weigh your stuff. The porters will only carry 15kg, and you don't want to be carrying more than 6kg in your day pack. Anything heavier will affect your breathing. Leave spare clothes at the hotel to change in to when you return.
12. Enjoy every minute of it. The landscape is awesome. The experience is awesome. You will make some solid friends in the group as everyone suffers and shares the same.
13. Make sure you take enough cash in US dollars. They can be used everywhere. You will want to tip the porters and guides much more than they state in the trip notes..... these guys and girls are truly what makes the trip.
14. You will probably want to donate some of your equipment to the porters. In my group, we left behind rucksacks, sleeping bags, trekking boots, thermal gear, gloves, hats, buffs, water bottles, etc. Tanzania is a very poor country with around 30% unemployment. Working as a porter is a good job, but many of them have very little specialised equipment. They do not expect it, but are honoured to receive it.
