Boots!!
14:20
Here are the boots in question, ahh getting a little excited. Up to 26% now..
Ouch
08:28
£144 on walking boots, wooop. Steep price but I don't want to have blisters several thousand meters up!
Injections
15:11
3 x Twinvax (Combined HepA and HepB)
1 - Typhoid
1 - some special meningitis one
1 - rabies
and another 2 rabies, and yellow fever to go !! yayyyy pin cusion
1 - Typhoid
1 - some special meningitis one
1 - rabies
and another 2 rabies, and yellow fever to go !! yayyyy pin cusion
Flights
11:37
> 3. What are the exact dates and times of flights? Because some people are > international students and need to book tickets back to the UK. > *6th July - London Heathrow - Nairobi - 21.00-07.50 - arriving 7th July 2nd August - Nairobi - London Heathrow - 09.50-16.40* *1st September - London Heathrow - Nairobi - 21.00-07.50 - arriving 2nd September* * 28th September - Nairobi - London Heathrow - 09.50-16.40* *Best to tell everyone to be at the airport at least 3 hours before the outward flight though.
Kit List
04:23
OK. Kit.
You are climbing a large, cold, intimidating and unpredictable mountain. You need to be prepared before you start the climb.
There are two ways of doing this, and I think it largely depends on what type of person you are.
For instance, this year the only things I’m taking with me to Africa are money, passport, the clothes I’m wearing, spare pants and socks, climbing boots, a headtorch (more on this later) and a couple of comfy T-shirts because I know I can hire or buy everything else out there.
Other people will take every item to cover every possible eventuality because they won’t want to get caught out.
With regards to transport and storage of your stuff, take everything you could possibly want on the plane with you. We then have a couple of days in Moshi, the town at the base of Kili, in our hostel/hotel, which we can use as a base. More importantly they let us store our stuff in a strong room whilst were are up the mountain and be reunited with it when we get off, so all the stuff you’ve brought for zanzibar/safari/volunteering doesn’t have to be lugged up the mountain with you.
So, this is the recommended exhaustive and complete list of things to take to be on the safe side:
For The Climb:
Rucksack (60 litre or so)
Day bag (small bag)
Walking boots
Walking socks (x6)
Lycra under shorts (x1)
Walking trousers (x1)
Waterproof trousers (x1)
Thermal underclothes (x1)
Thermal ‘keep warm’ layer (x2)
Rugby shirt (x1)
Fleece (x1)
Down-jacket w/hood (x1)
Waterproof jacket w/hood (x1)
Gloves (x2)
Balaclava (x1)
Woolly-hat (x1)
Buff (x1)
Strong UV sunglasses (x1)
Sun block (high factor)
A platypus water bag
Water purification tablets
T-shirts (lots)
Head Torch
The bare minimum you must have before the climb is:
Walking boots- you should buy these early and wear them in
Walking trousers- again, make sure they don’t chafe, and are lined for warmth
Head Torch & batteries- It’s dark in your tent and on the night climb- the torch is ESSENTIAL, as one chap without a torch found out last year when he fell in a latrine hole!
He was called ‘poo-boy’ for the rest of the trip.
A few Tshirts for layering up and wearing afterwards, pants and socks, and your large kit bag, to put everything you need for the whole trip in.
Everything else you can hire out there- these are the prices we were quoted in '08:
Ventex Jacket: $20
Waterproof Trouser: $7
Down Jacket: $20
Sleeping Bags & Inner Sheet (high alpine): $30
Sleeping Bags & Inner Sheet (standard): $20
Walking Sticks: $5
Water Bottle: $2
Gallers: $10
Balaclava: $5
Day Pack: $10
Kit Bag: $20
Waterproof Jacket: $10
Gloves: $5
Sleeping Mat: $5
in '09 we got everything a bit cheaper, a deal of around £30 for the 'essentials':
Thick mountain Jacket, sleeping bag, Trousers, sticks.
The tour company are sending us a list of 2010 prices soon, which we'll pass on as soon as we know (bear in mind that everything out there is quoted in dollars, and currently the pound is crashing against the dollar, so things might go up a bit.)
There’s no point in spunking hundreds of pounds on equipment you’ll have to lug to the airport and the ALL around Africa after the climb when you’ll only use it once and you can rent it anyway.
If you have ski gear, a lot of that works fine on the mountain- gloves, hat, shades, underlayers etc.
Here’s what I would recommend buying beforehand/ bringing as a balanced view between over and under preparedness:
For the Mountain:
Walking boots (this should be your biggest expenditure- you do NOT want blisters at 18,000 feet)
Comfy yet thick walking trousers
A couple of pairs of THICK walking socks
Lots of woollen and cotton socks
A nice warm fleece
A trusty warm hat
Underwear
A 60 Litre rucksack
A small backpack
Headtorch and batteries
And about $60 to hire everything else
For the trip:
I and your leaders will cover this in more detail before you go, but these are the things you should have on you AT ALL TIMES:
Money belt- it’s not sexy, but it is essential.
Passport- NEVER let it out of your sight.
Travel Insurance documents, photocopies of passport, contact numbers!
Credit cards- VISA is much better than Mastercard, they’ve never even heard of Maestro, American Express etc... Take at least one, see if your parents can lend you one of theirs “for emergencies”, and if possible take an old one that has been cancelled to give if you get robbed (unlikely, but a wise precaution)
Mobile phone/Camera/MP3 player (if you have this all in one it’ll be a lot easier.)
Otherwise, some board shorts/ bikini for Zanzibar, light floaty clothing (you can buy it out there too), comfy tshirts, underwear, flip flops, a pair of comfy shoes that aren’t your walking boots- you will never want to see or wear them again after you get off the mountain.
As I say, this is only a rough guide for those of you that want to get on with buying stuff over Easter- your leaders will fill you in with more information closer to the time.
“What goes Black White Black White Black White...?
A nun rolling down a hill.”
Blanch xx
http://www.climbingkilimanjaro.com/marangu-route-kilimanjaro.php
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off the to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1,5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night's rest.
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night's time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!!
Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Springlands hotel.
Route duration: five to six days
Total hiking distance: Approximately 96 kms (excludes acclimatisation hikes on day three)
Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.
6 day - Itinerary for the Marangu route
For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional acclimatisation day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary below.
For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional acclimatisation day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary below.
Day one
Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 12kms
Habitat: Montane forest
Distance: Approximately 12kms
Habitat: Montane forest
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off the to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1,5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Day two
Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Moorland
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.Day three
Horombo hut (3720m) - Acclimatisation day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night's rest.Day four
Horombo hut (3720m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night's time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!!Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.Day five
(Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to get to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.Day six
Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 27kms
Distance: Approximately 27kms
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Springlands hotel.