Sleep In The Crater 9 Days

He has done it. Our Head Guide on Kilimanjaro has been awarded Kilimanjaro Mountain Guide of the year for 2019. Athumani has been working full time with Ian Taylor Trekking now for 10 years. We are lucky to have the best staff working for us on Kilimanjaro. He has trekked to Everest Base Camp & Island peak and also has dreams of climbing Mount Everest in 2024. DONATE HERE.

Mountain Man

Furthermore, Athumani has worked hard to bring other staff with him. He coaches our team, promotes hard working team members and hand picks our team on the ground.  We have invested in him and and he has invested in us!  With the support of Ian Taylor Trekking, he has helped our team go to college, learn mountain skills, customer service and become mountain guides.  As a result, he is well respected among his colleagues.

Business Man

With Ian Taylor Trekking funding, Athumani has also set up 3 businesses in Tanzania. A small taxi company, mini market and safari vehicle rental business. Athumani has  created so many jobs for his community and family.

Family Man

Athumani, his wife Mariam and their two beautiful children have made a wonderful live for themselves in Arusha. He is a true testament to hard work, team work, persistence and doing it right, all while bringing others with him.

The Best of the Best

Athumani has proven himself to be the best of the best on Mount Kilimanjaro.  He continues to show that the safety of our clients and teammates is his number one concern. Athumani has help us develop our service along with, our unique 8 day Lemosho route itinerary. Creating a safer journey up and down Kilimanjaro has been our goal and it is working. We are getting 100% success on our unique itinerary.

A Few Words from Athumani

How do you feel after winning the award: This Award means a lot to me, I feel highly recommended in my profession. After winning the award I feel more confident and I will keep working hard for my family, my country and my trekking company. Through winning the award I can raise the credibility of our company which means a lot to me.

1). Choose the Right Route for your Kilimanjaro Climb

The most important piece of advice I can give you is to have a minimum of 8 days on the mountain. We find that the best route up the mountain is using the Lemosho Route over 8 days. If you want to be safe, successful and have the best experience possible, then you need an 8 day climb. There are officially seven routes up the mountain, however I would only recommend two of those. One of the biggest problems on Kilimanjaro is people trying to go up the mountain way to quickly, not allowing themselves the necessary time to acclimatize to the low levels of oxygen. I would never step foot on Kilimanjaro with less than a seven day trek and 8 days is best.

At 5,895m/19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro’s summit is at a high level of altitude and one not to be underestimated. The reason many people choose a shorter trek on Kilimanjaro is because of the costs associated with it. For every extra day you spend on the mountain, the cost go up quite a bit. However, when you are signing up to an adventure like this, I would want to do everything possible to be successful and fully enjoy my time on the mountain. If you do not reach your goal because you wanted to save a couple hundred dollars and only do a five day trip, it will cost you a lot more to come back to Tanzania to try again. So, in my opinion, take the 8 day trip up the Lemosho Route. The Lemosho route will give you a safer and more enjoyable experience to high altitude.

2). Do the Specific Training

Train, Train, Train. Kilimanjaro is considered a trekking peak, and you do not need any technical training to complete this climb, however that does not mean that you do not need ANY training. Kilimanjaro is a peak that is accessible for most reasonably fit individuals, but you do have to physically prepare your body if you want to fully enjoy your adventure. Depending on your experience to date, your training will vary greatly. If you are used to trekking and have a high level of fitness already, then your training will be very different if you are joining a trip without any experience or high levels of fitness. So please, get in touch today to get the correct training for you!

We recommend that you spend at least four or five days a week, doing some sort of intense physical exercise. This should be done for approximately six to eight months prior to your start date of your trek. We recommend spending at least four days a week either walking up hill on a treadmill or on a stair-master (stair master is best) for one to two hours a day. You will also want to build up to carrying 10-12 kilos (22 – 25 lbs) in a backpack on your back. Doing this type of daily training sessions, along with one longer day a week out in the hills, is ideal. In your longer session in the hills, you will want to walk from 4 – 7 hours, going up and down hills with the weighted pack on. I cannot stress enough how important this is to your training.

If you do this type of training, building strength and endurance, you will be ready for the trip. If you do not have access to mountains or hills to train on, you can always add extra weight to your backpack and just do longer walks on the stair master in the gym.

3). Be Comfortable with Wilderness Travel

Mentally prepare for the journey ahead! Depending on your level of comfort with the outdoors, you may need to prepare yourself for life on the mountain. Hopefully if you are signing up to a trip like this, you are a lover of the outdoors and very comfortable with the mountain living! The trip will include camping, bugs, dirt, baby wipe showers, and going to the toilet outdoors! If you are not used to rugged conditions, you will want to prepare yourself for what is to come.

All accommodation on our Kilimanjaro trips is camping. Sleep is essential when you are on the mountain, so you need to be prepared for 6-8 nights of camping. Showers are not available on the mountain, so the only way to keep you clean is to use baby wipes and a the bowl of warm water provided to you each day. You do need to prepare yourself for these things, as you do not want to arrive on the mountain and have higher expectations and be disappointed. We do provide chemical toilets on our climbs, and they will be set up in each camp. However, when you are on the trail and have to go to the toilet, you will be using the great outdoors!

4). Have the Right Clothing and Gear

Having the right gear is essential for your Kilimanjaro climb. We are not going to go through every piece of gear you need for the trip here. However, if you sign up to one of our trips, we will send you a complete kit list with examples of each item. You can also view our packing video. Here are some items that we feel need to be highlighted. First of all, your feet are one of the most important parts of the body to take care of when trekking. Never skimp on footwear when you are going to be walking multiple hours a day, for eight days in a row. Buy a sturdy and waterproof pair of trekking boots and make sure that you break them in before you leave for Tanzania.

Number two, invest in a good down jacket. Remember, a good down jacket needs more down in it to make it warm. Every brand and style is different and if you are questioning your down coat, make sure to ask the advice of a professional. Having a warm down jacket is going to be essential to your comfort levels on the trip. You will wear this jacket in the mornings and evenings throughout the trip. The jacket is also essential for your summit night as it is always below freezing during this long summit night.

Number three, having both a water bladder (like a Camelbak) and two Nalgene style plastic bottles is very important. Drinking water is essential in the mountains (See Tip #5) and having a bladder will help you to drink the amount of water you need. If you have to constantly stop to get a bottle out of your bag, you will not be drinking enough. Having a Nalgene style bottle on the trip as well is very important. You can use this during cold nights to have it filled with boiling water to help heat your sleeping bag. The Nalgene bottle will also be used going up to the summit, where your bladder will freeze.

5). Hydration Is Critical for your Kilimanjaro Climb

Drink, Drink, Drink! Water is your best friend at altitude! Keeping yourself hydrated at altitude is extremely important. Your body dehydrates much quicker at altitude. Therefore, you need to replenish your fluids and drink a lot more water than you may do back home. We recommend drinking anywhere from 4 to 5 liters a day when at altitude. If your follow this rule, you will combat altitude sickness and keep yourself feeling good throughout the trip!

Try and drink one liter of water before each day before you start trekking. This will help to get the process started early in the day. Then if you carry two liters of water in your pack with you and drink that before lunch. You will be able to refill your bladder at lunch with two more liters and if you can drink that through the rest of the day, you have achieved your 5 liters! This process of drinking five liters of water a day can be daunting to many, but it is essential to people’s success on Kilimanjaro.

6). Be Aware of the Signs of Altitude Sickness

There are a few signs to be aware of when going to high altitude. This can be different for different people, however there are a few main signs of altitude sickness that we see. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, lack of appetite and shortness of breath. Some of these are more serious than others and some should be expected. Traditionally, if you have three or more symptoms of altitude sickness, you should be descending to lower levels of altitude immediately.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to make sure you have chosen the right itinerary. Giving yourself adequate time to go to high altitude is imperative. We recommend the 8 Day Lemosho Route up the mountain, as it gives you the best acclimatization process. There are also a few other things you can do to assist in the acclimatization process. You can take the drug Diamox, 125mg in the morning and 125mg in the afternoon, throughout your time on the mountain. You should seek medical advice before taking any medication and make sure your doctor is comfortable with you taking this. There are some alternatives to taking diamox. You can also take Ibuprofen at altitude. Ibuprofen is the proven medication to use at altitude as it is an anti-inflammatory. It releases swelling and pressure which is main reason for headaches.

It is almost inevitable that you will get some sort of headache at some stage on the trip. Learning how to manage these headaches, without letting them get worse, or ruining your trip, is very important. One of the best ways to combat these headaches is by listening to the advice of Tip #5, stay hydrated. Always drink plenty of water while in the mountains. One of the greatest causes of headaches in the mountains is due to dehydration, so drinking water can greatly help to eliminate or lessen your headaches.

7). Keeping a Slow and Steady Pace is Essential

Keeping the correct pace and heart rates at altitude is essential. Slow and steady wins the race. When taking on a challenge like Kilimanjaro, you have to remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint. Acclimatization to the low levels of oxygen in the mountains requires you to take your time, to slowly get your body used to lack of oxygen. This is absolutely key to your success on the mountain. Your goal each day should be to get from point A to point B, using as little amount of energy as possible. The summit night on Kilimanjaro is extremely difficult, any you will need every bit of energy you can muster up to complete it! So, lower on the trail, you don’t want to waste this valuable energy.

We have five guides and assistant guides in a group of ten trekkers on Kilimanjaro. On the summit night, we have one to one support going up. Our team is there to make sure you are safe and successful and will also set the pace. One guide will always be at the front of the line, managing the pace. Nobody is allowed to go faster than the pace set out by our team. After years of experience, we have set a pace on our trips that gives everyone the chance to be safe and successful in reaching the summit. Especially on the summit night, the only thing you will want to focus on is putting one foot in front of the other and breathing! Every breath you take should be deep, in from the nose and out from the mouth, to supply your body the most efficient levels of oxygen.

8). Bring Some Snacks for the Summit Night

The food we provide on our Kilimanjaro trips is second to none! We have our own chef and sous chef on each trip and an entire kitchen crew to make sure that you are being served fresh and delicious meals. You will have three, three course meals a day on the mountain and you will definitely be spoiled for choice! You can send you sample of what you will eat on the mountain. Even though you will be provided more than enough food each day, you will also want to have a few special treats with you for the summit night.

Anything you bring for the summit night needs to be in bite-sized pieces and not in a wrapper. If you want to bring an energy bar, make sure that you have cut it up in small pieces and put it in a small plastic baggie. Energy chews, chocolate bars, protein bars and trail mix are some of the most popular items to bring with you. You will keep this small baggie in a pocket in your down jacket during the summit night, close to your body. This is so that the items do not totally freeze during the cold night. We will stop every hour on the hour for a short break during the summit night, and you will want to have easy access to the snacks to have a quick energy bite at that time.

9). Keep Covered Up From The Powerful Sun

The higher you go up in altitude, the lower the levels of UV Protection you are getting. Some days on Kilimanjaro, the sun can be brutal, giving you solar radiation from its powerful rays. Staying out of the sun is not only good for minimizing those pesky wrinkles and avoiding skin cancer, but it can also improve your chance of safely and successfully reaching the summit. When you get sunburned you become dehydrated. Keeping yourself hydrated is essential as being dehydrated can cause all sorts of problems on the mountain.

When you are on the trail, there might not be cover from the sun. However, you need to take as much care as possible to minimize your sun exposure. The first way to protect yourself if by applying a factor 50 sunblock first thing in the mourning, and reapplying throughout the day. The mountain is not the place to top up that holiday tan you are hoping to bring back home. Another way to protect yourself from the sun is to always wear a sun hat, long sleeves, sunglasses and pants. Covering up from the sun will save you from the sun and hopefully help to avoid those pesky altitude headaches.

10). Come Prepared For The Adventure Of a Lifetime

Remember you are on holidays, enjoy yourself! The most important thing to remember is that you are on vacation, so make sure you relax, have an open mind, and enjoy yourself! There is always a lot of spare time when on a trekking trip like Kilimanjaro. You generally walk anywhere from 4-6 hours a day, with the exception of summit day which is 14 approximately hours. When you arrive in to camp each day, you will have plenty of time to relax, rest, and have a laugh with your fellow trekkers. It is important to have this time throughout your journey. Staying positive and relaxed, instead of nervous and tense is very important.

Also, keep in mind that you are entering a very different environment than you may be used to when going to Tanzania. Things may not be done in the same manner as you may be used to at home. This does not mean that things are done wrong there, however they may be different. You must always keep an open mind and remember the fact that there will be cultural differences along the way. It is these unique experiences that make the journey so special!

Ian has climbed Kilimanjaro 40+ times to date and available to help you prepare for your climb.  We are happy to talk specifically on your personal needs as not everyone is starting from the same base fitness or has access to hills.

Steep hiking above 15,000 feet

Despite being a mountain which is accessible to most people and not just experienced trekkers, you must prepare. This is important to understand! If you are used to hiking up and down hills with a weighted backpack, while covering long distances in difficult terrain, then you have less training to do. However, if you are older or not used to hiking, but consider yourself to have good overall fitness, then you will have more specific training to do. Kilimanjaro is a long slog, so you need to be doing more specific training geared towards hills and stairs, building your muscle memory by carrying a weighted backpack.

Giving yourself enough time to train for a trip like this is essential. If you are only have limited training/experience with hiking, you will want to make sure you give yourself ample time to prepare. You never want to jump into the specific training right away if you do not have a good base level of fitness already. Get in touch today and we can talk through where you are and where you need to be for the climb.

Don’t Underestimate the Climb

Mount Kilimanjaro should not be underestimated. Especially the summit night on Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiking to its summit is a serious challenge which requires significant preparation and specific physical conditioning. Leg strength and endurance training are both the key to success. With forward planning, the right acclimatization schedule and the right attitude to training, you will give yourself the best chance of success. The goal is to reach the summit, however the entire journey, up and down the mountain, is only going to be enjoyable and possible if you have put in the right preparations.

Specific Training

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical challenge which is well within the reach of most people. However, you must be willing to do the specific training. I have climbed Kilimanjaro many times and I still train 4 or 5 times a week. I also always have a weighted backpack to maintain leg strength and endurance which are both key to success. This specific training is absolutely necessary for success no matter your level of fitness. We strongly advise you to seek medical advice before starting a training program. Particularly if you have concerns about your health or are getting older. READ MORE.

Not everyone will have access to hills, but this is the best way to train your body and legs for down hill hiking. Depending on your chosen adventure you do need to assess the level of downhill. We have elevation gains available for all of our key trips. I encourage you to review the daily elevation drops and what type of terrain you will be walking on.

For example, on our Inca trail treks you will be drop 700m/ 2,296 feet to 1,000m/ 3,280 feet on different days all on steep rocky stairs. On Kilimanjaro you will drop 2,800m/ 9,186 feet in one day on scree and rock and this is very challenging on your legs and joints.

You have just walked for days on end you have reached your goal but not you have to retrace your steps, often in a quicker time frame. Hiking downhill will take its toll on your joints.  Fore sure, the downhill hike will take more wear and tear on your joints and muscles than the uphill.

You do need to use effective training techniques to minimize the impact on your body.  Descending using good technique means that you move faster and feel lighter. Remember, 80% of accidents happen on the way down.

Keeping Knees Healthy

We live in Eagle-vail Colorado with amazing access to altitude and a wide range of mountain terrain to train on. In Colorado we can train all year round on hilly terrain preparing for Kilimanjaro, Himalayan trekking and mountaineering trips. I know most of you are joining our trips from sea level and with minimal access to hill training. I encourage you to get out to Colorado doing some multi-day hiking in preparation for your chosen adventure.

If you do not have access to hills and mountains, you must figure out other ways to prepare your knee joints to handle downhill stress. From a knee perspective, downhill hiking means eccentric loading and typically thousands of repetitions of it. Eccentric loading (the lengthening phase of a contraction) is especially challenging to what is called the patellofemoral joint of the knee. This is where the knee cap, meets the femur. Inadequate strength, poor mechanics and lack of exposure to this type of loading can turn downhill forces into injury producing stress. Prior to your trekking trip you need to start implementing sport specific training into our general preparedness programming.

Hiking Uphill and Downhill

Hiking uphill is all concentric muscle action (muscle active while shortening) at the knee joint without any eccentric loading (loading while muscle is lengthening). Concentric only exercises tend to cause less mechanical stress, load and pain to joints and tendons than do exercises that have eccentric phases. What goes up must come down.

You must prepare our body and specifically your knees to handle downhill hiking. Depending on the trip, you really need 6 months of some sport specific training into our general preparedness programming.

The strength movements below are similar but slightly different in specific ways. We purposely only hit each one once per week because too much volume of these exercises could quickly lead to an over training injury, so be careful. I would recommend adding in additional hip flexor and quadriceps mobility work at the end of your training sessions as well to maintain good length tension relationships and to protect your spine.

The Point of These Exercises

Increase vertical loading volume of the knees with a sight posterior to anterior (back to front) force vector. Get exposed and accustomed to decelerating the vertical and forward forces using primarily a knee strategy.  Transition from doing most lunges and squats with a 3 points of contact foot position to a more heel elevated position where we contact and press through the forefoot.

The 3 points of contact foot position is the most stable position for the foot and encourages a balance of hip and thigh musculature – great for general preparedness training. Transitioning to a heels elevated position where the forces are applied through the forefoot places most of the stress on the quadriceps and knees – optimal for downhill hiking training.

Exercises for Downhill Hiking

You should consider adding these movements into your weekly training 2 times per week. Add 3-5 sets of 10-15 repetitions (per leg)

1). Heels Elevated Goblet Squat
2). Forward Alternating Lunge with Farmers Carry Loading
3). Forward Alternating Drop from Box Lunges
4). Banded Posterior to Anterior (PA) Forward Lunges

Carrying Weight

One of the best ways of mitigating the risk of musculoskeletal issues is by carrying a light pack. Then build up the weight you carry over time. An overly heavy backpack is not recommended in the early stages of your training.

Extract its biggest toll on your body during steep and/or long downhill sections, so a hiker should always aim to travel as lightly as the dictates of their skillset and the environment into which they are venturing allow.

If you are carrying weight on longer hike you should slowly build up the weight you carry. You should also consider carry water uphill and dump as much water/ weight as possible for your downhill. Always assess the weight you are carrying for each hike and always build up slowly over time. You do not want to get injured.

1). La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX

In our opinion, La Sportiva have great footwear options at the moment.  Finding a boot that will last a long time, be comfortable, waterproof and have good support, is always our goal.  This option is both a great trekking boot as well as a light mountaineering boot for alpine climbs. They are crampon compatible, however still a lightweight option good for a Kilimanjaro climb.  Having the slightly more rigid sole helps keep your foot sturdy and protected on the trails on Kilimanjaro.  They will also be a warm option for the cold night spent going up to the summit!  These boots would be a great option for the trekking portions on Mount Elbrus or Aconcagua as well.

2). Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Another great option is the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Trekking boots. More and more people are using these trekking boots on a wide range of our trekking adventures in Nepal and around the world. They are comfortable, sturdy, waterproof and a very resilient trekking boot. They will give you the warmth you need on the cold night walking to the summit as well! We would recommend these boots for Everest Base Camp, Aconcagua, Mount Elbrus, and a range of other treks.

3). Scarpa Kenesis

Ian has used the Scarpa Kenesis pro GTX trekking boots for a few years. They are a little heavier than other trekking boots but a great boot for Kilimanjaro. If you maintain them well, you will have them for years.  Scarpa are always re-inventing trekking boots and if they fit your foot correctly, then they may be the right boot for you. They work great and last a long time.

4). Mammut Trovat

Ian has also used a range of Mammut trekking boots over the years. He really likes the Mammut Trovat guide High trekking boots. They are really durable, reliable and will last a long time. The high ankle support is great for the rocky terrains you will encounter and all around a great boot for Kilimanjaro.  All these boots will last a long time if you look after them well.

5). Meindl Vakuum

You could also consider using the Meindl Vakuum trekking boots for your Kilimanjaro climb.  These are also a good option a wide range of trekking peaks and multi-day trekking adventures. These are a very popular boot and we see a lot of clients arriving to Tanzania in this option. They are an excellent choice for mixed rocky terrain and long distance hiking.  These boots will be with you for many miles as they are an extremely durable boot.  Also, this could be a good option for you if you feel the cold in your feet as they will be a warmer option.

Once you have signed up to one of our Kilimanjaro climbs, then we will send you our 40 page trip Dossier.  The Dossier includes an itemized kit list, training advice and other relevant information to help you come fully prepared to Tanzania.  We want you to have a safe and successful journey, therefore we want to make sure you have all the correct information.  We have Kilimanjaro’s Number one Guide leading our teams on the ground in Tanzania.  Here is our packing video, showing you what items Ian will bring on his next Kilimanjaro climb.

What you Should Considering Packing for Kilimanjaro

This exhaustive list does not have to be followed word for word.  We appreciate that trekkers have their own preference regarding clothing, but we hope this list will ensure nothing is overlooked. Here is a page with a lot of important Kilimanjaro Information. and you can also read some REVIEWS form our trips.  Once you have signed up for our trip, we will send you a complete list, with examples of each item!

Upper Body Layers

T-Shirts: We recommend Merino wool or synthetic fabrics (NO COTTON) 2 short sleeve shirts and 2 long sleeve shirts.  Unlike cotton and synthetic materials, merino wool will not build up bacteria and therefore will not become as smelly as quickly! Because of this, with merino wool items, you can bring less with you.

Waterproof Jacket:  You need a Gore-tex or similar waterproofing material in an outer wear jacket.  This should be light weight and will help protect you from rain/snow as well as help block the wind. Must have a hood. This is essential when walking through the rain forest.

Mid Layers:  This is going to be your warm, insulating layer. This can range from Merino Wool 200+ weight, to fleeces, to light down or synthetic jackets.  You will need just one or two of these layers because they do not touch your body.

Outer Layer:  Heavy down jacket.  You will wear this every night and morning and you will want to have a high quality goose down jacket.  This is an essential piece of your kit to keep you warm in the freezing temperatures. It should be noted that, in particular, more down is the key. The fill number is not as important.

Lower Body Layers

Shorts: (light weight) good for hiking while at lower elevations.  Nylon or synthetic fabrics are best and you will only need one pair.

Trekking Pants: We recommend bringing one or two pairs of trekking pants that are a quick drying, synthetic material.  The type that can be zipped off into shorts can be helpful.

Fleece Pant:  Every night when you arrive at camp, you will want to change your clothes from your trekking clothes.  We recommend a pair of warm fleece pants or a track suit pant.  You will only need one pair.

Waterproof Pant:  You will need to have one pair of waterproof pants that can be worn over your trekking pant in case of rain/heavy snow.  These can be Gore-tex or similar waterproofing materials. This is essential when walking through the rain forest.

Base Layers

Merino Wool Base layers are recommended, however a synthetic material will work as well.  You will want one pair of warm bottoms to wear under your trekking pants on summit night.  We would also recommend one or two long sleeve Merino/synthetic tops. These will have ‘wicking’ properties to keep you warm when you are cold and cool when you are warm. We like to use Icebreaker or Smartwool Merino layers.

Hands and Feet

Hiking Boots:  You will want to purchase these early and break them in (do not go on the trip with a never been worn pair of boots). Your boots need to be warm, waterproof, semi rigid, have good ankle support and be comfortable. This is an essential part of your gear and you should make sure you get the right pair. LEARN MORE.

Lightweight Shoes:  You will want to take your boots off when you arrive in the camp each night.  We recommend a light trail running shoe or trainer.

Socks:  We recommend either Merino Wool or a synthetic material (again not cotton) as they will help to keep your feet dry and comfortable.  Usually you will need 3 or 4 pairs of socks for the trek and then we recommend having one pair of liner socks as well as a thicker pair of summit socks for the long, cold summit night.

Gloves:  You will need one pair of warm, waterproof outer gloves plus one pair of smaller liner gloves.  The warmer gloves need to be a warm glove, similar to what you would wear to ski in.  These are essential to keep you warm in the freezing temperatures.  You will also want a thin liner glove to the less frigid temperatures or to wear inside your thick outer gloves for extreme temps.

Head and Neck

Sun Hat:  The hat needs to have a brim all the way around it to cover your ears, neck and face from the strong rays of the sun.  You will definitely rely on this to keep you from burning and dehydrating, which could potentially ruin your trip.   Therefore, you will wear this most days on the trail.

Winter Hat:  You will need a warm fleece or wool hat to keep you warm in the cold temperatures.  You will wear this every night/morning and throughout the summit night.

Buff/Neck Gaiter:  This is an essential piece of gear to keep your neck warm as well as to cover your mouth and keep in the moisture high up.

Sunglasses:  You need a dark, wraparound pair of sunglasses.  Preferably category 3 or 4 to protect against harsh UV rays and ice-glare at higher altitudes.  It is recommended to have a spare pair as well.

Duffel Bag and Back Pack

Day Pack Backpack:  Approximately a 35 liter pack, in order for you to carry each day with your daily items/personal documents/camera/money.  This MUST have a hip belt for support/weight loading and should have an inner frame for comfort on your back.

Backpack Splash Cover:  In the case of heavy rains, this cover can go on your backpack to keep the contents of your pack dry.  You will carry all of your important items like camera/passport/money in your backpack, therefore, you will want to have this.  A lot of newer packs do come with the splash cover now.

Duffel Bag/Kit Bag for Porters:  We recommend a duffel bag around 100 liters in size.  This will be carried by the porters and is not to exceed 15kg/33lbs.  Importantly, this will be a water resistant material.

Sleeping

Sleeping Bag:  You will be camping throughout the trip, so you must bring your own sleeping bag.  We recommend that it is rated to -15°C (0°F).  You can also bring a liner sheet for your sleeping bag if you know that you run cold. Down is always better than synthetic.

Thermarest:  This self-inflating mattress is a very important part of your kit for Kilimanjaro.  You will be sleeping in tents every night and you will need to make it as comfortable for you as you can so that you can get a good nights sleep each night.

Staying Protected

Sunscreen:  We recommend having a Factor 50 + to protect you from the extreme rays of the sun at high altitude.  Obviously, this should be re-applied throughout the day.

Lip Balm/Zinc Cream:  This is essential to protect you against the fierce sun.

Hand Sanitizer: You will want to carry this with you at all times.

Hydration is Important

Water Bottles:  We recommend having two Nalgene or similar bottles.  These are a thick plastic bottle that you can fill with boiling water at night to act as a hot water bottle and then drink when you wake in the morning.  You will not be able to do this with metal bottles.

Camelbak: This hands-free hydration system is essential to keep you drinking plenty of water on the trail.  We recommend a 2 liter bladder that you can fill each morning before hitting the trail so that you can easily sip water all day without having to stop walking.  You will not be able to use this on summit night, as it will freeze.  So you will just bring your Nalgene bottles with hot water in them for the summit.

Water Purification Tablets:  Purification tablets to purify the water along the trail.  You will definitely have to treat any cold water that you drink on the trail.

Vitamins/Powdered Drink:  Sometimes the water can get boring to drink, so we recommend bringing some vitamin C or multivitamin tablets/powders to add to your water.

Staying Clean

Towel:  A small sports towel that is quick drying is recommended as we provide you with warm water for washing each day.

Baby Wipes:  There is no option for showers on the trail, so we recommend always bringing a pack of Baby Wipes to keep yourself clean in the wilderness.

Hand Sanitizer:  Focusing on hygiene on the trail is essential, therefore you will want to have this with you at all times!  This is essential to keep your hands clean on the trail.

Odds and Ends

Head Torch:  Essential for mornings/evenings at camp as well as all night on your summit attempt.

Spare Batteries:  This is for your head torch and your camera.  The cold weather tends to shorten the life of batteries. Therefore, a solar charger is an excellent solution to this problem.

Trail Munchies

We provide a lot of high quality food on Kilimanjaro. We have Fish, Avocado salad, fresh fruit. There will be three, three courses meals each day. Although there is plenty of high quality food on our trips, you can consider bringing a few of your favorites:  chocolates, nuts, sweets, etc. We always recommend to have a special treat like a chocolate bar or gummy energy chews to eat on your summit night attempt.  Obviously, you will need all the energy you can get and this can give you the extra push you may need!

Miscellaneous Items

Pocket knife/Multi Tool:  Although this is not essential, it is always handy!

Trekking Poles:  Adjustable poles are always ideal.   These will be helpful on the long way back down the mountain that also has some steps on the trail.

Gaiters:  These are optional, however these can stop scree/mud/snow from getting into your boots.

Toilet Paper & Matches:  This is for when you are on the trail and have to go to the bathroom.  You will either carefully burn the toilet paper or take a small plastic bag to dispose of toilet paper when you arrive at the camp.

Garbage Bag:  This is a great way to wrap all your clothes/items inside your kit bag to protect it against rain. Likewise, you will need to have a bag for your trail shoes.

Small Mirror:  Not essential, but some people are happy to have.

Book/Diary:  You may want to have a book or diary or cards to use at camp at night when you have down-time.

Camera: You will want to have plenty of memory cards/film and spare batteries.  Because there will be no option to charge on the trail.

Cash:  It is best to have USD for tips at the end of the trek.  We recommend approximately $250 for tips.  You will also want to have some spare cash for any extras you may need when in Arusha like for food, drinks, or souvenirs.  Also note that you will need $50 to $100 for the visa entry into Tanzania.  The amount you bring will depend on how much you plan on buying/spending.  We usually recommend at least $200 spending money.

Personal Toiletries:  Everything you need on a daily basis (contact lenses, glasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, etc.).

Small Personal First Aid Kit

This is just a guide of what we recommend you to bring, likewise, you may have other personal items you need to add to your kit.

1). Diamox: – 125mg in the morning and 125mg in the Afternoon.

2). Painkillers:  Paracetamol, Aspirin, Disprin.  Ibuprofen is best.

3). Antibiotics:  Two courses as prescribed by your own GP.  One for chest and upper respiratory tract infections and one for abdominal, bowel infections.

4). Cough Lozenges.

5). Wound Dressing.  One should be sufficient.

6). Triangular Bandage.  One should be sufficient.

7). Melolin Dressings.  Four 10 cm by 10 cm

8). Band-aid/Plasters.  An assortment package of these.

9). Antiseptic Cream.  One small tube.

10). Diarrhoea Treatment.

11). Insect Repellent.  One small bottle of 50% DEET repellent.

12). Foot Powder.  Important for keeping feet in good condition.

13). Anti-inflammatory Tablets.  To bring down any inflammation.

14). Antihistamine Tablets.

15). Multi-vitamins.  Importantly, to keep your immune system strong and avoid sickness.

Group Medical Kit

*Our teams will have a group medical kit that will contain more of the above items, plus extensive supplies for a wide range of medical problems and emergencies.  However, you will need to make sure you have the above and keep your personal medical kit with you daily on the trail.

Chat With the Experts

We are your best resource for getting the right gear for your climb of Kilimanjaro and will be available to you 5 days a week to assist you.  If you want to have the best experience on Kilimanjaro, then GET IN TOUCH today.  Please feel free to contact us anytime at info@iantaylortrekking.com to set up a time to discuss your gear. If you would like to learn more about climbing Kilimanjaro continue reading.

Q). Is it difficult to climb Kilimanjaro?

A). The question how difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a very tough one to answer! If you are used to hiking long distances weekly covering 1,000m/ 3,280 feet, carrying your backpack with weight. Along with, training 5 days a week and in good physical conditioning. You might find it straight forward. Also you have 8 days on the mountain, this gives added acclimatization and safety. We use Kosovo Camp at 4,900m/ 16,076 feet which helps on the long and challenging summit night. Learn more.

Q). What are the best months to trek Mount Kilimanjaro?

A). Traditionally, the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is fairly predictable. Kilimanjaro has dry seasons and rainy seasons. Some months have more sun, some months have to more cloud cover and other months are colder than others higher on the mountain. We highly recommend January, February, June, July, August, September, October and we like a New Year trip from December into January. Learn more.

Q). How difficult is the Barranco wall?

A).  A lot of people have fears when it comes to the Barranco Wall.  However, the truth about the Barranco wall is that 95% of this infamous place on Kilimanjaro is just slow walking. There are just a couple of scrambling sections on the lower and upper most part of the wall.  They do not require any technical experience, just a bit of extra focus, good balance and core stability. Learn more.

Q). What will the food be like on Kilimanjaro?

A). Every company is different. We only run Kilimanjaro tours to the high quality. We only serve hot meals each day with 3, 3 courses meals a day on Kilimanjaro. Learn more.

Q). How much is the visa fee to enter Tanzania?

A). Right now the visa fee ranges from USD $50 to $100. For US clients it is $100, while most European countries will pay $50.

Q). What vaccinations do I need to enter Tanzania?

A). Tanzania does NOT have Yellow Fever in the country, so they only require you to show proof of vaccine for Yellow Fever if you are from a country that does have Yellow Fever. Or transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of Yellow Fever Virus transmission. Here are some recommended for vaccinations entering Tanzania: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Cholera, covid19 and tablets to protect you from getting malaria. Learn more.

Q). How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

A). After putting over 3,000 people on the summit we have developed a quality system and unique itinerary for a successful Kilimanjaro Summit. If you want to give yourself the best chance of success you will be paying $400 to $500 per day to have 35+ quality staff, quality tents, equipment, safety equipment, quality food and all the systems in place. So, for a 7 day Machame route tour you will pay anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 including airport pick up and drop off and hotel nights on either side of the trip. For a 8 day Lemosho route climb you will pay anywhere from $2,900 to $4,500 depending on the hotels, service the company offers prior to the climb. If you have a western guide it can cost even more. Remember 8 days on the mountain gives you the best and safest chance of standing on the summit. Learn more.

Q). What additional expenses will I incur?

A). Here are some additional expenses that you will incur. Visa Entry, meals in Arusha, Tips, laundry, souvenirs, insurance, helicopter evacuation cover.

Q). How much should I tip the staff and can I give individual tip for the porter who carried by backpack?

A). We recommend tipping the staff as a group on the last morning of the trip in Mweaka Camp before descending to the gate. The tips can be given to Athumani or Head Guide and they will distribute to the Dream Team. We recommend $300.

Q). What insurance do I need to have?

A). We recommend having Global Rescue Helicopter evacuation along with their or any insurance that covers trip cancellation cover, repatriation along with medical expenses.

Q). What challenges will I face climbing Kilimanjaro?

A). You will possibly experience rain, wind, hot, cold temperatures all in one week. High UV levels from the sun, so stay covered up. The higher realm of Kilimanjaro sits in Extreme altitude.  The biggest summit day of your life! Going up 1,000m/ 3,280 feet from Kosovo Camp to the summit and back down to Mweka Camp. Possible physical fatigue, depending on physical preparation. You will not sleep as well as you would at home. It can be challenging to sleep in a sleeping bag and tent if you have experience doing that.  Learn more.