Useful Information For Treks on Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5896 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest point. It is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. Kilimanjaro attracts many trekkers from all over the world. The attraction is even greater because with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro without technical mountaineering equipment or experience.

The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat-topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.

The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman's Point, both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only.

Trekkers need to have adequate and accurate information on the various aspects of the mountain as they prepare for it. They need to know about the seasons, and the weather, temperatures, altitude etc. Below are some of the major aspects that trekkers need to know about.

Seasons and Weather Conditions

The best time to go climbing Mount Kilimanjaro would be during the dry season. Tanzania and East Africa in general has two rainy seasons, long rains from the end of March until June, and the short rains which normally occur between October and November.

Naturally conditions on the mountains can become very slippery in the rains and snow can become a problem on some of the routes to the summit. Dry season months of June to September and December to February can usually be counted as the best months for trekking.

Temperatures

The altitude normally affects the temperature as the trek progresses, especially considering the Mountain is only three degrees south of the Equator.

Day-time temperatures on the lower parts of the mountain are often pleasantly warm, even hot, although a brief rain shower in the afternoon is always possible. As soon as the sun goes down the air temperature becomes cold and as the trek progresses, on the higher parts of the mountain the temperatures often drop to below freezing. Warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag are therefore essential.

Altitude

Although many thousands of trekkers successfully reach Gillman's Point or Uhuru peak every year without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused by a combination of the decrease in atmospheric pressure and the decreased oxygen content of the air. To avoid this, it is very important to acclimatize by ascending slowly and steadily. Even if you feel that you are well-prepared and fit, you should not try to rush up Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Guides and Porters

The guides and porters are all men between 20 years and 40 years old. They are employed by the Hotels on piece-work terms but have to be officially registered by the Park Authorities, who periodically give them medical check-ups. Anybody with heart or lung condition is not allowed to climb above the Kibo Hut. The guides work as a team throughout the year, with the porters being added as required. Each porter carries about 10 to 20 Kilograms, usually on their heads or back. At the end of the climb, recommended tipping is US$20 per person for the porters to distribute amongst themselves.

The Physical ad Mental Aspects

The huts are positioned so that the ascent each day is harder than the previous day, even without considering the thinner air. As a result one feels more and more tired at the end of each stage but not to the extent of losing confidence. To provide some encouragement there are notices on the huts and the upper parts of the climb giving in both feet and metres the height above sea-level that you have reached. In most cases the ratio of these figures is incorrect. One effect of each morning's climb and afternoon's rest is that you assume (wrongly as it happens) that the next day will be no worse than the last. Despite the difficulty in getting a good night's sleep and the resulting aches and pains, you expect to be fit enough by the next morning to reach that day's objective. This optimism may vanish on the third day, for which the final part of the ascent is really hard, but unless illness intervenes you feel that by then you have nothing to lose in attempting the final climb.

As is often the case with such climbs, mental attitude is just as important as physical fitness. For both the ascent and descent, walking seems to be far easier when the weather is sunny rather than dull and misty. However it will almost certainly be cloudy for part of the first two days.

The Kilimanjaro climb is strenuous but interesting, and worth doing once preferably before you reach fifty. Although it is possible to plan a good deal of the trip beforehand, you cannot rely on the weather at any time of the year or on any part of the climb. You should perhaps take some books to read during afternoons, and a wide-angle lens as well as standard lens for the final climb. Extra baggage can be left behind in the store at your base hotel. The trip will be easier and more enjoyable if you can forget minor difficulties and take each day as it comes.