Kilimanjaro Information

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa (19,340 Ft. 5,895 meters above sea level). Although only 330 kilometers south of the Equator, on the northern boundary of Tanzania, its location on an open plain close to the Indian Ocean, and its great size and height, strongly influence the climate and this its vegetation, animal life and the climbing conditions. It is composed of three extinct volcanoes, Kibo 19, 340 Ft. (5,895 meters), Mawenzi 16, 896 Ft. (5,149 meters’), and Shira 13,000 Ft. (3,962 meters). It is also one of the world’s highest free- standing mountains.

To assist with your preparations we have compiled the following information dossier, which we hope you will find helpful.

General Introduction

The Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb is considered a strenuous and physically demanding trip (reaching altitudes exceeding 19,000 Ft. above sea level). It is imperative that you are fully prepared (both physically and mentally) for this trip and you must ensure you have all the appropriate equipment and clothing, which can greatly affect the overall enjoyment of your tour.

You will experience equatorial to arctic conditions. The range begins with the warm dry plains with an average temperature of 30C, ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing temperature and rainfall, to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing conditions.

The altitude and seasons determine weather conditions. The fact that for most months of the year there are so few rainy days makes it possible to climb in relatively good conditions all year round. The rainy season is from March to June, with short rains in October and November.

Mt. Kilimanjaro has five altitude/climate zones; the lower slopes, forest, heather and moorland, highland desert and the summit. Within each zone there is an association between altitude, rainfall, temperature, plants and animals. The zones occupy belts of approximately 3,281 ft (1000m) of altitudes each. In general the temperature falls about 1C for every 656 Ft. (200m) increase in altitude, rainfall also decreases steadily with altitude from the forest upward. Plant life is abundant in areas of high temperature and high rainfall. As you climb you will see that plant life decreases, not because of the height, but because conditions are colder and drier. As animal life is dependent on plants, fewer animals live at high altitude.

The lower slopes 2,624 – 5,906 Ft. (800 – 1800m) were originally scrub, bush and lowland. This has been cultivated and is now used for livestock grazing and local crops. In this cultivated zone you will not see large wild animals.

The forest 5,905 – 9,187 Ft. (1800 – 2800m) is the richest zone on the mountain. A band of extremely beautiful Montane forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro, frequently covered in cloud. Protected from the sun by clouds the moisture cannot easily evaporate so there is high humidity, dampness and fog. Although flowers are not plentiful in the forest those seen are often striking. The forest is the home of most of Kilimanjaro wild animals although often hidden from view. However, you are likely to see both blue monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys. Leopards live throughout the forest, preying on antelopes, monkeys and rodents, duiker and bushbuck.

The heather and moorland 9,187 – 13,124 Ft. (2800 – 4000m) is 0a low alpine zone with a cool clear climate except for mist and fog near the forest. Heather and heath-like shrubs grow in this area, as well as gorse-like bushes, attractive grasses and flowers. There are not many large mammals here and those that do visit the moorland are usually in transit to other areas, although eland, duiker, dogs, buffalo and elephants have been seen. You may see Augur and Mountain Buzzards, the Crowned Eagle, Lammergeyer and the White-necked Raven.

The highland desert 13,124 – 16,405 Ft. (4000 – 5000m) is the alpine zone. There is intense radiation, high evaporation and huge daily fluctuations in temperature, nights can be below 0C and in the day time as high as 40C in direct sun. Under these harsh conditions only the hardiest lichens, moss and tussock grasses can exist. This area does not offer much in the way of wildlife buts its views are spectacular.

The summit area above 16,415 Ft. (5000m) is characterized by arctic conditions – freezing cold at night and burning sun during the day. Oxygen is about half that at sea level and there is little atmosphere to protect you from the sun’s radiation. Creatures large and small are rare in the summit zone, although a leopard has been found frozen in the snow.

Below you will find some basic facts about Kilimanjaro:

  • Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 19340 feet (5,895 meters)
  • Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain (i.e. distance from the bottom of the mountain to the top) in the world.
  • Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits, the seven highest and most sought-after peaks on each continent on the planet.
  • Kilimanjaro is as high as you can go without requiring oxygen or specialist technical mountaineering skills.
  • Kilimanjaro is located in Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya, in East
  • Kilimanjaro has five different, non-technical routes up the mountain that take between five and seven days, not including rest days. These routes are Marangu (Five days), Machame (Six days), Shira (Six days), Umbwe (Five days) and Rongai (Five days).
  • Kilimanjaro has four camping routes (Machame, Shira, Umbwe and Rongai) and one route (Marangu) with hut accommodation provided by the National Parks.
  • Kilimanjaro has five distinct ecological zones – Montane forest, Hagenia, heartland, alpine desert making it one of the most beautiful and varied peaks on Earth.
  • Kilimanjaro is the most accessible, the most exotic and the most do-able climb.

Why choose Africanzoom Adventure Tours Ltd (AZAT) for your Kilimanjaro Climb

Operations Experience

  • Africanzoom (AZAT) is one of few companies that have their own dedicated Kilimanjaro operation, giving you peace of mind that when you book with the company it is them handling your climb as opposed to an anonymous sub-contractor.
  • Africanzoom (AZAT) ensures that their equipment on the mountain is the best for the mountain. We also ensure that all equipment is replaced in good time, to ensure the quality is We provide season four tents of proven quality made by Mountain Hardware specifically designed for mountain use. There is plenty of personal space, an ample luggage storage area, and a separate external flysheet. Breakfast and dinner are served in our separate mess tent with folding chairs and tables
  • Africanzoom (AZAT) takes the safety of their clients as a primary objective. Oxygen cylinder is carried on every climb, as well as first aid kits and multiple communication measures on every climb.
  • All our guides are trained in Wilderness first aid practices by a certified professional trainer and go through a refresher course once a year.
  • Porter welfare is an important part of our staff policy. We pay a good salary and ensure that our staff has sleeping tents on all camping Porter age is the largest single cost element on mountain climbs and the temptation to reduce this cost always exists.

Food & Nutrition

Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude and high-energy experience and as such it requires good and nutritious food. AZAT use the freshest ingredients, the least fat, the most fiber and the purest forms of energy with each menu.

Whilst the region is blessed with good quality fruits and vegetables, some of the more processed energy foods are not available and it is recommended that clients bring their own high-energy sweets and snacks such as Power Bars, Glucose Snacks, Granola Bars etc. if they wish to supplement their diets.

Our climbs offer bush cuisine of the standard expected on a luxury safari and the special, dedicated chef proves how versatile he/she can be despite the altitude and the cold. Menus may vary, depending on seasonal availability of fresh ingredients, but we strive to provide food of the very highest standard.

Drinks, Water & Rehydration

We strongly advise trekkers to drink as much fluids as possible on our climbs, as much as 3-5 liters per person per day. Rehydration plays a very important part in the acclimatization process and keeps the body in peak condition by flushing out toxins and germs.

Boiled water is offered to the clients each evening for their water bottles and is readily available at other mealtimes too. A wide selection of hot drinks (tea, coffee, drinking chocolate, Milo) is also available at meals and soup is served twice daily.

Clients can treat their own water at their own risk and we strongly advise using chlorine or iodine-based purifying products. Powdered juice is useful for removing any chemical taste. Diuretics such as coffee and alcohol are not recommended as they lead to dehydration.

Tea, coffee, chocolate milk and juice are available at camp and flasks of sweet tea are carried on the trail by guides.

We recommend the Camel bag systems or equivalent, special bladders that fit inside the rucksack (or their own containers) with tubes and mouthpieces. These are excellent way of drinking constantly whilst walking rather than stopping at regular occasions to drink large quantities.

Information On Clothing and Accessories

Here is a suggested list of clothing and accessories for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro:

(Boots must be WELL BROKEN IN. WE ALSO ADVISE THAT YOU WEAR YOUR CLIMBING BOOTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT OVER, INCASE YOUR LUGGAGE IS LOST BY THE AIRLINE. YOUR CLIMBING BOOTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT.

  • Insulated, waterproof hiking boots with rigid uppers and thick soles
  • 3 pair of warm socks
  • 3 pair of lightweight socks (to wear under warm socks)
  • 1 or 2 pair of lightweight walking or running shoes for walking around camp (with appropriate socks)
  • 1 warm hat (or balaclava) with brim to keep the sun off face and neck and a sun hat (you will need both types)
  • 1 pair of insulated hiking or ski gloves
  • 1 down-filled, hooded parka or Gortex anorak
  • 2 sets of thermal underwear (preferably a lightweight pair to wear next to the skin and a heavier second pair for extra warmth)
  • 1 pair of warm, windproof slacks
  • 1 pair of lightweight slacks
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 2 woolen or flannel shirts with long sleeves
  • 1 or 2 warm sweaters (fleece-type)
  • 2 lighter-weight shirts (or tee shirts)
  • 3 or 4 sets of underwear
  • Lightweight rain gear with hood (Rain can occur at any time on the lower )
  • lightweight personal water container
  • a water purification kit and/or iodine pills
  • a lightweight daypack for carrying your own water, lunch, camera, film, 

(A pack that has a hydration system with an insulated water bladder is suggested.)

  • A medium-size, sturdy duffel bag to contain all your gear and clothing (Porters will carry this for you, but they will NOT carry framed backpacks.)
  • Well-insulated sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of 20-degrees Fahrenheit (The sleeping bag should fit in your duffel bag.)
  • camping pillow (if desired)
  • emergency foil blanket (optional)
  • flashlight (with extra batteries); a head lamp will be especially useful for the last
  • part of the climb, which is done at night
  • 1 or 2 walking sticks
  • One pair of mud gaiters
  • dark sunglasses with high UV ray protection or snow goggles
  • (Polarizing glasses are not sufficient to prevent snow )
  • sunscreen with high SPF
  • lip balm containing a sun block
  • small hand towel, soap, and 2 rolls of toilet paper
  • tissue and “wash and dry” wipes
  • UV filter for your camera (which is necessary for high-altitude photography)
  • -high-energy snacks (such as muesli bars, chocolate, or instant hot drinks)
  • a small reference book on plants (if you are interested in botany).

IN ADDITION, it is suggested that you assemble a basic medical kit. Your doctor can advise you on specific items to include. The following items may be useful:

  • a good supply of aspirin (for altitude headaches)
  • altitude medication — as prescribed by your doctor
  • an antibiotic to use if needed (such as Septra DS) as prescribed by your doctor
  • anti-biotic cream (for cuts and scrapes)
  • Band-aids and bandages
  • moleskin
  • scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer
  • cold/flu tablets and throat lozenges
  • medicine for stomach ailments and rehydration salts

Clothing of various weights is suggested, because you will want to dress in layers (removing layers as you heat up from walking, adding layers as you cool down from resting). During the first two days, climbers may find it comfortable to wear shorts and tee shirts. However, temperatures will change at higher altitudes. By the third day of your climb, it can be very windy and the temperature can fall to freezing at night. A limited selection of equipment is available for rental at the base of the mountain. It is, however, suggested that climbers bring all of their own equipment.

Luggage Information

During a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, travelers should plan to travel with only what is required for the climb. (Excess luggage can be left behind in Arusha and collected after the climb.)

Porters will carry only duffel-type bags during the climb (no framed backpacks or suitcases) and should not exceed 15kgs in weight. Additional mountain luggage may attract a supplementary charge. You need only carry a daypack with the personal items you will require during the day (your personal supply of water, your lunch, your camera and film, and any clothes you may want to put on or discard). Your passport, money, and permit papers should be kept with you at all times during the climb and also carried in your daypack.

Please be advised that luggage carried by porters is available to travelers only while in camp/huts and is NOT accessible during the day.

Personal Health on Kilimanjaro

Medical Advice and tips on acclimatization to altitude

The most important factor in a successful summit of Kilimanjaro is the efforts made by the guest in acclimatizing to altitude. Acclimatization is the adjustment of the human body to the diminished supply of oxygen at high altitudes. Bone marrow produces quantities of extra, new red blood cells to take oxygen from the air in amounts needed for good health, a process that may take several days.

Mountain sickness is caused by an insufficient flow of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. It can affect anyone at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

All guests will feel the effects of altitude to some degree and many will experience a mild form of altitude sickness but the more severe forms of altitude sickness can be debilitating and even life- threatening if not treated immediately. The following are suggestions as to how to clients can speed up the acclimatization process and increase their chances of a more enjoyable and successful climb: –

  • Drink Lots – Rehydration is an important way of flushing out toxins from the system and ensuring that all bodily functions and circulation are improved. We recommend drinking 4-5 litres a day if possible, preferably during the day to avoid disturbed sleep.
  • Include rest days – Every extra night spent en route to the summit is a worthwhile addition and helps
  • Walk high, Sleep low – Wherever possible, it is recommended that guests try to use any spare time in camps to walk to a point higher than that at which they would sleep. Their body will then acclimatize to an altitude with lesser oxygen and thus suffer less, when they sleep.
  • Walk Slowly- Every extra minute spent on the trail is a worthwhile method of inducing the body to acclimatize. There is often little to do when reaching the camps anyway, and it is the perfect way to take in the views and scenery of
  • The question of whether to take Diamox is one that we leave to the guest. Tests have shown that it does not mask the symptoms of altitude sickness and is considered by many to be an aid to acclimatization.

NOTE: Recent tests have showed GINGKO to be an effective herbal aid to acclimatization but this has yet to be confirmed by any recognized medical or mountaineering authority.

In all cases, we suggest that the guest consult their local doctor for further information and advice.

Information on the Weather

Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year, January, February and September are considered the best months. July, August, November, and December are also good months.

During the rainy period of March to May, clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base. Visibility can be limited by cloud cover even when no rain falls. The temperature at this time of year is relatively warm.

The dry season, beginning in late June and extending through July, can be very cold at night; but is usually clear. August and September are also cool and may have completely clear days — however, it is not unusual for a dripping cloud belt to girdle the mountain above the forest and moorland.

The summit can be totally clear, but the successful climber may look down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks poking through like islands.

The shorter rainy period of October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain, dropping rain as they go. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening; so the nights and mornings are clear with excellent visibility.

January and February are usually dry, warm, and clear with brief showers that make for good climbing conditions.

Trekking Conditions

Most of the trails on all the mountain treks are well-defined and of good quality but some forest sections are often slippery and moorland paths can be very wet. The summit day on Mt. Kilimanjaro is almost exclusively on loose scree without permanent footpaths but no technical skills are required. Glaciers lie permanently on the summit of Kilimanjaro but no special equipment is needed to walk on it.

This mountain is a large Volcanoe that towers above the surrounding plains and therefore requires a considerable amount of ascent and descent but this is tempered by the short daily stages necessary for acclimatization. Be prepared for lots of uphill and downhill walking.

THE VARIOUS ROUTES AVAILABLE

Note: When considering a Kilimanjaro climb, it should be remembered that every extra day is a worthwhile investment if the client wants to summit. The number of days given below is for a direct climb but an acclimatization day is always recommended wherever possible. A night before and after the climb, is also a good idea for the client to recuperate and should be considered when planning an itinerary. We can recommend suitable hotels and lodges on request.

Short description of the Mt. Meru Climb

The climb up Meru is more scenic and spectacular, and you are much less likely to suffer altitude sickness on 4,667-metre-high Mt. Meru than on 5,895 m Kilimanjaro. In fact, Meru makes an ideal high-altitude acclimatization warm-up climb before tackling Mt. Kilimanjaro incase you are thinking of doing it.

Meru is a spectacular volcano. Once upon a very long time ago, it rose higher than Kilimanjaro; there is a saying that also Mt. Kenya and the Ngorongoro Crater, so you may want to take this assertion with a grain of salt.

However tall it once was, it certainly erupted sideways, leaving the northern, southern and western slopes intact, but obliterating the eastern slope of the volcanic cone. From above, Meru is now shaped like a horseshoe opening east, with a new tiny cinder cone forming in the bottom of the devastated crater, and huge cliffs extending up the crater walls almost to the summit. The crater floor and the lower slopes are densely forested, but the upper slopes are barren expanses of black volcanic ash and occasional massive boulders of lava. Meru is just outside Arusha, the staging post for safaris to the Serengeti, yet despite this proximity – only 23 km by road – it is annoyingly difficult to get to the base of the mountain.

The climb from Miriakamba hut, at 2,500 metres, to Saddle hut, at 3,600 metres, is short, but steep and frequently muddy. In late June, Mt. Meru is perpetually cloud- bound below 3,500 metres, and also when walking through the clouds, which makes the area very wet, sweaty and physically demanding climb.

Marangu Route

Reputed to be the easiest of the available routes, it is without doubt the most comfortable in terms of facilities and the most convenient in terms of access. Also known as the “Coca Cola Route” because of the practicality, it is by far the most popular route with an estimated 70% of all climbers choosing the route. This popularity has led to some operators preferring to avoid it due to its non-exclusivity in the National Park Huts and also the overcrowding of the path. However, because of the lack of camping equipment required and therefore lower porter-age costs, it remains popular with budget travelers.

Advantages:
  • Cheap – lower costs for porter-age, access, camping equipment and
  • Easy to arrange – Hut space
  • Gentle ascent – The longest approach to the mountain and the slightest inclines make it attractive to those with little walking experience.
  • Well-known – Until recently there was more info on Marangu Route than any of the others.
Disadvantage:
  • Non exclusivity – sharing of
  • Overcrowding of the

Rongai Route

Rongai trailhead is to be found on the Kenyan border on the Northern Side of the Mountain. Its position in the rain shadow of Kili means it has a completely different landscape from the other routes, drier and more open, allowing for better views. It is a beautiful route, with few climbers, and a very gentle ascent, suggesting it as the ideal route to take. However, the position of the trailhead makes reaching it difficult, there is no park office and so park fees must be paid in Marangu and the only descent route allowed by KINAPA is Marangu, detracting from the remote wilderness of the ascent. Nevertheless it is a very worthwhile route, and the advantages make it attractive only to those operators intent on offering something different.

Advantages:
  • Camping – Rongai enjoys the exclusivity of camping with your own team of porters and staff with whom you become very familiar with.
  • Wilderness Route – The last remaining one, the trailhead is remote meaning fewer climbers use it allowing for exclusivity
  • Unique landscapes – Drier open grassland that attracts elephants with views out over Amboseli and Tsavo.
  • Very gentle ascent – The gentlest of the available ascents, each day is a long walk on a gentle gradient, easing acclimatization and levels of difficulty.
Disadvantages:
  • Descent Route – At present, KINAPA are only allowing descent via the Marangu Route, which detracts from the whole wilderness feel of the ascent.
  • Remote Trailhead – It is a four-hour drive around the mountain to the
  • Due to the camping aspect, more porters are required to carry the equipment up the mountain which increases the costs.

Machame Route

Once championed as the discerning wilderness route for climbers, Machame is gaining on Marangu in terms of popularity. It is also the second-most accessible trailhead of the non-steep routes (Umbwe and Mweka), making it attractive to operators, especially those based in Arusha.

Its reputation as one of the most scenic routes is entirely justified, with the sweeping views across the Masai Steppe to Meru and the impressive Barranco Valley praised by all who climb it. Gains in popularity, however, are inevitably at the expense of total exclusivity but as the descent route is different from the ascent, climbers are only aware of the popularity when they reach camp, however, it is still infinitely quieter than the Marangu Route.

Advantages:
  • Camping – Machame enjoys the exclusivity of camping with your own team of porters and staff with whom you become very familiar with.
  • Reputation – Machame enjoys a positive reputation amongst trusted sources as the finest and most scenic wilderness route.
  • Accessibility – The trailhead is on the Western side of the mountain, close to a good tarmac road, making it convenient for Arusha, KIA and transfers from the
  • Natural beauty – Widely considered being the most scenic route, it is without any doubt breathtakingly beautiful with a wider range of eco-systems and views along the trail.
  • Wilderness Route – The “Whisky” route to Marangu’s “Coca-Cola”, it is more demanding and less subscribed, with a longer ascent, thereby appealing to more serious trekkers.
  • Descent Route – Mweka descent rather than the same ascent allows trekkers to see a little bit more of the mountain and not meet other climbers enroute.
Disadvantages:
  • Due to the camping aspect, more porters are required to carry the equipment up the mountain, pushing up the price.
  • It is becoming increasingly popular detracting from the exclusivity of the

Shira /Lemosho/Londorosi /Northern Routes

Starting from a trailhead at Londorossi in Western Kilimanjaro the route approaches from the Lemosho Glades and Forest allowing for a gentler ascent to the plateau, taking an extra day or two in doing so.

Shira is one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro (the others being Kibo and Mawenzi) and the Plateau allows for acclimatization walks and even technical climbs of the Shira Needles, before continuing. It is also a very scenic route with fine views across to Meru and Masai Steppe and a chance of seeing game.

The route picks up Machame but from here there are two options, either to continue the Southern Circuit Route of Machame (i.e. Barranco/Barafu/Stella) or follow the Western Breach Route along the western slope of the Kibo Massif through to Lava Tower, Arrow Glacier and Summit Crater Camp. This is a more demanding route and in June/July may require crampons because of heavy snowfall but is still non- technical and is shunned by all except the more serious of operators. The final advantage is that the last camp is the highest of the camps on the mountain and is a mere two hours from the summit, meaning that with a slow approach, most clients who have reached this camp will summit successfully and without illness. .

Advantages:
  • Scenic – Great views, unique landscapes, possibility of seeing
  • Approach – An exclusive approach to Shira gate would allow for acclimatization through By Day Three, clients will be acclimatized and surprised to see anyone else when the trail meets up with Machame.
  • Exclusivity – A lesser-used Route, the Lemosho approach with the Western Breach summit is used only by the luxury operators and those with a discerning
  • Acclimatization – This route offers maximum opportunities for acclimatization. The last camp is at 18500 feet and clients arrive there for lunch, leaving the afternoon free for exploratory walks to the Ash Crater etc and taking them higher than the point at which they sleep, the most important aid to acclimatization.
  • The Summit – Spending the last night so close to the crater means a less strenuous summit walk than usual, taking them three hours instead of seven and not requiring midnight starts and fifteen-hour days.
Disadvantages:
  • Intensity – This route is slightly more strenuous than the others, particularly on the Western Breach sector, but is still very possible for anyone in good health.
  • Seasonal Access – In winter months of June/July, snow levels might require crampons and or using the Barafu/Southern Circuit, whilst great care must be taken in certain, renowned areas for landslides, at the end of the long dry season.
  • Cost – special charges applicable to the Crater Camp in order to keep numbers down make this route the most expensive

Umbwe Routes

Umbwe is generally considered too steep for most clients to bother with, making it very much a little used route. It picks up the Machame rout at Barranco and from there, as with Machame, you can split into the Barafu/ Southern Circuit or Western Breach Routes. It is a perfect option if added onto the Mount Meru or Mount Kenya climb and clients are acclimatized, fit and ready to go. Umbwe-Western breach is a very tough but exclusive way to climb Kili.

Advantages:
  • Camping – Umbwe enjoys the exclusivity of camping with your own team of porters and staff with whom you become very familiar with.
  • It is very close to Moshi town and the main road, and does not require 4WD to reach the trailhead.
  • It is undoubtedly the least used of the ascent routes and tacked onto the Western Breach could be a good climb for very fit, acclimatized trekkers, adding to the exclusivity.
Disadvantages:
  • Steepness – The first day from Umbwe to Bivouac 1/Forest Caves is very steep with severe altitude gain on day one and two.
  • Due to the camping aspect, more porters are required to carry the equipment up the mountain, making it more expensive.
  • It joins with the Machame Route on Day 3 at Barranco meaning that the route actually becomes busier the higher you climb.

The principal concern for many guests interested in climbing Kilimanjaro is whether the hygiene is of sufficient standard for them to climb without fear of contracting a stomach disorder or illness. With this in mind, we offer the following information: –

  • At all mealtimes, a water and Dettol solution will be available for clients to thoroughly wash their hands before eating.
  • All vegetables and salads are prepared according to the boil it, peel it, disinfectant it (a mild Milton solution) or throw it ethos.
  • We strongly recommend that our guests bring a plentiful supply of antiseptic wipes for washing
  • All water must be boiled, bottled or treated with an iodine-based
  • The sun is particularly harsh on Kilimanjaro, a result of both the equatorial position and the altitude, and can have detrimental effects on those who climb without sun-cream, hats or block.
  • We provide our own toilet tents for use in camp, and encourage the policy of “burn and bury” for those who need the toilet along the trail. Matches are provided for this purpose.