If you are reading this, most likely you have an idea to climb the highest mountain in Africa sometime in the future. I have done a detailed research before my Kilimanjaro climb. Now, that I climbed this mountain, I have my own list of Kilimanjaro Q&A to share.
Kilimanjaro Q&As
General questions
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
You can climb Kilimanjaro year-round. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: March-May and October-December. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during dry season in January and February, and from June to September.
How to “survive” the scree?
The only way to get down the scree is to slide. You will slide, and you will fall, accept it. You won’t be able to get down the scree without sliding. Try sliding sideways, try steps forward. You will figure your own way of “seeing”. Important thing is to keep the slide going, step by step. When tired use poles to help stopping. Take a lot of pictures and videos, laugh at home later. Remember to have fun!
Training
Does Kilimanjaro require climbing skills?
No
Do I need to train for Kilimanjaro climb?
The climb is very physically demanding. Many people underestimate the difficulty of the climb.
You need to be able to walk/hike 6-7 miles per day on high altitude, so yes, you need to be in a good physical shape. To train or not to train is your decision, but I suggest at least walk 6-7 miles couple times a week. Also, keep in mind that it is much more difficult to breathe on high altitude, so hiking some local mountains once a week 2-3 month prior to the climb is very desirable. I was in decent shape, doing overnight winter camping/hiking trips in Adirondacks twice a month, but I still took training very seriously. There was almost no mountains around Rochester, NY(where I lived 10 years ago), so my husband suggested to start running and I did, 4 times a week for 4 months prior to the climb. As a result, I was able to run half-marathon 3 months after my climb (and yes, I still hate running).
Camping
Are there restrooms on the trail?
Yes, in some camps. Some tour operators provide portable toilets.
Is there a toilet paper in the restrooms?
No, there is no toilet paper. You need to bring your own.
Do I need to bring sleeping bag/sleeping pad?
Yes, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad. You can rent sleeping bag in some hotel in Moshi. I strongly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Good sleeping bag (and sleeping pad) will improve the quality of your sleep on the trek.
Are there showers in the camps?
No. Your last shower will be in the hotel, the morning you leave for the mountain and your next shower, the best shower of your life, will be 5-8 days later in the same hotel. This will probably be your longest shower too. Almost 10 years later I still remember this shower.
While the is no showers on the mountain, the porters will bring you a small dish with warm(!!) water twice a day: in the morning and at night right after you get into your tent. One dish per person.
Prescriptions and medical
My tour operator suggests getting Diamox prescription. Do I really need it?
Short answer is Yes, get the prescription.
Diomax significantly improve altitude sickness symptoms. As any medicine it has its side effects and unfortunately the side effects similar to the altitude sickness symptoms. You might not get any side effects at all. It is suggested to start taking Diomax 2 days prior to the climb. I didn’t. After using Diamox on approximately 11000 ft and I was feeling much better in just two days. While I’m not entirely sure whether its effect of Diamax or I got acclimatized. I strongly suggest taking it at 2 days prior to the climb if you had incidents of altitude sickness in the past. Try it at home couple of days prior to the climb just to see if you develop side effects.
Do I need an oxygen meter?
You don’t need it, but it is good to have. They are cheap, you can get one on amazon for 10-15$.
Water treatment
Do I need to bring water treatment tablets?
Yes, I strongly suggest using those. You will be drinking filtered water from creeks, that your porters will filter for you. The water might look yellow depending on the season. While the water will be filtered it is still a good idea to use the tablets.
Do I need to bring water filter?
No, the porters will filter water for you.
Should I keep my mouth closed when I take a shower in hotel in Tanzania?
That was recommended by our guide. I did before the climb to protect myself from unwanted accidentals, but I didn’t after the climb, and I did not get sick. Perhaps my stomach got used to local water after processing yellow filtered water for 7 days.
Should I use bottled water to brush my teeth?
I did before the climb and did not after. Our trip organizer suggested to use bottled water.
Can I drink tap water in Tanzania?
It is not recommended, drink bottled water.
Food and snacks
Do I need to pack my own food for the climb?
No. Kilimanjaro is a full-service trek, it includes registered guide(s), porters, cook. The food on the trail (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) and the tents are provided.
Do I need to bring my own snacks?
Yes! Bring Protein bars, trail mix, cereal bars, trial mixes, nuts, dried fruits. While healthy, high protein snacks are very nutritious, I also suggest bringing the snacks or sweets that you like, such as gummy bears, Reese’s cups, Cheetos, etc. Believe me, you will lose appetite on high altitude and you will have no desire to eat this pasta dinner. Gummy bear snack will look very appealing. This is an advice from many experienced climbers. Of course, you can’t substitute your entire 7-day menu with gummy bears, so moderation is a key here. But again, on your summit day, you will be very happy to have those favorite snacks in your pocket, trust me.
Wildlife
Are there snakes on the trail?
Yes, there are snakes in the rain forest, but not on the trail. According to our guide there are variety of the snakes in the rainf orest area (first and last days day of the climb), but they stay away from the trail due to extreme sensitivity to the movements.
Do you see animals on the trail?
A few, in the rain forest zone only, first two days of climb. We saw variety of the birds and Colobus monkeys.
