PREPARING FOR KILIMANJARO TREKKNG

The very best way to prepare for climbing to high altitude is to climb to high altitude .  Although this is difficult for most people , remember that the higher the altitude you can reach and the longer the hikes you do for training , the better . Weather it be to hike 1000 meters altitude to the top of the hill or climbing larger mountains further afield , just being out hiking up hills is the best .   This also allows you to get used to your backpack and boots .  You should be hiking with everything in your daypack that you anticipate carrying when climbing Kilimanjaro .

Running and hiking are also very good and at least take you outdoors so you can test your equipment . Stairmasters and climbing machines at the gym will work if outdoor hiking isn’t an option .

Try not to go for short hard blasts of exercise but long sustained workouts instead .  An adequate training regime is to maintain 75 % of your max heart rate (220 minus your age ) for an hour , three to four days a week .

Remember high altitude climbing requires acclimatization and that a strong mind is as important as a strong body . If you’re fairly fit and choose climbing itinerary that allows plenty of time to acclimatize you have the best formula for success .

If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on safari , this packing list below can help to be well prepared and comfortable during your adventure . But if you ended up missing or forgot to bring few things , don’t worry , you can still find some items in town before you start your trip .

  • Pile or Wool hat :  bring one that covers ears , a balaclava type is best .
  • Shade hat  :   visor hats with good brims are essential for protection from the equatorial sun .
  • Sunglasses  :   essential for eye protection in the tropics , at altitude . Bring a good quality pair / Glacier glasses .
  • Sunscreen  :  bring plenty of complete sun block with a protection factor of 15 or more , unless you have spent time in equatorial sun you will probably underestimate the amount necessary , but bring lots.
  • Lip balm  :  with SPF rating of 15 or more .
  • Bandana :  tied around neck they give good sun protection .
  1. Upper body layers for climbing a mountain are recommended you have three warm layers for the upper body . Items must be made of wool , synthetic or pile . Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each other and supply good insulation . A good combination is a long underwear top , a sweater and a pile jacket or heavy wool shirt . Cotton items do not provide adequate insulation .
  2. T-Shirts ,  bring two t-shirts you don’t mind getting dirt while on the mountain . Synthetic is best.
  3. Rain parka , afternoon showers in East Africa are pretty common , especially on the mountains , so bring a good parka of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been “SEAM SEALED”
  4. Wind shirt , optional if you have Gortex rain gear , a nylon wind shell not water proof , roomy enough to fit comfortably over all upper body layers . Gortex is best for this wind shirt and for the rain coat .
  5. Poncho , optional quick and handy  protection for body and rucksack .
  6. Gloves or mittens , wool or pile  , one pair of  heavy mittens and a light pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves work well .
  7. Mittens shell , one pair to go over your mittens , these are for use against the winds sometimes encountered in the crater and on the way to the  summit .
  1. Quick dry hiking shorts , good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain.
  2. Long underwear bottoms , one pair wool or synthetic .
  3. Wool , Blunting or  Pile pants , bring one pair that fit loosely and are comfortable , these are essential to be worn over the long john bottoms .
  4. Rain pants , one pair of rain pants of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been “ SEAM SEALED “.
  5. Wind pants , optional if you have Gortex rain pants , these are used often on the mountain for protection against wind and they should be breathable nylon and roomy enough to fit comfortably over wool or pile pants .
  6. Tights , Lycra or polypropylene type are comfortable to hike in , provide good warmth on cool misty days , dry fast and prevent sunburn .
  7. Undergarments , bring enough for the duration of the trek .
  1. Thin socks , two pairs of synthetic socks to wear under heavy wool socks and this will help to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry .
  2. Thick socks , at least three pairs of heavy wool or synthetic socks to wear for warmth  to wear with hiking boots .
  3. Hiking boots , one pair of medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one liner sock and one heavy wool or synthetic sock. When fitting boots be sure they are long enough that your toe will not strike the end of the boot when walking down for hours .
  4. Gaiters , one pair of either high or low gaiters made of breathable material to keep dirt and snow out of your boot.
  5. Tennis shoes or sandals to wear at in camp after a day of hiking.
  1. One sleeping bag and stuff suck , on the mountain temperatures can get down to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit at night so bring a warm bag .
  2. Sleeping pad , a closed cell foam camping mattress is ok . An inflatable therma-rest type is much more comfortable .
  1. Water bottle two litre wide mouthed plastic bottles and one camel pack one .
  2. Water treatment , we will filter with one hand filter pump but foe emergency we recommend you bring two bottles of “ Portable Aqua “or a “Polar Pure “ crystals iodine in a bottle to treat drinking water.
  3. Water flavouring , Wylers lemonade, Tang , Gatoraid , etc . It is really important that you stayed hydrated while at altitude for better acclimatization but these drink mixes are hard to buy in Tanzania so f you have one you like that makes you drinking water easier we encourage you to bring something with you .
  1. Frameless pack, a medium comfortable pack with some support is adequate to carry personal gear. The pack should fit properly and have a good waist belt . Side pockets are recommended for soft pack to carry personal loads like cameras , water and extra flees.
  2. Pack cover , should be waterproof to cover your pack during hiking in the rain or bring a lerge plastic bag to line the inside .
  3. Duffle / zip bag , bring a medium size for mountain gears to fit well into our mountain bag that porters carry .
  4. Duffle / zip zip bag , large enough to hold your non-mountain gear that will remain at the hotel .
  5. Plastic bags , bring several to double bag your sleeping bag and clothes on the mountain .
  1. Toiletries , bring enough for entire trip but keep simple and light. Few toiletries are available in Tanzania but but we recommend you bring enough for the trip.
  2. Flash light and head lamp , are very important during summit night and handy in the camp with spare batteries.
  3. Personal knife , Swiss army type of knife with scissors.
  4. Personal first aid kit and drug kit LISTED BELOW
  5. Trail munchies , although plenty of snack food is provided , trekkers like the taste of home in their pack.
  6. Hot drink mixes , we will provide plenty of coffee , cocoa and tea but non-caffeinated drinks are not readly available in Tanzania so we recommend you bring enough supply of your favorite herbal teas .
  7. Towel , for wash up in camp and a small one is fine .
  8. Spare glasses , for eye contact wearers in dusty conditions and eye any dusty wearers while on vacation .

We will always have gauze , tape , aspirin , antibiotic ointment , antacid tablets , pain killers , eye treatment , Imodium , Compazine and Diamox.  Because of liability problems , prescription drugs will

only be dispensed in emergencies .

We suggest you  bring the following medical items but Please discuss this  with your Physician 

  • Intestinal disorders , Compazine , 25mg rectal suppositories for severe nausea and vomiting .
  • Imodium for decreasing diarrhea and cramping .
  • Infections , Antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions .
  • Erythromycin or Amoxicillin tablets for skin or soft tissue infections.
  • Blisters , it is wise to bring your own supply of blisters treatments to ensure that you avoid letting any blister bet out of hand , “ Second skin and Moleskin are recommended”.
  • Headaches , Tylenol and Tylenol with Codeine to help relieve possible altitude headaches. Nothing stronger than Codeine should be taken for fear of masking potential severe altitude problems on the mountain.
  • Insomnia , Halcion 15mg tablets . In high altitude mountaineering restlessness is most uncommon and sleep is very important . Halcion is a high strong pill but we do not advice any sleeping pill above 5000m . We have also find Melatonin to be very helpful for jet lag .
  • High altitude sickness Diamox , Acetazolamide 250mg tablet to be taken twice a day.

 

Visas for Tanzania can be obtained on arrival for most countries. As the prices and entry  requirements do change , we recommend all travelers to contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy for exact details .

When planning your Tanzanian holiday you should consult your personal GP/ DOCTOR or specifically a travel doctor who will be able to advice on any medications or inoculations you may require .

Depending on age , travel history and medical situation the recommendations may differ .

While in Tanzania on safari with Ricktrackers & safaris , most of our guides are trained to Wilderness First Responder level , an advance first aid training for leaders in the outdoors.

We recommend all clients take out a reputable travel insurance policy and can also arrange a local emergency services coverage if necessary .

Tanzania is a relatively peaceful country and yet still developing with a vast and wild wilderness. The countries natural attractions , the mountains , rare cultures , beautiful beaches and exotic locations have helped developed a health tourism industry which thankfully allows millions of peoples to earn a good living . However , poverty can still be seen while visiting the  country and it’s advised to act as respectful as possible . Please talk to your guide about taking photographs , customs and actions that may offend the society.

Tanzanian people by nature are extremely friendly and warm but bear in mind that crimes does exist like in all cities around the world . Your guide will brief you fully on arrival regarding personal safety and please do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you need .