Accomodation & Preparation
The Marangu Route: Accomodation
The Machame Route: Accomodation
Food
Altitude
Fitness
Clothing
Equipment
The Marangu Route: Accomodation
This is one of the most direct routes and, consequently, the one that is most frequented. Accomodation takes the form of shared huts throughout, some of which offer shared dormitory-style accommodation.
back to top The Machame Route: Accommodation
The Machame Route stays well away from the popular Marangu trail so climbers will see much fewer people on the mountain. Accomodation is in the form of two-man tents (or singles). On this route, climbers travel with a team of porters and a cook, in addition to the mountain guide. The porters carry the bulk of cooking and camping equipment and supplies, and often ascend ahead of the climbers to ensure that the camp is prepared for their arrival.
back to top Food
Both itineraries are offered on a full-board basis, with all food and water included. Food is based on the need to have a high energy diet with plenty of fluids, to address the rigours of an uphill ascent and support the body’s acclimatisation to altitude.
back to top Altitude
The body’s ability to cope with altitude varies greatly from person to person and has nothing to do with fitness levels, age or size. If you know that you are strongly affected by altitude, and you’re determined to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route is a five-night ascent, giving your body more time to adjust. This will increase your chances of reaching the summit.
back to top Fitness
The Marangu Route is the easiest route to the summit and is more of moderate trek than a climb. The Machame Route is suited to more experienced climbers and alpine walkers. People attempting to reach the summit should be in good physical condition, able to slowly jog for an hour or more without feeling short of breath or manage a walk of several hours. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3,000m. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the mountain, without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is also important.
back to top Clothing
People can become overheated when climbing, so it is best to dress in several layers, which can be easily removed and carried in your bag (eg thermal vest, undershirt, overshirt, sweater and jacket). Sweating causes loss of bodily fluid and at the same time soaks clothes, which become cold in the wind or shade. Winds around the saddle and the summit can cause severe heat loss by evaporation, so a windproof jacket is required. Hats are also recommended, as they prevent heat loss from the scalp. A balaclava that covers hair, ears, forehead and chin is very useful at high altitudes. Good gloves, sunglasses and sun block are essential. Comfortable 'broken in' boots are imperative.
back to top Equipment
A certain amount of equipment can be hired from the park or the hotels before departure, including sleeping bag, walking stick, rucksack, warm clothing, rain wear and water-bottle. However, bring your own 'worn in' shoes, including a light pair for walking and use around camp and a pair of boots for mud, rain, snow and ice. Other useful items include a sweater, a wind/rain proof jacket, thermal underwear, a hat/balaclava, gloves, thermal socks, a scarf, sunglasses, sun-block cream, toilet paper, basic first aid kit, personal medicine, sweets, nuts, fruit, money (to purchase drinks) and a torch with spare batteries.
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