Kilimanjaro. Alex Stewart
is enough room to prevent your toes hitting the front of the boot when descending a steep slope. You should also carry sandals or other lightweight footwear to change into at the hut or campsite.
Gaiters are a very sound investment prior to your ascent. The early stages in the forest can be exceptionally muddy and the use of gaiters helps to keep your feet dry and thus prevents potential blisters. On the heath/moorland, highland desert and summit ascent there are large quantities of scree and gravel to be negotiated. Gaiters worn on these sections will stop the small shards of lava or rock from getting inside your footwear. The descent from the crater rim is on loose scree and the passage of feet tends to result in quantities of fine, penetrating dust being kicked up. Gaiters will once again prevent this material from getting into your boots.
A lot of walkers now use telescopic trekking poles. These are very useful when ascending or more particularly descending, steep or scree slopes. They provide extra balance and help to support your weight, taking the pressure off your knees. Use one or two poles, depending on your own personal preference.
Second Cave sign with packs and poles (Rongai Route, First Camp to Kikelewa Cave)
All climbers should also take a fleece or insulated jacket to wear in the evenings or on the upper slopes of the mountain. In order to combat the fluctuating temperatures on the mountain, adopt a layering policy when dressing. It is always easier to take something off than it is to put it on. A woollen hat or balaclava, scarf and gloves are also a good idea.
In addition to protective gear that combats the cold and wet, you should also have sufficient equipment to be able to endure extremes of sunshine and heat. The sun on the equator and at altitude is very strong. A brimmed hat, sun cream (factor 15+), lip salve and sunglasses are vital.
In addition to these items of clothing and kit, a first aid kit should be carried so that you can patch up minor injuries, such as blisters, cuts and grazes, or trail ailments (see Health considerations). A water bottle with at least a two-litre capacity is also essential. For the final ascent to the crater rim you will require a headtorch, which is also useful when moving about inside your tent or around the campsite. Make sure to bring spare batteries and a spare bulb with you. Additionally, a whistle is useful for attracting attention if you are lost or separated from your group. A small amount of emergency, high energy food, such as chocolate or nuts, ought to be carried as well. A penknife is also a handy tool to have. Plastic bags to store your rubbish in are also a good idea.
While on the mountain, secure all of your valuable or important possessions in waterproof bags. This will ensure that they remain dry in the eventuality of rain or your pack leaking. At short notice a dustbin bag will double up as a pack liner.
Although you won’t be carrying your full size pack, try to ensure that it is in good condition and is waterproof. The porters may or may not choose to carry it in the conventional manner. A sturdy day pack is essential. Make sure that it fits comfortably and is easily adjustable. It need not be especially large, 30 to 40-litre capacity is sufficient, but do make sure that it can contain all of your cameras, maps, water supplies, some food, additional clothing, waterproofs and sun cream.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Clothing: boots and spare laces, light shoes or sandals, down jacket, fleece or jumper, shirts (t-shirts and long-sleeved collared shirts), socks, trekking trousers, waterproof jacket and overtrousers, underwear (including thermals), gloves, woollen hat or balaclava, wide-brimmed hat.
Essential items: passport, rucksack, day pack, trekking poles, gaiters, sleeping bag (3 season+), floor mat, water bottle (2 litre+), water purifying tablets, headtorch, batteries, bulbs, first aid kit, penknife, lighter, sunglasses, sun cream (factor 15+), lip salve, towel and wash bag, money belt, map, whistle, toilet paper, plastic bags.
Optional items: camera, binoculars, altimeter, compass, notebook and pen, ear plugs, waterproof pack cover, spare pair of prescription glasses.
Insurance
It is wise to take out a good insurance policy. When researching insurance policies, make sure that you mention that you are going to climb Kilimanjaro. Although this may result in an increase in your premium, it will at least ensure that you are covered in case of an accident on the mountain. Make sure that you take a copy of the policy and that it is accessible to a friend or family member.
Health considerations
‘We were turning into geezers. Ratty beards sprouted. Fingers swelled. Faces grew puffy and wrinkled. Our rest steps slowed to funereal pace. We got gaseous … Why do people put themselves through this wringer?’
Tom Dunkel
FIRST AID KIT
Plasters
Blister kit
Bandages (both cotton gauze and elastic)
Knee supports
Antiseptic cream
Aspirin or paracetamol
Throat lozenges
Imodium
Iodine tablets
Sun cream
Lip salve
Safety pins
Scissors
Wet wipes
Insect repellent
Sterile needles
Any prescription medicines that you would usually take in your home country
First-time visitors to Africa can easily become obsessed with concerns regarding their health. While the potential dangers of trekking in a developing country can seem overwhelming it is important to prevent these worries from becoming obsessive. In reality, Tanzania isn’t a particularly dangerous country and very few travellers experience anything more than an upset stomach. In order to minimise the risks of becoming sick, have the requisite inoculations before leaving home, make sure that you carry a first aid kit and adopt a sensible attitude to food and hygiene while on the trek.
Pre-trek health
It would be sensible to safeguard against the following:
Diptheria and tetanus – usually a combined vaccination that is initially administered in three injections and is then topped up every 10 years.
Polio – usually administered during childhood, requires a booster every 10 years.
Hepatitis A – Havrix injection lasts for 10 years if you have a second booster shot after six months. Short term administration of gamma globulin provides immediate protection for up to six months.
Typhoid – recommended for most parts of Africa. Available as an injection or as capsules to be taken orally.
Tuberculosis – usually administered during childhood. The risk to travellers is low in Tanzania.
Rabies – although there is a low risk of contracting the disease, it should be considered if you plan to spend more than a month in Tanzania, particularly if you propose to work with animals. It is a three-part injection that requires two booster injections upon being bitten.
Yellow fever – recommended for travel in areas where the disease is endemic, including Tanzania. Only becomes effective 10 days after it has been administered. It is a good idea to carry proof of your vaccination, especially if you are entering the country overland.
Meningococcal meningitis – recommended for travel to parts of Africa, including Tanzania, particularly if you intend to stay for several months or work among the local population. Not necessary for short stays in the country.
Malaria – the risk on Kilimanjaro itself is low since much of the mountain is too high and cold to support mosquitoes.