by Emily Sopensky

Find a provider through contacts or the Internet who will help you plan your route up the mountain and book accommodations and transportation for you. Plan on spending 5-7 days for your trek. Consider booking a safari, too, since you are already in the right place for that. See What Makes a Good Guide for more information about providers.

Preparation

While not a technical climb, it can be strenuous. For me, the worst part was coming down. I am thankful for spending time in the gym with a weighted backpack and by hiking up and down Mt Bonnell.

Getting there

Most international flights land in Nairobi International Airport from where you can take a shuttle to Arusha, Tanzania. Besides the African national airlines, KLM is the only international line that flies directly into Kilimanjaro Airport.

Nairobi is only 200 miles from Arusha, but the two-lane highway leading there is filled with potholes. Expect to spend five to six hours on the road. At the border, there is one rest stop in addition to de-boarding on each side of the border to get your passport stamped and visa checked. Be prepared with your health card to show that you have been immunized against yellow fever.

Where and when to climb

Several trails lead up Kilimanjaro, but 91% use the Marangu Trail, called the "Coca-Cola" route for its popularity and ease of ascent. Accommodations on this trail are in huts. On the more majestic, difficult Machame route, the "Whiskey Route," you sleep in tents–either your own or your providers. This route is considered safer, however, because it usually includes one day hiking simply for acclimatization purposes.

I found the books, websites and even acquaintances a little confusing about the best time to climb. Unlike other non-technical mountains, such as Mt. Fuji, Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round. However, the driest months are August to October. Trust me, you want to avoid the rainy season, generally considered to be worst in November, April and May. The first and last legs of the journey are on steep muddy rainforest trails. Even though it had not rained in two weeks when I went down the trail, it was either a mucky mire or filled with 18-inch-deep foot-sized potholes. January, February and September are considered the best months.

Consider planning your trip to make your last ascent during the light of the full moon. It is extraordinary.

Visas

You need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania, which you can get by applying to the Republic of Tanzania Embassy in Washington, DC (2139 R Street, NW, 20008; phone: 202 884 1080). The cost is $45 payable in money order or cash. They will need your passport, the name of your provider, and proof that you’ve purchased a ticket to and from Tanzania.

Currency

Take cash and travelers checks with a credit card as backup only. Using credit cards is like giving money away because you will be charged the official exchange rate, which is less than half the actual rate. I could not get Tanzania shillings (Tsh) in Austin, but Kenya shillings (Ksh) are used anywhere but in the national parks. Check the latest exchange rates at www.bloomber.com/markets. Climb with cash so that you can tip your guide and porters afterwards. While some are hesitant about taking travelers checks, they will. There are "I did It" T-shirts for sale at the end of the trek.

Immunizations

Tanzania is a third world country. As such, a trip to a travel clinic–there are several in Austin-- is a must unless you are already a seasoned traveler to such countries. I went to The Travel Clinic at the Austin Diagnostic Clinic on Mopac Expressway, where Mary _______ does a brisk business with Dell employees as well as luminaries such as Sarah Weddington whose postcard was just one of many that crowded her bulletin board.

I’m now protected from Hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and malaria. I received boosters for tetnus, diptheria and small pox. The Travel Clinic also gave me a prescription for diamox (acetazolmide), which helps prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as "altitude sickness," and an antibacterial medicine for diarrhea — just in case.

Gear

My feet were quite comfortable with liner socks and thick wool socks in boots that I’d worn for a year. During the final ascent, my guide insisted that I wear a third pair. I’m glad I did. The rest of my gear I bought at REI sales or borrowed from friends. REI’s gear list is great because it’s detailed and comprehensive (www.rei.com/travel/gearlists/kilclmblst.html). Although not necessary because they feed you more than you can possibly eat, I bought a box of power bars on sale and am glad I did. Not only were they a nice quick source of energy on the go but the porters liked them, too.

Souvenirs

Beautiful carved ebony and soapstone in many shapes and forms are inexpensive in Arusha. Off the center of the city, near the clock that marks the half-way point between Capetown and Cairo, is a narrow alley with a slew of tiny booths filled with the carvings.

# # #

    

Home | Corporate Communications | Newsletters | Technical Documentation | Reporting | Contact Us