The seven summits, the highest peaks of the 7 continents: Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Carstensz! Trips, Statistics & information!
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Kilimanjaro

General Tips to prepare yourself


Below are general tips about the life in Tanzania and on the mountain.

Please also read the FAQ about the Kili and safari trips with more detailed info about Vaccination, visa, tips & more!

 

Language: In Tanzania (and Kenya) most people speak Kiswahili and at least a little English
Money: In Kenya and in Tanzania the Shilling is used, but the Kenya shilling is worth ten times the Tanzania shilling! Check your bank or the internet for the latest currency values
Visa:  Most foreigners need a visa to enter both Kenya and Tanzania (that's 2 visa in total). Get them in your local consulate of embassy, this will save you time. More details can be found in this FAQ
Food and drinks: Welcome to the Coca-Cola country! Coke and Fanta you can buy anywhere! The food differs, make sure that the fruit is fresh and not washed with dirty water. Near Moshi, people eat a lot of rice, vegetables and meat. Alco check out this FAQ for more detailed health tips
Vaccinations:  Check your medic about the latest requirements; mostly a recent DTP shot will do (Diphtheria, Pertusis and Tetanus). Gamma globulin against Hepatitis A is recommended. There is also a great malaria hazard (not on the mountain) so you must decide whether to take pills for that too... More details are to be found in this FAQ
Time to climb and seasons:  It is possible all year long although most avoid the rainy season: The long rainy season is from April to May, the short rainy season is mostly in November/beginning of December. Always be prepared for wet days and cold nights on the mountain any time of year!

Each month has its specific (dis)advantages:

Jan-March: The warmest months: few clouds - one of the best times to climb.·
April- May Rainy season, many clouds, rain on the lower slopes, maybe some snow on top. Still warm though and the least crowded months.
June-July Clear skies, cold nights, beautiful!
Aug-October Warmer, busy months; October is least busy of this high season.
Nov-December Short rainy season, (clearing) clouds and possible thunder; Snow on the higher slopes. End of December (white X-mas!) is getting clearer and warmer, very beautiful
It is nice to summit with a full moon:

Full Moon Dates


Here are the dates for 2011 & 2012


To use the full moon at its fullest you

should leave about 5-7 days before these dates, depending on the length of your trip.

tip: Note that these dates are usually popular, so if you prefer a quieter trip, go for the new moon dates instead, which will show you countless stars and the Milky Way instead!

 

 

 

New Jan 4 2011

Full Jan 19 2011

New Feb 3 2011

Full Feb 18 2011

New Mar 4 2011

Full Mar 19 2011

New Apr 3 2011

Full Apr 18 2011

New May 3 2011

Full May 17 2011

New Jun 1 2011

Full Jun 15 2011

New Jul 1 2011

Full Jul 15 2011

New Jul 30 2011

Full Aug 13 2011

New Aug 29 2011

Full Sep 12 2011

New Sep 27 2011

Full Oct 12 2011

New Oct 26 2011

Full Nov 10 2011

New Nov 25 2011

Full Dec 10 2011

New Dec 24 2011

Full Jan 9 2012

New Jan 23 2012

Full Feb 7 2012

New Feb 21 2012

Full Mar 8 2012

New Mar 22 2012

Full Apr 6 2012

New Apr 21 2012

Full May 6 2012

New May 20 2012

Full Jun 4 2012

New Jun 19 2012

Full Jul 3 2012

New Jul 19 2012

Full Aug 2 2012

New Aug 17 2012

Full Aug 31 2012

New Sep 16 2012

Full Sep 30 2012

New Oct 15 2012

Full Oct 29 2012

New Nov 13 2012

Full Nov 28 2012

New Dec 13 2012

Full Dec 28 2012

Summit Succes

Overall not even the half of the Kili climbers summit (though 7summits had a record 99% of all climbers summit in 2010!). These pointers will help:
Time on the mountain: 

Don't take the normal (Marangu or 'Coca Cola') route, it is too crowded, dirty and quick. If you do, take at least one extra day, preferably 2 or more.

We rather propose the Lemosho or Machame route which is minimal 8 or 6 days and then add one or even better 2 extra days.

It will be more costly, but it is certainly worth it. Better pay for 7 or 8 days and enjoy them all than to pay for 5 or 6 days and remember nothing afterwards! It is really madness to climb up to almost 6000m in 3.5 days ("normal" time on normal route). You will most likely not summit and get seriously ill. Ever heard anyone who climbed to 6000m on Aconcagua in 3.5 days? That normally takes a week at least, so figure...

Pace on the mountain You will hear the following very often: “Pole Pole”

It means: Take it easy! As Kili is not technically demanding, most people go too fast and get trouble acclimatizing. If you are out of breath during the first 2 days then you will be in trouble later on. Go steady, breath through your nose and be careful with your knees (keep legs bent).

Food and drinks Drink more than you like, your body needs it to acclimatize. Lots of water, at least 3-5 liters per day, no coffee or alcohol, take it easy on the tea if it contains caffeine.

Your stomach might get upset as a result of strange diet, physical and mental exhaustion an altitude. Take it easy on the pills (energy, diamox), resting is more effective. If you are feeling bad, always tell your guide as it might implicate mountain sickness.

Tipping:

First of all, tipping is not compulsory, the amounts below are given as a guideline only. Poor service should result in lower tips; serious circumstances should be reported with our staff. Tips in kind are always welcome (hats, t-shirts, shoes, backpacks etc). What you consider old and useless might be better than the porters or their families own...

We recommend not to exceed the following amounts except in special circumstances; they are averages (for the whole group) and are based on 5days (Marangu) or 6 days (Machame):

Marangu (normal) route Guide: $50-60 Assistant: $30 Cook: $20 Porters (each): $15-20
Machame and other routes Guide: $50-80 Assistant: $40 Cook: $30 Porters (each): $20-30