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Trekking Tips |
Here we gathered some useful tips to make your trekking expedition easier; just scroll down the page. For additional information, have a look in our Trekking FAQ or Tourist Information sections or contact us!
- Trekking Gear & Appropriate Clothes
- Recommended »Do Not Forget« List
- Medical Restrictions
- Altitude Illness (Mountain Sickness)
- Water and Fluids
- Food
- Trekking Speed
- Trekking Gear and Appropriate Clothes
Being well equipped will increase your chances to successfully accomplish your goal – to summit the mountain! It is very important to have all the necessary trekking gear and appropriate clothing. It is recommended to take several thin layers of cloths rather than a few thick ones. Bring clothing that allows ventilation as well as a few items made from synthetic instead of woolen materials; they dry much faster. Your hiking boots should be well »worn-in« to avoid irritation, blisters and pain. Some of the clothing and trekking gear can be rented at the park gates; but note that the choice is limited and occasionally some of the items may be unavailable.
- Medical Restrictions
The trek is taken at clients own risk and therefore it is important that each trekker, especially the ones undergoing medical treatment or have cardiac, pulmonary/respiratory or high/low blood pressure problems, obtains an approval from his/her doctor prior to booking the trek. If you have a cold, sore throat, cough or body temperature above normal, the park regulations may restrict the trek above 3000m (metric converter).- Altitude Illness (Mountain Sickness)
Every
trekker
needs to be aware of specific circumstances that are likely to occur
on the mountain during the trek, and the necessary steps which should
be taken to avoid them. Conditions, symptoms and remedies suggested
here are general and should only be used as a guideline; we recommend
further reading on any mountain related sickness (
more details).
- Altitude Illness (Mountain Sickness)
Frostbite:
As a result of low temperatures, a destruction
of soft tissues on the fingers and toes can occur. Good and warm
gloves (with insulation) for the fingers and thick wool socks for
the feet will help.
Hypothermia:
It is a condition associated with the lowering
of the body's core temperature, usually caused by inappropriate clothing,
being wet from sweating or rain, and exhaustion. It is recommended
to have proper clothing: warm, waterproof, allowing ventilation,
and keeping you active. Severe hypothermia can lead to total disorientation,
lethargy, confusion and ultimately death.
Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness:
It
is frequently a problem while climbing mountains above 4000m
(Mt. Meru and in particular Mt.
Kilimanjaro); it is a direct result
of failure to acclimatize properly. Symptoms include nausea, bad
headache, vomiting, fatigue, swelling of hands/feet. This can be
prevented by ascending slowly (or if possible spending an extra day
half way up for acclimatization, since altitude sickness can be cured
by descending to lower altitudes) and eat and drink properly.
Others, pulmonary edema etc:
Symptoms include shortness
of breath, gurgling sounds from chest, production of frothy white
sputum, cough (sometimes sputum is blood-tinged).
This is a very serious and dangerous condition so please inform the
guide about your situation immediately and do not attempt going any
further up the mountain! Usually it is recommended that you are taken
to a lower altitude.
To avoid dehydration, it is recommended that trekkers consume between 1.5 - 3 liters of water per day, which will also help your body to acclimatize at the higher altitudes. The air above 4000 m is dry and sweat control is essential by using removable clothing and packing yourself.
Monitor your urine; it should be clear and the amount discharged at least 1 - 1.5 liters per day.
- Food
Most trekkers have a good appetite until about 4000 m (metric converter). Light foods, especially carbohydrates like bread, cereals and rice are recommended. Citrus fruits and bananas are good too. Avoid fats, rich foods, alcohol and tobacco.
Here is a brief description of meals provided:
Breakfast: Fruit
juice, fruits, cereal/porridge, eggs, bread/pancakes, salami/sausages,
margarine, jam/honey, tea/coffee/drinking chocolate.
Snacks: Peanuts/crisps/popcorn/cookies.
Lunch: Sliced
carrot and cucumber, avocado slices, boiled egg, vegetable/meat cutlets,
sandwiches.
Dinner: Soup, bread, salad, rice/pasta/potato,
chicken/meat, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad, fruits with
custard, tea/coffee/cocoa/drinking chocolate.
- Trekking Speed
It is essential to maintain a slow pace while trekking (especially at higher altitudes), and drinking lots of water. This will help your body to acclimatize, consequently reducing a risk of acquiring the mountain-related sicknesses. - First-Aid Kit
Do not forget to bring a small first-aid kit as well as information on to usage, dosage and effects of the medicine/drugs in the kit. Pay a special attention to the tropics and high-altitude problems.
- Type of Baggage and Weight Limitations
Suitcases are not allowed on the trek. Waterproof rucksacks or duffel/sausage bags are recommended; they will be carried by a porter (limit is 15 kg; metric converter). Note: if your baggage weight exceeds 15 kg, you will have to pay for an additional porter! - Park Regulations
Both Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro are situated inside the National Parks; hence all National Park regulations need to be followed at all times! Some important regulations are written at the back of the permit which is kept by your guide. Please take time to read it. - Tipping Guidelines
A tip is expected after the tour, and it is not included in the price of the trek. The amount of your tip depends on your satisfaction with the crew during the trek and your financial ability. As a guideline, 5 - 10% of what you have paid for your tour can be added as a tip to the crew. - Our Price
Inclusive:
Park entry fees, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, transfers to/from the mountain gate, English speaking mountain guide, assistant guide, porters, cook, camping equipment, three meals per day while on trek.
Exclusive:
Drinks, bottled water, items of personal nature with personal toiletry requirements, hire of any clothing and equipment, insurance, accommodation and meals before/after the tour and tipping to the crew.