Kilimanjaro is one of the most exhilarating trekking experiences you can possibly have in the world. From the forested interior that marks the fringe of the mountain range up to its glaciated peak. It is however essential that you prepare for this with a regular exercise and fitness regime leading up to the climb to assure a successful summit. You need to be agile and relatively fit and then a stable and regular exercise program 6 weeks prior to climbing should have you nicely prepared for the challenge. Those suffering from breathing difficulties, heart conditions or any other issues affected by high altitude must NOT attempt to climb. Check with your doctor prior to booking if you have any queries or worries about your health concerning such a climb.

Most of the following equipment and some advice needed for your climbing. Please also do some Google research on high attitude hiking & climbing in Africa:

CONTENTS OF YOUR MAIN HAVERSACK – BACKPACK – TO BE CARRIED BY PORTERS SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag (covering at least 3 seasons!)
• Roll Mat and/or Insulation Pads -1 per person (pp)
• Water/wind proof /protector jacket (light material breathable fabric) – its essential you make sure you have the right jacket for this activity – 1 pp
• Warm jacket -1 pp
• Rain clothes – 1 pp
• Sweaters – 2 pp
• Warm trousers – 2 pp
• Hiking Trousers – 2 pp (offering protection from the bush and from the sun)
• Long warm leggings/underwear – 1 pp
• Climbing/Hiking boots – 1 pair pp
• Light trainer shoes (for use in camp) – 1 pair pp,
• Cotton socks – 12 pairs pp (don’t be fooled by taking less. Cold feet are one of the main reasons people get hypothermia and have to make an emergency descent). Your feet will sweat every day as you hike so you must have spare enough to change into dry socks when you stop for the night. Wearing 2 slim pairs of sock in your Walking Shoes will assist in the prevention of blisters from sweating. Thick Thermal Socks are a must for the final summit. Have 2 to 3 CLEAN pairs available for final summit ascent and ensure your Climbing Boots are at least 1 size bigger than your feet.)
• Hiking shorts – 2 pp (minimum)
• T-shirts and/or Long-sleeved shirts with collar – 1-2 per day
• Balaklava or Thermal/wooly hat  with warm scarf (for summit climb)
• Gloves – 2 pairs (wooly inserts and thermal-wind-waterproof outer pair)
• Water bottle (2 x 1-2 litre bottles), Camel back or hiking bottles (with attached straw)
• Head Torch Light (many extra batteries & preferably a spare torch) – 1 or 2 pp
• Towel with toiletries & toilet paper

SMALL ‘DAY’ RUCK SACK – DAYPACK (WITH YOUR DAILY STUFF PACKED INSIDE):

• Water bottle (holder on side of ruck rack)
• Camera and/or video camera
• Energy Snacks & Sweets (save some space for packed lunch)
• First Aid Kit – and general medicines such as diarrhoea drug, anti-altitude sickness prevention drug (optional), water filter/iodine tablets, plasters, plaster tape roll, plastic skin plasters for blisters, rehydrate, headache tablets, insect repellent, sunburn skin hydrate) – you will carry this rucksack yourself, so contents need to be well organised, non-bulky and light weight.
• Walking sticks – a pair
• Sun Hat (preferably to cover ears & neck)
• Sun glasses – preferably Polaroid or special snow climbing glasses – (essential in preventing snow blindness; this symptom is only temporary BUT very painful)
• Watch, Pocket Knife, Sewing/Repair Kit, Whistle, Earplugs, Notebook & Pencil – optional

Important: Remember to pack your clothes and other items in smaller plastic bags to protect them from unpredictable rains; only durable plastic bags are allowed on the mountain, normal plastic bags are strictly prohibited!

Please note: You can bring your own equipment or rent a lot of it from us.

It is ESSENTIAL you come with your own trekking shoes and climbing boots. It is important that you ‘wear these in’ for a duration of at least 3 weeks prior to your climb. No climbing up to high altitudes should be taken lightly, and unless you are an extremely fit hiker, you are bound to have time planned to get reasonably fit and to get used to your boots! Foot blisters or uncomfortable boots will affect your chances of success.

Wishing you a successful climb!