Prerequisites of a successful summit attempt
Climbing to reach the top of a mountain can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Mountain summits often offer wonderful views and uniquely solitary environments, along with the thrills of climbing itself. However, the physiological and physical hurdles you encounter in search of high-altitude adventure are vital to recognize. You can study some of the hazards and steps of mountain climbing to be safe before climbing.
One of the main and important requirements of a successful summit attempt is being properly equipped. Limit the weight and content of your bag for a duffel to 15 kg or less to be carried by the porters on the climb.
Make sure you’re fully equipped and have what you need. Print and mark the checklist below; it will be a vital element of your climb.
Travel Documents
When you prepare for your trip, you have several things to remember. However, your important travel documents are the worst thing to forget. You couldn’t take your journey without them. Ensure you are packing the following documentation to have a great trip.
- Passport
- Visa
- Airline ticket
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- International health card and vaccination certificates
- Travelers Checks / Credit Card
Essential Items
The essential items based on considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration, and distance are marked in the given below list.
- Duffel bag – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing
- Small luggage lock – to lock zippers
- Small day backpack – to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks & warm clothing
- Dry bag – to keep your important documents
- Neck pouch – to store your passport and a little money
- Sleeping bag
- Ski-pole / walking stick
- Water bottle/containers
- Kilimanjaro map
High Altitude Gear
It’s a good idea to include equipment for all-weather kinds. At high elevations, the air is thinner. This can result in dramatic and quick temperature changes. Pack layers of clothing that may be added or removed as required.
- Waterproof, breathable, windproof, and light jacket (outerwear)
- Waterproof, breathable, windproof, and light pants (outerwear)
- Polar fleece (middle layer)
- Thermal underwear (under layers
- Mittens or warm gloves
- Glove liners
- One pair of thermal socks
- Balaclava
- Gaiters
Hiking Gear
It is essential to wear proper gear for hiking and climbing. Wear clothes that allow you to move and navigate comfortably.
- Hiking pants
- Shorts
- Regular underwear
- T-shirts
- Raincoat or Poncho
Footwear
Choose shoes that fit well, provide ankle support, stability, and grip.
- Water-resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – they work great
- Shoes for overnight camps – sneakers or running shoes
- Socks – several pairs for the climb
- Liner socks – keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Equipment
Here is a list of the essential items you must put in your daypack before you go hiking.
- Sun hat or similar
- Collapsible ski stick – highly recommended
- Headlamp, a good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb
- Sunglasses, and good quality dark lenses
- Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
- Camera, extra lenses, and film
- Binoculars
Food Items
When you’re high up in the mountains, you may be far from access to subsistence. Remember to carry the following food and drink items.
- Snacks
- Energy bars and sweets
- Jerky
- Nuts
- Sandwich
- Powdered sports drinks
- Avoid alcohol
- Do not smoke
- Thermal water flask
Medical and First Aid Supplies
Every person going on a hike should carry a first aid kit with some medicines. A basic kit should include the below-given items.
- Acetazolamide – help you breathe better at night
- Headache tablets
- Diarrhea – Imodium
- Nausea – Valid
- Malaria – Prophylaxis
- Water purification tablets
- Painkillers
- Muscular sprains
- Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages
- Antiseptic cream – Betadine
- Eye drops
- Insect repellent
- Space blanket
Personal Items
Some of the personal items you should carry with yourself include:
- Toilet kit (soap, toothbrush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc.)
- Towel
- Sunscreen and lip protection, SPF 30+
- Toilet paper
Optional Items
- Pocket knife
- Notebook & pencil
- Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape)
About The mountain
At 5,895 meters Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on the earth; it is one of the Seven Summits. The snow-capped peak of Africa is a dormant volcano. This majestic mountain can be found inside the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania, at 005.00 degrees south, 036 degrees east, 5895m above mean sea level.
Exceptional climb success
Since 1994, ClimbingKilimanjaro has been fore runner in operating Kilimanjaro tours. We have a proud and unbeatable track record of more than 15,000 safe and successful summit attempts.
The specialised experience of ClimbingKilimanjaro puts us, as a tour operator, in a unique position to offer the most professional support, guidance, information and motivation to realise this proverbial “bucket-list” dream.
ClimbingKilimanjaro can provide references from previous successful and satisfied clients – on request. Visitors are also welcome to visit our Testimonials & Summit Gallery pages
Real-Time Tracking Service
ClimbingKilimanjaro is the only operator that offers real-time tracking to hikers on Mount Kilimanjaro. This unique service will allow family and friends to track the live progress of their loved ones, as they hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, subject to availability, pre-booking and at a small supplementary fee.
Guides and porters
ClimbingKilimanjaro only utilises highly trained and registered guides, with several years of experience, to lead a mountain support team that are properly equipped to look after climbers on the mountain.
All of the Climbing Kilimanjaro package options includes the services of one porter per hiker, who will carry the client’s duffel bag (max. 15kg) from one camp to the next.
The above average staff ratio of the Climbing Kilimanjaro Mountain Support Team to climber is: 2 Porters per climber and 2 guides for a maximum of 4 hikers – a very favourable ratio to directly enhance safety and enjoyment on the mountain.