Totally forgot about coming to blog about it. It’s been a year now. Just the other day = got excited about going to Everest Best Camp.

Someone said it is tougher than Kili. Couldn’t sleep. Did the usual thing – read all the trip comments by climbers who did that trek.

Guess have to wait till next year for the good weather again.

After reading countless logs, reports, operator websites and blogs on kili trek, I thought I should put them down somewhere so that it is all in one spot. Hopefully, it benefits everyone who’s is planning  on doing the trek. With AMS against us, I guess we need to be most prepared with all the helpful tips so as to increase the rate of success to reach the summit.

I have left out the ones that have been repeated once too many times.  

I’ll continue to add to this list whenever I chance upon more good advice from people who have climbed the mountain (not necessarily reach the summit).

1. Drink. Most people say 3 to 4 litres a day and a few say 5 litres. This should include about 2-3 litres on the trek plus the tea, milo, etc in camp. Add some flavouring (cordial, Tang powder, etc) if you are someone who doesn’t drink much plain water on a normal day, it helps.

2. Eat as much (if the food served doesn’t appeal to you – take granola bars, cream crackers, etc)

3. Sleep as much as you can and if not take sleeping pills. Your muscles are building up due to the exercise and they need rest. I read somewhere that eating nuts before sleep helps. Play cards and read only if you are really up to it. Sleeping mat and bag plays a big part. A few of those who went on the trek said they wished they had a warmer 3 season sleeping bag, inner liner or thicker mat. Other alternatives include wearing the balaclava to bed to keep their head warm, keeping the hot water bottle or activated hand warmers within socks in the sleeping bag. You need to distract yourself and not worry so much about the Barranco Wall or Summit, I’m told. Every evening, try to go to bed early (shortly after 9pm) to benefit from maximum daylight hours between 6am and 6.30pm. Get into this habit for the final ascent on the summit when you leave camp to walk for hours in the early morning.

4.  Diamox. Option one – just take it but try it out before the trip to see what are the effects on you. Option 2 – wait till AMS is affecting you in a big way then take it. Option 3 – take alternatives like aspirin, gingko, chocolate, etc.

5. Trekking poles – most people say it helps on the ascent and everyone agrees it helps for the descent after summit. Options are to rent or buy. I debated on this myself and got the BD spire elliptical for USD100. Less costly ones will do.  

6. Stay warm throughout the trek. It is cold in the morning but do warm up by the afternoon and suddenly turn cold when the sun sets. From all the morning photos for days right after they reach Shira Camp - I can see that most would wear either a long sleeve shirt, light fleece or trail jacket over a T-shirt. When it gets warmer, some would take it off and wrap round their waist. Others just keep the extra layer on. Most people would be in their thick fleece or jacket with hat on when they show up in the mess tent for dinner.

7. Wear a thin pair of gloves if you have one and that you are comfortable in them. Apply sun cream on hands, face and neck if they are not shaded well. Sun is much more intense at higher altitude (similar increased effect as snow skiing).

8. Shoes and socks. Try wearing 2 pairs of socks to find the right fit. Tighten the laces sufficiently for those notches above the angle (assume high boots) else you will get lots of abrasions and then blisters.  It also prevents your toes from hitting the toe cap especially on the descent. I found that to be true. Other trekkers recommend vaseline on the heel, powder between 1st and 2nd layer of socks, and taping big toe to heel. Apply elasticated adhesive bandage as soon as you feel irritation. Good link here for chaffing and blisters. http://www.thewalkingsite.com/blisters.html

9. Training. The consistent message I found from everyone is, subject yourself to consecutive days of walking at as high an altitude you can access to. This is to condition the body for physical and mental endurance and let the body be exposed to higher altitudes. No period of training is indicated as it is all subjective to your current fitness level. I find that gym training is limited but if you have no choice (like I did), here’s how you can make the most out of hit. Have the treadmill be set to the highest 15 degrees elevation. Start with slower speed about 4.0 then progressively up it to at most 5.0 over the period of your training. Do not set any faster because it goes against the Pole Pole concept. It should still give your heart and legs a good workout if you go on it for an hour (600 calories and 3-4km). Concentrate on taking big strides yourself and not let the treadmill move your legs for you.  Combine this with the exercise bike to build up strength in the legs. Pick the mountainous-type of program. Do repetitions on the universal machines for the knees, thigh muscles and back calf. I find that trekking up mountains takes a big toll on the lower back muscles and shoulders (if your daypack is heavy). Working on the abs, lower back and shoulder muscles helps a great deal for the coming trek. I got this link for crossfit training from Todd’s website. Thanks – makes sense – you can try it for this trek too. http://www.crossfit.com/cf-download/CFJ-trial.pdf    

10. Walk slowly and allow days for acclimatisation. Too much said about this but I read that our physical body may be adapting well but the head and stomach does reacts differently to the high altitude.

11. Pillow. A good night sleep can make the difference on your condition for the next day. If you are not used to folder clothes for a makeshift pillow, there are inflatable or foam ones. Actually try them out for one night before the trek.

12. Freezing of water on the summit climb. For platypus-type hydration packs, do get the insulated tube. After drinking each time, blow the water back down the tube. For water bottles, You can use the Outdoor Research Parka or wrap them up in clothes. Keep them close to your body to prevent them from freezing. Do the same for batteries and camera. I read one where he slept with the batteries every night.

13. Leave your passport, credit cards and travellers cheque in the hotel.

14. Better off scrambling up Barranco Wall without trekking poles.

15. Check whether your operator is going to have the porters carry your stuff in waterproof duffel bags. That way you don’t have to buy one yourself or spend too much time putting them in smaller waterproof bags (although it is a precaution and its good to organise things in your bag).

16. Money. The easiest foreign currency to exchange for Tanzanian Shillings is the $US, however the British Pound and Euro are also widely exchanged as well. Large denomination notes attract the best exchange rates ($US 50, $100). $US notes that are older than year 2000 are not accepted everywhere and can be very difficult to change. Debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs.). The Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards; it is harder to find machines that accept Cirrus cards. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund.

17. Malaria. These mosquitos are found at altitudes of under 1,800m, and thus can be found in the base of the mountain. Bring insect repellent.

18. Glasses or contact lenses. Glasses preferred. All contact lens wearers should take care to remove the lenses at night, as the eye needs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The reduced oxygen levels at high altitude can in rare occasions cause Corneal Oedema to develop.

19. I found the following advice on hypothermia which is rarely spoken about for the kili trek. Yet I read of many trekkers getting colds and pneumonia resulting in having to fight it on top of AMS or  turn back and it is such a pity. “Hypothermia is a condition where the body becomes dangerously cold. It can be caused by brief exposure to extreme cold, or by prolonged exposure to mild cold. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s deep-core body temperature drops below 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees farenheit). It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body that is important – an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this. The person may not actually feel cold but if they stay in a cold environment and do little or nothing to keep warm, then they may run the risk of becoming hypothermic or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia. Both are cold-related illnesses. Danger signs to watch out for: Drowsiness, very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered, for example, stomach or armpits, Slurred speech, absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold environment.”

20. Even though you are walking slowly, you still sweat and lose important electrolytes. Carry with you some salty snacks or add gatorade powder to your water to replace those lost electrolytes.

21. Alcohol based hand rub – don’t go without it and keep it in your pocket at all times. Diarrhoea on the mountain is no fun. I read of another suggesting such fuss-free hand wash from a tube – Antibac.

22. Cut your nails and keep your hair short for the trek. On one of the days, save some water from that given to you in the morning to wash your hair (without shampoo).

23. Share everything from day one. At some point someone will have something that you don’t have but that you desperately need!

24. Read this log for the summit climb. It is one of the rare ones that describes vividly a determined successful summit attempt followed by an actual trip down in the wheel-barrow stretcher.

Still in draft but will come back to updating it.

Map of Kilimanjaro and Routes

(thanks to all the image sources from google search)

Kili Shira Route Trek & 2 Day Safari’s Complete Itinerary (7 Sep to 19 Sep 2008)

Day 0 (7 Sep 08, Sunday)

Fly from Doha to Dar Es Salaam and to Kilimanjaro International Airport at 5.10pm. Catch a cab to Ilboru Lodge (50km) in Arusha. Own dinner in Lodge.

Day 1

Go to Arusha town in morning. Buy mineral water and souvenirs. Free to relax in the hotel gardens or use the pool. Meals on our own.

(Route Map above and Days 2-9 itinerary below – thanks to Exodus).

Day 2

Join the group of 10 in the morning for breakfast. In the morning we transfer by 4WD vehicles to Londorossi (2250 m), passing between the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater of Mt. Meru (a distance of about 120 km). After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive on for a short distance through farmland and plantations, and then continue climbing steadily on foot through shrub forest and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (3350 m). The views across the plains open out as we climb and our first camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3550 m). FC (B,L,D)

Start height : 2205m

Camp height (Shira One) : 3550m

Net Height gained : 1100m

Day 3

An easy day to help acclimatisation and to explore the grassy moorland and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and the views from our camp near Shira Hut (3840m) of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. The afternoon is free to relax. FC (B,L,D)

Start height : 3550m

Camp height (Shira Hut) : 3840m

Net Height gained : 290m

Day 4

We explore beneath the Northern Icefields, an area almost totally unvisited by tourists and with unusual views of Kibo. The morning walk is a steady climb away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills, with expansive views in all directions. After lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (4200m), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (4700m) or time to enjoy our peaceful campsite. Few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro. FC (B,L,D)

Start height : 3840m

Camp height (Moir Hut) : 4200m Optional after lunch hike (up 500m to Lent Hills 4700m)

Net Height gained : 360m

Day 5

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava Tower campsite (4550m), there is a steep and spectacular afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach to reach the ruins of the old hut at Arrow Glacier (4800m). This afternoon excursion is highly recommended both for acclimatisation purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. The evening sunset views are the mark of yet another spectacular campsite. FC (B,L,D)

Start height : 4200m

Camp height (Lava Tower) : 4550m After lunch hike (up 250m to Arrow Glacier Hut 4800m)

Net Height gained : 350m

Day 6

A steep descent into the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. A short climb up the famed Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain is volcanic scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley. There is plenty of time to rest, or for an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp towards the glaciers of the Southern Icefields. FC (B,L,D)

Start height : 4550m Down to Barranco Valley (3900m)

Camp height (Karanga) : 4000m (accllimatisation walk up valley towards Glaciers of Southern Icefields)

Net Height gained : – 550m

Day 7

A short but steep climb out of Karanga valley, following an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. During the afternoon other walkers will begin to fill the campsite for the first time in our trip. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the Southeast valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. FC (B,L,D)

Start height : 4000m

Camp height (Barafu Camp) : 4600m After lunch hike (up 200m to Plateau of Southeast Valley 4800m)

Net Height gained : 600m

Day 8

We will start our ascent by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3800m) at Millenium camp. Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. This is an extremely long and hard day with between 11 and 15 hours of walking at high altitude. FC (B,L)

Start height : 4600m Climb to Stella Point (5735m)

Summit : 5896m Down to Barafu Camp (4600m) then down 800m to Millenium Camp (3800m)

Net Height gained : 1296m

Day 9

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close. We return by private bus or 4WD vehicle to Arusha (a distance of about 100 km). SH (B,L)

Start height : 3800m

Mweka Gate : 1650m Then 4×4 drive to Llboru Lodge

Net Height gained : – 1150m

Day 10

1^st day of safari. (Breakfast by Lodge). 08.00 depart Ilboru Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater game drive, sleep Rhotia Valley Tented Camp (FB)

Day 11

2^nd day of safari. Lake Manyara Gamedrive, return Arusha and sleep Ilboru Lodge (BB).

Day 12 – 19 Sep, Friday

Fly back to Doha. 07.30 hrs flight (432) – depart Ilboru Lodge at 05.00 hrs.

Visa

As there were no embassy of consultate in Doha, will get visa when I arrive at Dar Es Salaam Airport.

Vaccination

I had my dysentery, polio and tetanus shot taken before. The only vaccination I needed was for Yellow Fever. This was not only required by Tanzania but also by Qatar for visitors returning from places that have high likelihood to contract Yellow Fever.

I managed to get the shot from the Vaccination Unit in Abu Hamour Area. This was a small medical outfit operating out of a small villa. The whole process took about 5 minutes as there was no queue. It only cost me Qr10. Got a WHO health booklet that was appropriately yellow with record of the shot and indication that the shot was good for ten years.

US Dollars

Needed to go to the exchange to get US Dollars for :

a) visa (USD$50-100)

b) taxi ride to Arusha Lodge from the airport (USD$60).

c) tips for guide and porters (USD$100)

d) Souvenirs (USD$200 – I shop alot)

e) Drinks after climb (USD$20)

f) Massage after climb at Arusa Lodge

g) spare cash changed to Tanzania Shillings (USD$10 for transport to and fro Arusha town)

h) money for 3 dinners and 1 lunch (USD$80).

Paperwork

a) Passport

b) Qatar Multi-exit permit card

c) E-Ticket for doha-DARS and DARS-Kili

d) Yellow fever card

e) Copy of Vaccination records

f) Emails from AWC and trip dossier and invoice & insurance from Exodus

g) Pen and small notebook for trip log

Gear and Packing

This was major work for me as I am now in Doha, Qatar and most of what I need is in Singapore. There’s only one outfitter shop of sorts here. It had very few items and the prices expectedly high. It had the headlamp (Qr165), CamelBak (Qr 365) and wide-bream hat (Qr75). Didn’t buy anything from that shop. Must remember to weigh as the number of essential items to bring seems to be growing.

Duffel bag – I decided to use the red foldable Yak travel bag. Actually after some packing, it seemed that it might be too small. Then again, if 15kg is all I can carry, it might be enough. Probably have to find another bag for the clothes that I would leave in the hotel. Bought 4 XL Ziploc bags so they should keep the things separated and dry.

Daypack – I had a bigger black Timberland backpack. The shoulder straps are thick and comfortable. However, the back lacked support (frame) and it didn’t have waist and sternum straps. If I were to place the waterbottles inside, they would all be at the bottom. Alternatively, I have a red Nike sports pack. The internal frame support was good and it had the special back layer that aided ventilation. However, it seemed small and would not hold the removed layers when I descend from the summit. Shoulder straps were also thinner. Contemplated about buying one but we seemed to have many such daybacks (laptop ones). Checked the web and figure out that one would cost about USD50 excluding shipping charges. After a few searches on the internet, I narrowed it down to the MountainSmith Hiker 2008 that cost about USD 79.95. I finally decided to buy the Vaude Gallery Air 30+5 because it was more for the outdoor trails rather than a dual purpose laptop daypack.

Trekking boots – I managed to get a soft comfortable pair from City Centre. This was a pair of Caterpillar brand. Cost me about Qr270 after the discount. The shoe was light compared to my previous pairs but it did have a thinner sole with shallow grooves. I hope they would be fine for the volcanic scree that is on Mt Kili and not slippery for Barranco Wall.

Lightweight shoes for use at camp area – will bring my old running shoes.

Clothing – I managed to scrimmage 2 jackets, one sweater, 1 pullover, one turtleneck, 1 track pants, 2 long johns, 2 pants, 1 exercise tights. I hope they are sufficient for the summit attempt. Will bring 4 shirts (3 short-sleeve and 1 long sleeve).

Socks – Looked around for quick a while but could not find thick synthetic ones that would wick away perspiration. I guess it is because it is summer here. Finally, happened to chance upon a store at the Filipino Souq that was selling Qr15 general walking socks from North Face. They felt fine and really I had no choice so I bought 3 pairs. Good thing they were on sale and so saved Qr9. Will bring 3 thicker ones and 3 thinner ones. Wear a combination of a thick and thin each day for comfort, then swop around the next day. Should last me 6 days on the trek. Wear 2 thick ones on the summit night.

Gloves – Hunted around but no luck – I guess it is unavailable for the same reasons as thick socks. Luckily for me, a friend had an inner pair and outer pair. In my desperation earlier, I had also purchased a polyester pair from Reebok that came with a scarf. I liked the material as it was almost fleece-like.

Hat, Balaclava – I found one hat and a synthetic pullover cap. Luckily the friend who lent me the gloves had a balaclava too. I also bought a white cloth that the Arabs wear on their head. Thought that would help to keep cool and prevent sunburn on the neck. I will wear it with my Outward Board Cap. Will bring the sun hat too and one scarf.

Knee Guards – Brought 2 of them to Doha, don’t know why but glad I did. I then bought an extra one for my left knee which seemed weaker (cheap one at QR10).

Walking poles and gaiters – Advertised for them on Qatarliving.com but had no luck. Searched the web and asked a friend to buy them for me in Singapore. However, after checking I found out that there weren’t much variety and they cost much more. I was also undecided if I wanted the Leki core tec PA SAS pole or the Black Diamond Spire Elliptical ones. Eventually I went with the BD and bought them online for USD100. Bought the gaiters too and 4 packs of heat warmer packs (2 in a pack) for hands and 1 pack of insole warmers for feet. Shipping cost me Qr70 and took 9 days to arrive.

Insulated water bottle parka or camelback. – Discovered the Outdoor Research 1 litre parka cost about USD15. Didn’t look at CamelBak hydration packs as they were out of my budget and I am unlikely to use them often. Still figuring out how to insulate my own bottles and skip the buying of the parka. I couldn’t find any insulated water bottle here at all in the shops. Eventually, I bought a 1-litre unbreakable thermos bottle that was on sale but could find any insulating material to wrap round it for the summit climb. I’ll just bring the thermos to use as a hot water bag for the night – heard it is really cold.

Headlamp – bought a cheap one for Qr25. It broke when I tried to put the batteries in. Still works. I will probably bring a small torch too just in case. Must remember to bring duct tape.

Water bottle. – Initially, I wanted to bring two 1 litre bottles and my half-litre squeezable bottle for the daypack and 1-litre thermos for the summit climb. Changed my mind and bought a platypus 2L and insulated tube from Basegear. I will place the squeezable bottle in the side pocket so that I will have about 2.8L of water all the time.

Camera and MP3 player. – I will bring the Panasonic Lumix F10, extra battery, charger and 3GB of SD cards. I’ll bring the iPod. Friends have advised to bring a disposable camera just in case. Should I or should I not ? Decided to buy the camera pouch too for clipping to the waist strap or shoulder strap.

Spare Batteries. Need for :

a) headlamp (2 AAA size)

b) torchlight (3 AA size)

Wallet. – Don’t bring. Need to just bring the following and put it inside passport holder (bring a small Ziploc bag for wallet and money) :

a) 100 QR money to take taxi to and fro airport (remember to book taxi to airport)

b) 2 credit cards (UOB and HSBC)

c) USD that I changed

Handphone and AA battery charger. – Decided to bring my old Motorola phone. If I lose or damage it I’ll have the excuse to switch back to buying a Nokia. J

Toiletries.

a) toilet paper

b) toothbrush and paste

c) disposable plastic cup for brushing teeth

d) pack of wet wipes

e) small towel

f) tube of hand wash

g) prickly heat powder

h) foot spray

i) spare glasses

j) tissue paper

k) body lotion

l) small mirror

m) small clip

Diamox – had a friend to check in Singapore. The pharmacies didn’t carry it and said it had to be prescribed. Friend checked the GPs and didn’t find them too. The shops here don’t have it. Finally I decided to go with Gingko Biloba and Tylenol Sinus which someone posted to have worked. Happened to have the Gingko but could not find the Tylenol. So I bought Panadol Sinus, hope they are the same. I could not find water purification pills too.

Other medication. – Will bring the regular panadol, Lemax for flu/cold, charcoal pills, lomotil, Po Chai pills for diarrhea, and plasters. Need to go find something for blisters. Found them but they cost a bomb – something like QR80.

Dried fruits. – Bought 2 pre-packed ones and then a freshly pack box of it. I will wait for the mixed nuts to be on discount in Carrefour before I buy. One stick of mentos would be heavenly in the cold weather.

Drink Mix. – Haven’t been able to find isotonic powder except one that came bundled with a free water bottle. Cost about Qr39. I did however buy a can of pineapple Tang powder mix which should be nice. Have mixed the 2 together for taste and purpose – best of both world – clever. J

Honey. – Remembered that I should bring a bottle of honey in case of constipation. I found a rare thing in Doha – small bottle of sweet Malaysian chilli sauce which I will bring too.

Others – Got my sunblock, lip salve, anti-malaria pills. Need to get insect repellent. Bring limes. Bring a freesbee. Small blue pillow. Bring strap for yoga mat.

Daypack (Day trekking up to Barafu Camp)

1. Dried fruits and nuts

2. Camera, spare battery, spare memory card

3. Platypus and squeezable bottle (mixed isotonic and Tang)

4. Notebook and pen

5. Mobile

Daypack (Summit)

1. Dried fruits and nuts
2. one stick of mentos
3. Camera, spare battery, spare memory card (in a small Ziploc bag)
4. Torchlight taped to shoulder strap
5. Headlamp
6. Platypus and squeezable bottle (mixed isotonic and Tang). Place platypus and camera stuff in a soft cooler bag with 2 heat packs activated inside a sock
7. Mp3 player
8. Heat packs one in each jacket pocket
9. Strap for yoga mat

For Safari

1. Binoculars
2. Insect repellent
3. Change of clothes

Found a good link for equipment list which breaks it down to essential, desirable, useful, and luxury items to pack for the trek :

http://images.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cs.technion.ac.il/~gabik/Travels/Tanzania/Kilimanjaro_all.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cs.technion.ac.il/~gabik/Travels/Tanzania/Kilimanjaro.html&h=3849&w=4816&sz=5638&hl=en&start=39&um=1&tbnid=n28mfg5NVDjiZM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkilimanjaro%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

Ignore the part in the second part if you want, because there’s some marketing talk. Otherwise, it could be a good guide if the store is near you and hence you can go try out the attire mentioned to see if it works for you.

http://www.active.com/story.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&NUM=0&CATEGORY=activeinsider&STORY_ID=13800

Another blog where I read that was interesting, mentioned this theory about our feet and hands being less critical parts. So when the body goes into the instinctive survival mode, it provides heat to  the vital areas which is the area surrounding the organs.  Hence our body is last to feel the cold.

Often enough, we would put on way too many layers for the body, neglecting to have the right gloves and socks that would keep our feet and hands warm. Since there is only that many layers (I assume max of 2) you can put over your hands and feet go invest in – one that wicks moisture away and another that provides the insulation. Don’t underestimate the below zero temp up and around the summit.

The other vital part that we often neglect is the head. In that crucial period when we are trying to forge forward with each step, the last thing we want is for the brain to feel sluggish and sleepy due to the cold. So get the neck and head warm.

Another link that I liked and placed here (thanks Ultimate Kilimanjaro  !) is :

http://www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/blog/2008/02/dressing-for-kilimanjaro/#comment-11

1. What others say

There are lots of advice on who’s good. A few names came up – African Travel Resources, Zara Tanzania Adventures, Tusker Trail, Roy’s, Marangu Hotel and African Walking Company. There was also the comments that discredit the cheaper ones, suggesting that they cut corners, poorer quality food and paying the porters, cooks and guides miserably. I went with one that seemed organized, had some good reviews, were selective about routes, had frills and seemed responsible with the environment.

2. Socially and Environmentally Responsible

There’s also talk about how responsible the operator would be. For example, contributing part of your money to charity, bringing down rubbish, using hot water to wash instead of doing in the streams, etc. If you care, then pick those that mention this aspects.

3. Premium service or rough it out

I do remember the same kind of trek in ABC Nepal 10 years ago. To me, having someone carry your load, food, the tents, sleeping bags and mats up the mountain was already a luxury. I remember having pizza up in the mountains. I am thankful though, because I doubt my fitness level then would have allowed me to carry it up myself.

Looking at some of the pictures in the online brochures, there are some packages that comes with nice dining tents, complete with nice cutlery and plates. So, one has to decide whether to go budget or pamper yourself with premium service. In my case, I reckon this fight I picked with mother nature is not on my side and I need all the help that is available.

Do you have time to do a comparison study

I was worried about the escalating prices for air tickets.  I knew I had to make a quick decision. I was only 2mths and 1 week away from the date of Sep (read somewhere that Jul to Sep is the best time for Kili).  I also needed to get my training going if I was to even make it to Barafu campsite. If you have time, do up a spreadsheet table with your selection criteria as column headers and the operators as rows.  Don’t rush like I did.

4. Improve your chance of reaching summit

Reading about how one needs to acclimatise (hike high, sleep low), I believe there is some truth since it is drawn from so many years of experience from seasoned climbers. I tend to favour a operator that understands and respects the need to allow time to acclimatize. Especially when the 5895m height is such an unknown space and challenge to me.

5. Price

Many have gone the way of picking a charity and at the same time use it to fund their trip. Go with what is comfortable with your monies. Check the fine print. I almost went with one operator because it advertised the trek as only USD 295. Remember to set aside money for tips to the porters, guide, and cook. Also remember to set aside some money for post-trek celebrations.

6. Freebies

I was also drawn by the free rental of 4 season sleeping bag and mat. As I am currently in Doha, a place where no one would go camping in cold weather. I knew I needed all the equipment I can get and I wasn’t going to find it in the shops. Only way was to buy online and have it shipped. So, when Exodus had a August promotion for free rental. I was delighted.

To find out who are the operators, I would Google Search with Kili Trek. Results include not only the packages offered but also background info, photos and past trip videos and log.

For past logs and reports, I would Google Search “Kili Trek Log”. The results are better.

You could also try this link by Africa Safari Journal who tries to give you a top 3 list.

http://www.african-safari-journals.com/kilimanjaro-tours.html

Then in Apr 08, when I was seraching around for a holiday for the family, I chance upon Exodus travel. As usual I sign up for their email newsletter. I didn’t book a tour with them but went on a free n easy self drive to Jordan. From then onwards, they have been sending my news updates and promotions. Spam no because i asked for it.

As I clicked, the Kilimanjaro link seemed to stand out calling me to click on it. Reading on, it was just too much a temptation as I read how everyone slogged through the trek, fighting back altitude sickness to reach the summit. It is such a reality show setting that hooked me deep. Inside, I am probably feeling “I will be lucky” – I won’t be the 4 out of 10 that would succumb to AMS and have to come down without getting a photo shot next to that famous summit signboard.

Over the months, it started to consume me. First it was about getting all the gear ready. Then it was about training. Next was scouring the web, reading all the logs, looking at videos and then trying to place them in a logical way onto this blog.