Kilimanjaro Tips

I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last January, and it was AMAZING…and also the hardest thing I have ever done. Here are some things I will do differently next time, and also some things I learned along the way!

1. Take lots of pictures! Words alone cannot express the gorgeous and unbelievable sights you will see along the way. I have never seen stars so big and bright, nor have I ever seen such a gorgeous sunrise. Capture those moments, because you will treasure the pictures when you are back home. You will wish that you had taken more.
   
2. Drink a lot of water. Yes, the Diamox is already making you pee every five minutes (it seems), but you do not want to spend the next day feeling like you have a hangover because you are dehydrated.
3. As soon as you begin to feel a headache, take ibuprofen and drink MORE water. And then drink MORE water.
4. Things do not dry very well at high altitude, so bring plenty of shirts to change into.
5. Bring a lot of granola bars and snacks to share with porters you pass along the way. Many are starving, as some companies only feed them dinner (porridge). They will really appreciate the gesture.
6. Do not choose a company that recommends tips be given to the head guide for distribution. This usually means that the porters will not get their intended tips, and chances are, the company does not take care of its porters.
7. Summit night is grueling! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. You will be climbing in the dark, after only a few hours of sleep, in freezing temperatures after already trekking 4-6 hours during the day. Be mentally prepared for this.
8. On summit night, the water and tubing in your hydration bladder will freeze, so you will only be able to drink it for the first couple of hours. Make sure you have at least two water bottles (Nalgene are recommended). Liquid freezes from the top, so store your water bottles upside down. A good idea is to put each bottle in a sock and place hand warmers inside.
9. On summit night, your iPod may freeze too. Bring a camera as a back-up for pictures at the summit.
10. Don’t underestimate the descent. Unless you are extremely agile and fit, it is grueling too. You will be sliding through scree for several hours, which can be exhausting and painful for your legs.

After descending, you will have a short rest, and then you will continue descending for 2-3 MORE hours! Do not try to talk your guide into allowing you to sleep at base camp and continue on the next day (we tried). It is imperative that you climb to a lower altitude immediately. Trust your guides. You may think that they are out of their minds, but they really do know best.