Tanzania Advice from Clients

Be in the very best physical shape you can be; this is something you have control of. Do as much research as you can ahead of time but be flexible. I was also drinking 3-4 liters of water per day which I would highly recommend. None of the other four in my group took diamox and we all made it to the top. I ate very well, I was always hungry except when I got back to Kibo after reaching the summit. At that point, I was too tired to be hungry. Eat as much as you can, I do believe it can make a difference. I tried to continually breath deeply, especially when we came to a stop. I also tried very hard to stay focused on the moment, "one step at a time." I constantly had my headlamp focused on the back of the boots in front of me (I can still see them clearly). In summary, I believe it comes down to "mind over matter." And fortunately for me, and our group as a whole, everything worked out.

For Kili, I suggest paying a little extra for another porter to ensure yourself a private toilet. The toilets on the mountain are terrible! This was a life saver for me! As for packing, I suggest bringing a disposable camera for summit day. Some of the digital camera rechargeable batteries would freeze at the top! Also pack hand/toe warmers for summit push. Last for Kili, next time I would bring foods like instant oatmeal and Ramin noodles! These would have been a nice additional snack between lunch dinner... easy to do since they always have hot water for tea/coffee. For Safari, definitely bring a bandana or facial mask to protect you from the dust! Bring lots of wet wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer for both trips!

If taking the the shuttle from Nairobi be sure you are prepared for a long trip in cramped quarters, hot and uncomfortable conditions. Give your self a full day in Moshi before starting the trek if taking shuttle. If taking the shuttle try to get to bus station a bit early as seats are fist come first serve. Personally, I would spend the extra money in the future to fly right to JRO. Ski goggles are a real good idea on the day of the ascent before the sun comes up. Don't over pack. Trust me you will all smell the same by day two and in huts the quarters are so tight it is difficult to find and change clothes.

Train, take an expedition bag, tip the help along the way, not just the end.

Be prepared for cold. I expected it to be cold at the top but it was cold from day 2 on.

Pack as if you had to carry all of your clothes. Invest in high quality clothing that is made for trekking. Buy a day pack which will limit what you can bring with you.

The mountain is very dusty. Bring extra wipes for cleaning at the end of the day and maybe even paper towel to clean your gear. All the horror stories about toilets are indeed true. Remember to bring baby wipes and maybe air fresher to brave the toilets. Summit night is really cold. Take extra precaution so the water bottle/hydration tube does not freeze. I used hot water which worked very well for me. Throw some hand warmers with camera batteries for summit ascent so the camera doesn't die quickly up at the top. Remember to enjoy your time at the summit and soak it in!!

Not to rush and if possible take the extra day on the mountain to help the acclimatization process. To leave Kibo for the summit around 11.00 otherwise you cannot get to the summit for dawn or back down before it is hot. The experience and judgment of your guide will be the most important component determining your success and safety (so it is important to get a good one!)

Don't forget to pack:

powdered drink mix to make the water taste acceptable
mittens rather than gloves if you are prone to having cold hands in the winter
chemical hand and foot warmers in case you have to spend time at Kibo waiting for the rest of your group to come back
sunscreen and sun hat
headlamps rather than flashlights
plenty of layers for the final ascent since even though it starts our freezing, you get pretty hot once the sun comes out
tons of handiwipes and tissues
a small quick-drying towel
a comfortable day pack

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Tanzania Advice from Clients