| There is something magical about the name | | | | to enter Tanzania. |
| "Kilimanjaro". | | | | Money |
| Like "Zanzibar" it is a place that many people dream | | | | The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) and |
| of visiting - just because of its name. | | | | it can be used for all transactions and local purchases. |
| And like Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro is part of the wonderful | | | | Us Dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are |
| nation of Tanzania. | | | | only OK at large hotels and restaurants. Cash Points |
| A perfect dream vacation would involve trekking to | | | | (ATMs) allow cash advances - but at a poor rate and |
| the top of Mount Kilimanjaro -followed by a period of | | | | with an additional charge. Travelers Cheques are |
| well earned rest and recuperation in Zanzibar - Wow! | | | | accepted at large hotels and can be exchanged for |
| Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain | | | | local currency at Bureaux de Change - you'll need |
| in the world. | | | | your passport as ID. |
| It rises 4600m (15,000 ft) from its base, and is the | | | | Health |
| highest peak in Africa at 5,895m (19,340 ft). | | | | As well as the obligatory Yellow-Fever vaccination, it |
| Views from the summit are nothing short of | | | | is a good idea to take precautions against Malaria. |
| spectacular. | | | | Consult your doctor about the best malaria |
| Great name, great statistics - | | | | prevention tablets. |
| But the greatest thing about Mount Kilimanjaro is that | | | | Make sure you have sufficient medical insurance. |
| almost anyone in reasonable health can climb it. | | | | Take plenty of mosquito-repellent and use it - |
| You don't need to be a mountaineer to reach the | | | | especially at night. |
| summit of Africa's highest mountain. | | | | I would also recommend that you consider getting |
| And on your way to the top, you will see wildlife and | | | | the following immunisations: |
| scenery that will completely blow your mind! | | | | * Hepatitis A & B, * Typhoid, * Cholera, * |
| There are several routes to the top of Mount | | | | Tetanus |
| Kilimanjaro. The most popular routes are:- | | | | Check with your local doctor for the latest |
| The Marangu Route | | | | recommendations. |
| Fairly easy walking on gentle forest paths. Then over | | | | Altitude Sickness |
| some scree to Gillman's Point on the crater rim - | | | | Caused by the inability to adjust to sudden gains in |
| followed by the final trek to Uhuru Peak. | | | | altitude. |
| Accommodation huts, with heating and cooking | | | | Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is experienced by |
| facilities are dotted along this route -making it far and | | | | most climbers, and is more of an irritation than a |
| away the most comfortable trek on Kilimanjaro. | | | | danger. But it can be far more serious in some people |
| The Machame and Umbwe Routes | | | | - even (on rare occasions) leading to fatal Oedemas. |
| Steep paths through the forest - often wet and | | | | Gaining altitude slowly is the best way to go - leave |
| boggy, followed by scrambling over scree to the | | | | the rushing to the experts. |
| crater rim. | | | | Serious symptoms are very rare - but the risk must |
| The Mweka Route | | | | be taken seriously. |
| Used primarily as the best way to descend from the | | | | My best advice is to consult with your doctor before |
| top of the mountain. | | | | deciding to climb Kilimanjaro. |
| The Shira, Nanjara and Oloitokitok Routes | | | | And book your trek with an experienced and |
| Remote and less frequently used. | | | | reputable company - one with full medical backup. |
| The Lemosho Glades Route | | | | This obviously costs more than a stroll up the hill with |
| Probably the most beautiful route - and the richest in | | | | some stranded hippie who happens to know the |
| wildlife. | | | | way! |
| Getting Here | | | | Mount Kilimanjaro, even though it is accessible to |
| You can fly to Tanzania from most parts of the | | | | everybody, must be treated with respect. |
| world. The best airport to arrive at is | | | | Sunstroke and Frostbite! |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport at Arusha. | | | | You will be at risk of both as you make your way up |
| This is much closer to the mountain than Dar Es | | | | Kilimanjaro. This is possibly the only location on Earth |
| Salaam. | | | | where you can experience every climate on the |
| Visit the excellent website for the best advice and | | | | planet - in one place! |
| information. | | | | Mount Kilimanjaro is very close to the Equator - so |
| Entry Requirements & Visas | | | | the start of your climb will be very hot. |
| All visitors to Tanzania need entry visas. | | | | But the summit experiences Arctic temperatures - |
| These can be obtained in your own country, or on | | | | even in mid-summer. |
| arrival at Dar Es Salaam or Kilimanjaro Airport. | | | | A reputable tour company will ensure that you know |
| You will also need proof of enough money for your | | | | exactly what to expect. |
| intended length of stay, and a return ticket. | | | | Taken from The Top Ten Site "Top Ten Africa |
| A Yellow-Fever vaccination certificate is also required | | | | Vacations. |