| Kilimanjaro starts on the dusty hot plains around | | | | provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro. |
| Moshi town and then moves to the lush villages on | | | | Your guides will instruct you on the best way to |
| the slopes of Kilimanjaro. From here you ascend | | | | reach the top of Kilimanjaro, it is in there interest |
| through tropical rainforest, alpine desert to near artic | | | | that you reach the top so listen to them - They |
| conditions at the summit. Many people fail because | | | | Know Best. When climbing you will be repeatedly told |
| they are ill equipped and sometimes people die in | | | | 'pole pole' which is go slowly in Swahili; besides the |
| attempting the climb. | | | | first day or two the scenery is lovely so take it |
| Be properly equipped it is an essential part of your | | | | slowly and enjoy the surroundings. Many times people |
| preparation to ensure that you are well equipped for | | | | want to take the climb quickly and attitude sickness |
| the attempt on Kilimanjaro. Draw up a check list or | | | | stops them short of reaching their goal - the highest |
| print one of the many websites of Kilimanjaro | | | | point in Africa. |
| specialist. | | | | You will be also told to drink water - make sure you |
| To be physically prepared is important. You will be | | | | drink at least four liters of liquid per day - preferably |
| hiking to the top, it is a demanding climb and make | | | | water. Water on the mountain is safe to drink from |
| sure your body is adequately prepared for the | | | | the second day onwards, but care should always be |
| physical challenges that lay ahead. In the months and | | | | taken. Remember a stomach upset can dehydrate |
| weeks before your departure for Tanzania take part | | | | and this will make the climb all the more difficult, if |
| in a training program to ensure your body is in shape | | | | not dangerous. |
| for your Kilimanjaro expedition. | | | | Climb as lightly as possible, this becomes even more |
| Mental preparation is also important you should | | | | important on your summit night - extra weight will |
| always remain in a positive state of mind, but not | | | | slow you down and will also make breathing more |
| overly confident. Your mental stamina will without a | | | | difficult. Clothing lists are available from most |
| doubt, make the difference on the last day when | | | | Websites. |
| you climb toward the summit. Try to look ahead at | | | | A ski - pole is essential as it reduces external and |
| what may happen, situations you may encounter on | | | | internal loads on the knee joints using 1 ski pole is a |
| the mountain and try to work out the most suitable | | | | must, but 2 poles are recommended. These can be |
| course of action, either by yourself and then as a | | | | rented in Tanzania. Replace your head lamp and |
| group. | | | | camera batteries with new ones on your summit |
| Adequate travel insurance is important, be certain | | | | night. Do a little research and be a good scout and be |
| that your travel and medical insurance, will also | | | | prepared and most of all enjoy the climb. |