Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – A Once in a Lifetime Experience… That I cannot wait to do again!

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Like many travellers I had “Climb Mount Kilimanjaro” firmly written on my bucket list, but if I am honest, I never actually thought I would have the opportunity to do it.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – A Once in a Lifetime Experience… That I cannot wait to do again!

Fortunately, my travel-mad husband also dreamed about climbing Africa’s highest mountain, and one sunny afternoon in June last year he booked the flights to Kilimanjaro International and told me I had just 15 weeks to get ready for this trip of a lifetime!

Am I fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro? Can I afford to climb Kilimanjaro? How long will I need to train for Kilimanjaro? Were just some of the questions that came in to my mind, but once I got over the initial shock, I decided to grasp this amazing opportunity with both hands, and immediately started training for our hike to the Roof of Africa.

Being both highly disciplined and very determined, I developed my own training plan, and thanks to our base in the Austrian Alps, I had the perfect training ground on my doorstep.  Hiking, biking, swimming and running became part of everyday life, and before we knew it, we were on our way to Tanzania.

After spending many hours searching for a good Tanzanian climbing company on the internet, we eventually settled on Big Expeditions, who are members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program) and IMEC (International Mountain Explorers Connection), and it was possibly the best decision we have ever made.

The service provided before our arrival in Arusha and on site was second-to-none, and we knew that if any company was going to get us to Uhuru Peak, it would be this one!  So after a night’s rest at Planet Lodge, we set off to the Machame Gate for day one of our Kilimanjaro Expedition.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a life-changing and rewarding experience, and while some days are tougher than others are, those long hikes, cold nights and dizzying headaches all seem like a distant memory once you reach the snow-capped peaks of this 5895-metre mountain.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – A Once in a Lifetime Experience… That I cannot wait to do again!

Those following our blogs will know that we did make it to Uhuru Peak, and we crossed this once in a lifetime experience off our bucket list, but there is something magical about Mount Kilimanjaro, and for some unknown reason we feel compelled to return…

 

 

Celebrities who made it to the Top of Mount Kilimanjaro and Those Who did not!

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If you think climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is something only the young and super-fit can do, you will be pleased to know that a whole manner of different celebrities have managed to conquer Kili in recent years, and it is those who were considered ‘unfit’ that made it to the top!

Radio One DJ Chris Moyles famously made it to Uhuru Peak in 2009 along with a team of celebrities including Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole, to raise money for Comic Relief.  Weighing 20-stone, Chris was certainly not in top-condition for the climb, but he made it all the same!

Hollywood movie star Jessica Biel climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise awareness about clean water issues and raise funds for The Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program.  While she made it to the top, she has since said she would never attempt it again and that it was one of the hardest things she has ever done.

Just going to prove that money cannot buy everything, Billionaire and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, did not make it all the way to the Roof of Africa, and had to abandon his attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after suffering breathing problems…

As did tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who set out to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010.  Hoping the climb would help her overcome a tough year, the nine-time Wimbledon winner was overcome by a combination of altitude sickness and a stomach infection, which lead to her being carried down the mountain on a makeshift stretcher.

Money, fame, and physical fitness may not help you get to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, but willpower and determination may just do the trick!

Climb Kilimanjaro – The Benefits of a Private Tour

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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro should be exciting, rewarding, and a life changing experience, but it all comes down to the type of tour you book, the route you choose, and the climbing company you decide on for your journey to the Roof of Africa.

Private tour Mount Kilimanjaro

There are endless companies in Tanzania, the UK and the USA that offer Kilimanjaro climbs, and whether you are travelling alone, with a partner, or as part of a group, a private tour will give you the freedom and flexibility to travel when you want and how you want.

We were surprised to learn that many, if not most, respectable Kilimanjaro climbing companies offer private tours for groups of all sizes (including single climbers), and if you are travelling in a group of two or more, a private climb can cost much the same as a large scheduled departure tour.

There are many benefits of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on a private tour, here are just a few to help you decide if a private tour is right for you:

  1. Kilimanjaro private tours can start on any day of the week, 365 days of the year, so you never have to worry about changing your holidays or arranging specific dates off work.
  2. When you climb Kilimanjaro as part of a private group, you can take as many breaks as you need throughout the day, without worrying about holding up other members of the group.
  3. If you take a private tour, you can use the opportunity to raise funds for your favourite charity.  Simply contact your charity, let them know what you intend to do, and ask you friends and family to donate directly.  This works out much cheaper than the official Kilimanjaro charity climbs you will find on the internet, and you are still raising money for a good cause.
  4. On a private Kilimanjaro tour, you will have the opportunity to spend plenty of time with your mountain crew and learn about their culture and their way of life.
  5. Whether you are with a partner or with a group of friends, a private tour of Mount Kilimanjaro allows you to share this once in a lifetime experience with those closest to you, and that makes it even more special!

 

 

 

 

 

50 Things You Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

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50 Things You Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

If 2013 is going to be your year to do something amazing, then I can highly recommend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Life changing, awe-inspiring, and a wonderful achievement, climbing Kilimanjaro far exceed my expectations, but there are certain things no one told me to expect or prepare for, so I thought I would take a moment to share my list of 50 tips, ideas and things you should know before you make your way to the Roof of Africa:

  1. You are going to sweat from the moment you start climbing – take plenty of fresh t-shirts and deo!
  2. Walk slowly, even if it feels strange to start with – it’s the key to success
  3. Take regular breaks, it’s not a race and Uhuru Peak isn’t going anywhere
  4. Take time to admire the flora and fauna, it changes every day
  5. Take plenty of photographs from day one, you might never do this again
  6. Chat to other Kilimanjaro climbers along the way, some have amazing stories
  7. Ask your mountain guide how many times he has climbed Kili (I guarantee he will say over 200!)
  8. Don’t ask you mountain guide how much further to base camp… just keep going
  9. Don’t forget to admire the view
  10. You are going to get dusty and dirty from day one
  11. This dust and dirt gets under your fingernails – take a nail file!
  12. Dry Shampoo – believe me, you will be glad you took it (especially if you have long hair)
  13. You are going to eat – a lot!
  14. You need to drink around 3 litres of water per day
  15. Points 13 & 14 mean regular visits to the loo…
  16. There are no loo’s on Kilimanjaro (bushes, port-a-loos at base camp, big rocks… you get the idea)
  17. Toilet paper – at camp its provided, during the day you need to carry your own
  18. Plastic bags for foresaid toilet paper – keep Kilimanjaro tidy!
  19. Take chewing gum and boiled sweets – the porters love them
  20. Give unwanted lunch packs and drinks to your porters
  21. If you are on a private Kilimanjaro climb, you will have to get used to eating in front of your mountain crew as they will share you mess tent every evening and only eat themselves when you go to bed
  22. Don’t take valuables with you, other than cash, credit cards and cameras
  23. Keep said cash, credit cards and cameras with you at all times
  24. It will be very cold from night one – expect minus temperatures and wrap up
  25. Invest in or rent a warm sleeping bag and take thermal underwear for sleeping in
  26. Wear a hat and socks in your sleeping bag – once you get cold there is no way of heating up until the sun rises
  27. If you are not used to camping, be prepared for a restless night
  28. Altitude does funny things to your body, expect your eyes and lips to swell
  29. If you feel a headache coming on, don’t wait, drink a litre of water and take headache tablets
  30. Don’t panic if you get a headache, it’s completely normal and a simple Ibuprofen tablet took mine away in minutes.
  31. Be honest with your mountain guide, if you don’t feel good, let them know your symptoms
  32. Take advice from your guide on health issues, they know what they are taking about when it comes to altitude related problems
  33. Retire to your tent early, you may not sleep well but your body will appreciate the rest
  34. Don’t be surprised if you lose your appetite
  35. That said, you need to eat for energy, so try to consume as much as possible
  36. Drink, drink, and drink some more…
  37. Take plenty of baby-wipes, they are so much more refreshing than the small bowl of water you get to wash with each morning
  38. Take moisturiser and lip balm (men too!), the mountain air is very drying
  39. A no-brainer, but wear sunscreen every day – the sun is intense at altitude!
  40. A hat and quality sunglasses are vital
  41. Put all your clothes in sealable plastic bags inside your rucksack
  42. Cover your rucksack with a waterproof cover – the porters will be carrying it during the day and they do not have time to worry about your things getting wet
  43. Invest in good rain-gear, or at least rent some in Arusha.  Getting wet on Kilimanjaro is no fun at all
  44. Although it is freezing at night, don’t forget to take time to do some stargazing! On a clear night you can see the Milky Way
  45. On summit night, make sure you cover your face with a bandana or scarf, the wind is brutally cold in the early hours of the morning and frostbite is not attractive (believe me!)
  46. Don’t think too much on summit night, keep your head down, your pace steady, breathe and when the going gets tough, just remember how far you have come and how close you are to victory
  47. If other members of your climbing group turn back, don’t feel guilty – keep going this is your journey!
  48. Cry when you reach Stella Point – it’s a normal emotion! But just remember, you haven’t finished yet
  49. Take a moment to watch the sunrise over mother Africa before continuing on to Uhuru Peak
  50. Scream, dance, jump up and down, cry, laugh, and pinch yourself when you reach Uhuru Peak – You did it! (oh yes, and don’t forget the all-important photo!)

Mount Kilimanjaro Inspirations!

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Climb Kilimanjaro under a Full Moon – Here Are the Dates for 2013

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While we didn’t plan our Kilimanjaro climb to coincide with a full moon, we were lucky that it worked out that way, and as we made our summit attempt under the soothing glow of a sparkling moon, I can only recommend it to other Kili adventurers.

climb kilimanjaro full moon

When you climb during a full moon you rarely need to use your headlamps, and as such, you can witness the magnificent night sky and the amazing constellations of stars that feel so close you can almost touch them.

The glaciers seem to light up when shined upon by the full moon, and as this celestial event generally brings clear skies; it will improve the visibility throughout your hike to the Roof of Africa.

If you dream of climbing Kilimanjaro under the full moon in 2013, here are the dates you need to look out for:

January 27th

February 25th

March 27th

April 25th

May 25th

June 23rd

July 22nd

August 21st

September 19th

October 18th

November 17th

December 17th

If you intend to climb the 7-day Machame Route, just remember to start your climb 5-days before the new moon if you want to summit on the exact full moon date.  A summit on the day before or day after is also beneficial, so don’t worry if your dates are slightly out.

13 Reason’s To Climb Kilimanjaro in 2013

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If you suffer from Triskaidekaphobia, you may have welcomed the New Year with trepidation, but 2013 is here to stay (for 12 months at least!), so why not make the most of it and turn the number 13 into your lucky number!

10 Reasons to Climb Kilimanjaro

A new job, a new home, or a brand new adventure will give you something to look forward to, and if Mount Kilimanjaro is sitting high on your bucket list, here are 13 Reason’s To Climb Kilimanjaro in 2013:

  1. Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, and therefore anyone with a relatively good level of fitness can conquer this magnificent peak.
  2. Thanks to its central location in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is easily accessible from most international airports, and there are plenty of Kilimanjaro Climbing Companies to help you get the most out of your journey to the Roof of Africa.
  3. While not a cheap holiday, climbing Kilimanjaro is affordable to most, and providing you choose a registered company to climb with, the local Tanzanian economy will benefit.
  4. Climbing Kilimanjaro is like walking from the equator to the North Pole in just one week. The vegetation changes dramatically as you ascent, and you can expect no less than five different eco-systems.
  5. Sadly, climate change is having a negative effect on Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, and scientists now predict they could be gone completely within the next 20-30 years.
  6. By climbing Kilimanjaro for your favourite charity, you will not only help those who need it most, but it will make your climb even more rewarding.
  7. If your New Year’s resolution is to diet or get fit, training for Kilimanjaro will help keep you motivated long after January has passed!
  8. Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime experience, so why not be one of the plus/minus 40,000 who will climb it this year.
  9. Kilimanjaro Mountain Guides and Porters rely on tourism to feed their families, so you are not only making your own dream come true, you are supporting those less fortunate by providing much-needed jobs.
  10. You will witness some of the most stunning scenery when you climb Kilimanjaro, and there is a great chance you will make new friends along the way.
  11. Camping on Africa’s highest mountain is cold, but great fun – and just imagine the stories you will have to tell your grandkids!
  12. On a clear night on Kili, you will see the entire Milky Way – and that was certainly a highlight for me.
  13. Climbing Kilimanjaro is an amazing achievement. The feeling you get when you stand at the top of Uhuru Peak makes every step and every penny spent so worth it!