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CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO TRIP REPORTS - GROUPED BY ROUTE
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Safari Company:
Hotel Marangu
September 2003
5 days on the mountain
Pammie, CanadaReview Source: Blog |
The hotel staff were excellent in preparing the group of 10 for what lay ahead, providing information and orientation prior to arrival in Tanzania as well as the night before the trek commenced. They also made sure the group had all the equipment they'd need during their Kilimanjaro climb.
Pammie says there is no reason to think the Marangu route is in any way inferior just because it is the most popular. It was tough going and although she didn't suffer major symptoms of altitude sickness, had felt extremely tired during the summit experience. She was frustrated with the slow pace and with hold ups caused by the amount of people on the route.
From her extensive packing list, she highly recommends using a walking staff and waterproof shoes.
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Safari Company:
Tanzania Journeys
February 2006
6 days on the mountain
Kwameh Anyona, KenyaReview Source: Telephone Interview |
Although it was cold at times, Kwameh didn't experience any rain during his climb.
Some unexpected tips and advice on physical and mental preparation and clothing came out of this interview about successfully scaling Africa's highest mountain...» Climb Mount Kilimanjaro experience
 
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Safari Company:
Hotel Marangu
September 2003
6 days on the mountain
Gard Karlsen, NorwayReview Source: Gard's own website |
Gard attempted the Machame route and made it but it wasn't a walk in the park.
He gives a valuable tip on a little piece of equipment that will make your life on the mountain a whole lot easier...» Kilimanjaro Hotel Marangu Trip
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Safari Company:
Jagged Globe
January 2007
6 days on the mountain
Steve, UKReview Source: Pirate Frog |
Climbing Mt Meru in preparation for and immediately prior to Kili and its altitude turned out to be a great idea as 7 of the 8 team members summited, with no AMS problems.
The group had quite a bit of rain, making it quite difficult to keep their clothes and gear dry. There were a few hiccups in the logistics at the beginning of the trip and especially on the first day of the trek. The tents showed their age with a bit of a leak here and there. However, Steve highly recommends this company for anyone's Kilimanjaro climb.
The group only came across one other small group while on the Umbwe trail. From where it is joined by the Machame & Shira routes, the situation changed and many more people were crossing paths with them.
The weather finally played along on summit morning when they were walking on fresh, pure white snow and enjoying cloudless skies overhead. This weather afforded them stunning views of the surrounding land including Mt Meru they had summited recently, and Mt Kenya.
Steve feels the trip was most definitely worth it and enjoyed the challenge with a great group of people. His recommendations for "must pack" items are a "can-do" attitude, good water proof clothing, a head torch (summit morning), glacier sunglasses and lots of sunblock cream!
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Safari Company:
Good Earth Tours
September 2005
5 days on the mountain
Wade, USAReview Source: Outdoorzy |
Wade's Kilimanjaro climb was done in true backpacker style. With Kilimanjaro being such a popular mountain to climb, there are a lot of operators out there, some cheaper than others. This one was cheaper than most, but Wade couldn't help worrying about the quality of the tents supplied. Luckily September offers fair weather and they experienced no strong winds.
He describes reaching the summit as an "overwhelming feeling of accomplishment" and highly recommends trekking poles to get there.
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Safari Company:
Klub Afriko
2003
6 days on the mountain
Dean Dauger, USAReview Source: Dean's own site |
Dean is an experienced hiker. His writing is very descriptive and his appreciation for the natural world and special moments inspiring.
From the start it seemed they were visiting a lesser travelled area and for days did not come across any other hikers. Their descent was down the Mweka route, parts of which is paved to carry the heavy traffic. Mweka camp was busy with other hikers, a contrast to their earlier solitude.
The Shira route doesn't afford much opportunity for turning back, once you have reached a certain point, due to the steepness of the path. The final stage of the group's Kilimanjaro climb took longer than hoped, but they all made summited eventually which made it worthwhile.
All but one of the 5 friends took Diamox tablets which helped fighting the effects of AMS but caused them to wake up in the night with bursting bladders … which in turn provided Dean with the opportunity to enjoy the amazing star-lit sky on a clear cold night.
Learn from Dean's experience and make sure your water is carried in a warm place - his camel back froze during the "last assault" as he calls it.
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Safari Company:
African Walking Company
January 2005
8 days on the mountain
Matthew Clifton, USAReview Source: Personal trip report page |
Why training properly for a Kilimanjaro climb is imperative, and why going for longer is better ...
... and a warning that the weather can turn quickly, so packing correctly can really make a difference to your enjoyment of attempting to summit the world's largest free standing mountain...» Kilimanjaro report
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September 2004
9 days on the mountain
Janet & Rick, CanadaReview Source: Gypsy Journal |
Ascent against all the odds including freezing temperatures, rain, hail, snow and altitude sickness...» Kilimanjaro expedition
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Safari Company:
Hotel Marangu
February 2007
6 days on the mountain
Stuart & WendyReview Source: TravelBlog |
Stuart & Wendy found Rongai to provide an absolutely beautiful Kilimanjaro climb with not only natural beauty but also solitude. Kibo hut however is where the routes meet up, meaning lots of people - the couple found it an uncomfortable, tense place.
Wendy celebrated her 30th birthday on summit day but unfortunately due to severe effects of altitude sickness had to turn back before the summit. Stuart found ascending during night time a real mental challenge, but the reward great as he and their guide were the first people of the day to reach summit and could enjoy 15 minutes of solitude "on top of the world".
A warning from the couple to cover up for sun protection - their hands and necks got sunburnt despite regularly applying sun block. They also recommend taking very warm clothing and drinking lots of fluids during the trek.
They have only praise for the Hotel Marangu's accommodation, organisation, food and enthusiasm.
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September 2006
6 days on the mountain
Merryn LancasterReview Source: TravelBlog |
Merryn and her two friends found the first three days of the route quite easy and the changing vegetation very interesting.
Summit day however was extremely cold, even with what sounds a small clothing store's amount of clothes Merryn wore in layers for the occassion. It was tough going and slow moving, but all three of them made it to the summit where they enjoyed spectacular views.
Her tip to others is to attempt an Kilimanjaro climb with good friends - you'll need the moral support!
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