What to Bring

Index this Page:

• Experience, Health and Fitness
• Travel Insurance
• Equipment Needed (Clothing: Outdoor Gear: Personal: Photographic: First Aid: Documents)

Experience, Health & Fitness

Physical fitness will add significantly to your enjoyment of the trip. From the day of this update (July 19, 2018 we have just over 11 months to get ready, which is more than ample time to get physically prepared). We will be walking on the trail most days between 4 and 7 hours. Prior hiking/camping experience is not necessary since no technical climbing is involved (beware: summit night/day is a steep hike, at altitude).

Outdoors: The best way to get fit for this trek is to walk on steeply undulating ground, with a light back-pack. Gradually add to the weight of your pack and the length and exertion of your hike. When you then add core, upper body strength and back exercises, even Kilimanjaro could become a snap. Should you not prepare adequately your days on the trail will be longer and the summit attempt less successful; put in the exercise time and your enjoyment of the entire experience will soar.

Indoors: Stair climbing is excellent; as is walking on an inclined treadmill and/or training on a Stairmaster or Step Mill.

Suggestion: During your Cardio Training the intent is to get your heart rate up to be slightly breathless (talking is halting) for at least ½ hour (preferably more). Do this at least 4 x per week. During the last 2 – 3 months push a bit harder to the point of your heart rate being at between 75 and 80% of max (heart rate = 220 – age x the80%). Note: this will not only prepare you for the climb, also for life (life is better at fit and healthy).

If you are interested in a core-strength exercise program and need help, contact Werner.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must let us know the details at time of application. We also recommend you consult your doctor regarding exercise programs or any medical concerns the trip may raise. Medical and/or evacuation expenses (unlikely) that you may incur are your responsibility.Looking into the Ngorongoro Crater – distant rim is 12 miles away

 

Travel Insurance

A condition of you trekking with us is you must be fully covered by “Out of Country” Medical insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended since our refund policy must be strictly adhered to. Air rescue insurance is optional and not required. Make sure your insurance policies do not have special exclusions related to adventure travel. Malaria shots (or pills) are recommended for travel in Africa and, Yellow Fever shots are required by the Tanzanian government (however before doing so speak to Werner).

Equipment Needed

Having the right clothing and equipment is important to your comfort and enjoyment of the Safari and the Climb.

Clothing – for the climb

• Sweater (1)
• Water proof pants/Jacket (or a pancho) for rain forest (1)
• Warm Ski jacket or equivalent (1)
• Balaclava (optional)
• Wool hat (tuque)  – essential (1)
• Gloves (ski – must be very warm, e.g. wool lined leather or synthetic) (1)
• Woolen Mittens (optional)
• Shells or wind proof over-mittens  – highly recommended (1)
• Trekking pants or Jeans (I don’t like jeans since they tend to be stiff) (1)
• Underwear (2 – 3), regular and warm ‘long-johns’ (1) and long sleeve tops (2)
• Woolen socks (3) plus some regular socks (3)
• Long sleeved light shirt for sunny days (1)
• Cap/Sun hat/bandana (1)
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable Hiking boots (worn in – this is important to avoid blisters) (1)
• Sneakers or equivalent (for camp at night – optional) (1)

Outdoor Gear – for the Climb

• Day pack with hip strap and clasp – to reduce shoulder weight (1)
• Hockey bag/Duffel bag or large backpack carried by porters (no wheels) (1)
• Sleeping Bag (preferably rated at between 0 and 10 degrees F or minus -5 and –15 degrees C) (1)
• Trekking Poles (they make life much easier) (1 pair)
• Water bottle(s) – I use 2 light 11/2 liter, plastic water bottle (get them in Africa) plus an ARIIX Puritii Filter bottle (1)
• Head lamp (with new batteries for tent and summit night) (1)
• Pocket knife (optional)
• Fannypack or carabiner for quick access to water bottle, sun screen etc. (optional)
• Pee Bottle (or Lady J) – very nice to have at night after drinking 4 liters/day (2)
• Bear paws (crampons – in 8 climbs it would have been nice to have had them once – optional)

Snacks, Energy Food – for the climb 

• Energy snacks of your choice (2-3 oz / day)
• Chocolate, Nuts, Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, Hard Candy, Jerky, Hard Cheese, Coconut oil mixed with peanut butter or Sesame seed butter (2-3 oz / day)
• Energy drink mixes (optional)
• Throat lozenges (a must for climbers to prevent dry-throat)

Personal Items – for the climb 

• Toothbrush & paste
• Sun screen
• Lip balm (with SP medium factor)
• Toilet paper (2-3 rolls for women)
• Baby wipes
• Soap/Hand sterilizer
• Towel (small)

What to Bring – for  Safari

• Outdoor clothing you would wear in daytime temperatures 60 to 80 degrees
• Indoor clothing you would wear in nighttime temperatures 45 to 65 degrees
• Shorts and T-Shirts
• Personal items as above
• Running shoes or sandals

Photographic:

• Camera / Cell phone for pictures / charging device
• Spare batteries or charger (solar on the climb)
• Video camera
• Lens cleaner
• Binoculars

First aid/medical (predominantly at your own discretions):

• Aspirin
• Band Aids
• Moleskin (a must for hikers/climbers)
• Anti malaria tablets (definitely optional)
• Insect repellent (for Moshi)
• Puritii Water bottle, or purification tablets (for safari and climb)
• Diarrhea medicine
• Antihistamines
• Melatonin or other sleep aid
• Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
• Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
• Diamox (talk to your doctor – I do not recommend it)

Documents:

• Passport
• Tanzanian entry visa – you can also get it at the airport in Tanzania
• Medical insurance – out of country
• Cash (SEE TIPING PROTOCOL – small, medium and large, clean USD bills). Travelers cheques are less flexible and not recommended unless you are contemplating large purchases – the hotel does not accept them
• Travel insurance – e.g. trip cancellation (highly recommended)
• Journal
• Pen(s)
• Zip-Lock baggies and/or stuff sacks
• Vaccinations (speak to Werner)

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