Ascent and descent routes are clearly marked, with huts and camps indicated along with altitude.
The Ordnance Survey produced an attractive map of Kilimanjaro at 1:100,000 scale in the early 1990s, although the overlaid route maps are not entirely reliable. Unavailable in the UK since the end of the 1990s, this map can still be found in Moshi and at the park gates.
One of the most readily available maps is the attractive, hand-drawn New Map of the Kilimanjaro National Park, drawn at a scale of 1:125,000, produced by Giovanni Tombazzi and published by Maco Editions in 1998. Although it provides a good overview of the mountain and the routes, it is not so useful as a topographic map.
If you are simply in Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, then you will have little need of a general road map of the country. Your outfitter will transport you to the trailhead and ensure that you are collected from the end of the track as well.
Equipment
‘We will trek over fifty miles, going from a few thousand feet to over nineteen thousand feet. During the course of our journey temperatures will range from 100 degrees plus at the jungle base to minus 20 degrees at Kilimanjaro’s summit, and we must carry the gear and supplies essential for survival in both extremes. Every ounce must be counted, every square inch of space put to utmost use. To take too much will weigh us down and wear us out on the approach.’
Rob Taylor
Climbing Kilimanjaro is in no way technical and no mountaineering skills or equipment are required to make the ascent. In addition, a team of porters will carry the majority of your kit and supplies, leaving you to simply transport yourselves and a day pack to the next camp. Porters usually carry more than one person’s gear, bound together with string or rope. Several outfitters now supply their charges with kitbags for the climb, so that the bags can be transported and identified more easily. Nonetheless, it is essential that you are properly equipped for all of the different stages on the mountain and that you recognise the need to restrict the size and weight of your rucksack to a manageable limit. There is a very real tendency for people to take far too much clothing and equipment on the climb. Just because you won’t be carrying it is no reason to overload your pack. Besides which, the porters are restricted to carrying 15kg, and if your gear comes to more than they can legitimately carry, you will be forced to hire additional porters at additional cost.
Your choice of equipment is important and can influence your chances of succeeding on the mountain. You must be prepared for all eventualities and have sufficient resources to combat extremes of temperature, exposure and weather. While shorts and t-shirts may be appropriate on the lower slopes, they are not adequate clothing at higher elevations and anything short of a full cold kit on the summit is potentially life threatening. It is worth remembering that while the daytime temperatures can be very high, at night the mountain gets very cold.
Porters with their full packs walking through the forest to Mandara Huts (Marangu Route, Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts)
A warm sleeping bag, and if camping a good ground mat, can drastically improve your chances of getting a reasonable night’s sleep when camping at altitude. You should also expect rainfall at some stage. Waterproof clothing is essential to prevent the disruption of, or even early termination of, your climb: good waterproofs are an indispensable part of any Kilimanjaro climber’s clothing. They are essential for protection against rain or snowfall, but also double up as a windproof outer layer. Jacket and trousers made from waterproof, breathable fabric are ideal for this purpose.
The type of boot that you wear can be critical to your enjoyment and success. Your boots should be comfortable, medium to heavyweight and of a good fit. It is essential that they are well broken in before your departure, in order to minimise the likelihood of you developing blisters during the trek. The boots must provide good ankle support and have thick lug soles that give a degree of cushioning and excellent grip. Leather walking boots or indeed any other type of waterproof boot are ideal, since some of the ascent is through damp, wet forest or heath and the possibility of heavy rain can not be discounted. Make sure that there is enough room to prevent your toes hitting the front of the boot when descending a steep slope. You should also carry sandals or other lightweight footwear to change into at the hut or campsite.
Gaiters are a very sound investment prior to your ascent. The early stages in the forest can be exceptionally muddy and the use of gaiters helps to keep your feet dry and thus prevents potential blisters. On the heath/moorland, highland desert and summit ascent there are large quantities of scree and gravel to be negotiated. Gaiters worn on these sections will stop the small shards of lava or rock from getting inside your footwear. The descent from the crater rim is on loose scree and the passage of feet tends to result in quantities of fine, penetrating dust being kicked up. Gaiters will once again prevent this material from getting into your boots.
A lot of walkers now use telescopic trekking poles. These are very useful when ascending or more particularly descending, steep or scree slopes. They provide extra balance and help to support your weight, taking the pressure off your knees. Use one or two poles, depending on your own personal preference.
Second Cave sign with packs and poles (Rongai Route, First Camp to Kikelewa Cave)
All climbers should also take a fleece or insulated jacket to wear in the evenings or on the upper slopes of the mountain. In order to combat the fluctuating temperatures on the mountain, adopt a layering policy when dressing. It is always easier to take something off than it is to put it on. A woollen hat or balaclava, scarf and gloves are also a good idea.
In addition to protective gear that combats the cold and wet, you should also have sufficient equipment to be able to endure extremes of sunshine and heat. The sun on the equator and at altitude is very strong. A brimmed hat, sun cream (factor 15+), lip salve and sunglasses are vital.
In addition to these items of clothing and kit, a first aid kit should be carried so that you can patch up minor injuries, such as blisters, cuts and grazes, or trail ailments (see Health considerations). A water bottle with at least a two-litre capacity is also essential. For the final ascent to the crater rim you will require a headtorch, which is also useful when moving about inside your tent or around the campsite. Make sure to bring spare batteries and a spare bulb with you. Additionally, a whistle is useful for attracting attention if you are lost or separated from your group. A small amount of emergency, high energy food, such as chocolate or nuts, ought to be carried as well. A penknife is also a handy tool to have. Plastic bags to store your rubbish in are also a good idea.
While on the mountain, secure all of your valuable or important possessions in waterproof bags. This will ensure that they remain dry in the eventuality of rain or your pack leaking. At short notice a dustbin bag will double up as a pack liner.
Although you won’t be carrying your full size pack, try to ensure that it is in good condition and is waterproof. The porters may or may not choose to carry it in the conventional manner. A sturdy day pack is essential. Make sure that it fits comfortably and is easily adjustable. It need not be especially large, 30 to 40-litre capacity is sufficient, but do make sure that it can contain all of your cameras, maps, water supplies, some food, additional clothing, waterproofs and sun cream.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Clothing: boots and spare laces, light shoes or sandals, down jacket, fleece or jumper, shirts (t-shirts and long-sleeved collared shirts), socks, trekking trousers, waterproof jacket and overtrousers, underwear (including thermals), gloves, woollen hat or balaclava, wide-brimmed hat.
Essential
