Kilimanjaro Trek 2013
Kilimanjaro Trek: The Crown of Africa
AMC Adventure Travel
June 20 to July 2, 2013
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, East Africa
TRIP OVERVIEW
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341'), the tallest mountain in Africa, with just a daypack. A UNESCO
World Heritage Site, Kilimanjaro is called the Crown of Africa with its snow-capped peak rising above
Tanzania’s cultivated farmland where locals grow coffee, bananas, cassava and maize. Just south of the
equator, the highest freestanding mountain in the world rises majestically from the rolling savanna plain
up through five microclimates with diverse ecosystems: rainforest, heather, moorland, desert and arctic.
Learn from our guides about the flora and fauna of this unique mountain, its geologic and volcanic
history, the effects of global warming and other human impacts, and the cultures of the people who call
this land “home.” From the mountain, we may have the chance to see breathtaking views of Amboseli
National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe.
The success rate for summiting on our eight-day trek via the Lemosho Route is better than on shorter
climbs, giving our bodies time to adjust to the increasing elevation. We will summit during daylight so
you can enjoy views during the peak of the journey, if the weather cooperates. This is a strenuous trek
with 10,000 feet of elevation gain over 8 days, hiking at a moderate pace, with between 3-11 hours of
hiking per day. Must be physically fit with recent intermediate level hiking experience to participate on
this trip. Porters carry our camping gear, food, tents and luggage. Overnights before and after the trek are
at lodges near Arusha; shared tents will be used during the trek. All lodging, guides and meals are
included. Meals on the trek are made by our own chef and served in a comfortable dining tent with tables
and chairs. The crew brings hot coffee, tea, or cocoa to your tent as a gentle wake-up call in the mornings.
Join our invigorating trek on this majestic mountain.
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ITINERARY
DAY/DATE
DESTINATION
Thursday, June 20
Depart USA – Travel
Friday, June 21
Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Airport, late in the day. Stay at Ilboru
Lodge in Arusha.
Saturday, June 22
Day off, relax at lodge, visit local village, gear check and climb briefing.
Overnight at the same lodge.
Sunday, June 23
Trek Day 1, Forest Camp (~ 9,000’)
Monday, June 24
Trek Day 2, Shira Camp (~11,000')
Tuesday, June 25
Trek Day 3, Moir Camp (~12,950')
Wednesday, June 26 Trek Day 4, Lava Tower Camp (~14,300')
Thursday, June 27
Trek Day 5, Arrow Glacier Camp (~16,000')
Friday, June 28
Trek Day 6, Crater Camp (~18,500’)
Saturday, June 29
Trek Day 7, Summit during daylight, overnight at Mweka Camp (up to
19,341', down to ~10,500')
Sunday, June 30
Trek Day 8, depart Mweka Park Gate to Ilboru Lodge for overnight
Monday, July 1
Depart Africa
Tuesday, July 2
Arrive in USA
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ROUTE
June 20: Travel - Depart USA in the evening.
June 21: Arrive in Tanzania, usually on an
evening flight. Our guides and drivers will meet
us at the airport for a transfer to Ilboro Lodge in
Arusha with a lovely setting and comfortable
rooms. All meals are included during the trip,
starting with supper tonight.
www.ilborusafarilodge.com
June 22: Enjoy your free day, relaxing after
your long journey. If you wish, join a group
walk. Meet our mountain guides for a climb
briefing and individual gear checks. Overnight
again at Ilboro Lodge.
KILIMANJARO TREK
June 23: Trek Day 1 - Forest Camp (~9,000') From town we drive several hours over highways, then dirt
roads, and finally narrow dirt tracks to the Londorosi Gate where you will sign in with the rangers. A
short drive further to Lemosho Glades brings us to meet your porters at the trailhead and start the hike up
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Mount Kilimanjaro by the highly successful 8 day/7 night Lemosho (Shira)/Western Breach/Crater Camp
route. We’ll hike about 4 hours through the forest to our camp. A picnic lunch will amaze you with what
is “trail food” when you have a wonderful chef along. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the
eye while birdcalls entertain the ear. You may see signs of the elephants that travel in this area, or perhaps
spot black and white Colobus or other species of monkey.
June 24: Trek Day 2 - Shira Camp (~11,000') Our views open up as we leave the Montane Forest and
enter the Hagenia (Heath and Moorland) zone. This is a good acclimatization hike of 6-9 hours as we
climb to 11,300' before descending a little to camp. If the weather cooperates, we get our first view of the
imposing peak of Mount Kilimanjaro looming above us. Inspiring but a bit daunting at the same time!
June 25: Trek Day 3 - Moir Camp (~12,950') Today’s hike of 4-6 hours will take us across the beautiful
Shira Plateau and onto the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Shira Plateau is a World Heritage
Site that is missed by those who climb Kilimanjaro by the other routes. Besides offering great
acclimatization, your climbing route allows you to see a less-visited side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Camp
will be in the upper heath zone.
June 26: Trek Day 4 - Lava Tower Camp
(~14,300') Today is a short hike of 3-4 hours to
our camp near the Lava Tower, a volcanic lava
plug protruding from Kilimanjaro's flanks. If you
have seen David Breshear’s IMAX movie
Kilimanjaro: to the Roof of Africa (available as a
DVD) you may remember scenes of the Lava
Tower. Today we enter the alpine zone, where
plant life becomes much smaller and the landscape
rocky and volcanic. If time and weather permit,
we'll have a short acclimatization hike after eating
lunch.
June 27: Trek Day 5 - Arrow Glacier Camp (~16,000') Today's hike is short, allowing
us plenty of time to acclimatize. The terrain and especially the altitude make for much
slower hiking as we ascend to Arrow Glacier Camp. The Western Breach is visible
above us in all its imposing glory, while we relax in camp.
June 28: Trek Day 6 - Crater Camp (~18,500') After an early start (5 AM) we will
wind our way up the Western Breach route to the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. For safety
reasons all participants will be provided with climbing helmets on this hike. Although the Breach does not
have any technical climbing, it is steep with a feeling of exposure. Those with a sense of adventure and
love of scrambling embrace this route with its amazing views and sense of accomplishment. Once in the
Crater, if time permits some might climb further up to the inner crater and the ash pit although most
trekkers are usually content to relax in the mess tent over a game of cards. Our camp has a wonderful
view of the Crater's glaciers.
June 29: Trek Day 7 - Summit and Mweka Camp (up to 19,341', then
down to ~10,500') Summit day -- you made it! We will start our ascent
to the summit (5,896m) in daylight, around 6:00 AM. We should reach
the summit in under 2 hours, a wonderful contrast to most climbing
routes which require a midnight hike start from much lower camps
around 16,000’ and required climbing to the summit by headlamp.
After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak and taking our summit
photos, we’ll begin the long descent down to Barafu Hut for lunch and
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then to our camp at Mweka Camp and a celebratory supper. Hiking poles will help protect your knees on
this steep descent. This is a long but exhilarating day, usually around 8 to 11 hours.
June 30: Trek Day 8 - Mweka Park Gate - Before departing camp we will gather with our mountain
crew, who may sing a lovely song for us. We make the final descent to the trailhead today, only 3-4 hours
hiking. Here we will use flush toilets, eat a picnic lunch and say goodbye to our guides before leaving
Mount Kilimanjaro. We will stay at Ilboru Lodge or similar.
July 1: Depart from Africa
July 2: Travel and arrive in the USA
ACCOMODATIONS
Sleeping -The tents on the Kilimanjaro Trek
are four-season mountaineering tents that
are comfortable for two people. We will be
sharing two person rooms at the lodges.
Toilets - On Kilimanjaro our group will
have a private toilet tent with a portable
boat-style toilet. No outhouses for us!
Showers - While on the mountain, no showers will be available. You will be provided a bowl of hot
water in the evening and again in the morning for washing hands, face, etc. Wash water will not be
provided at the highest elevation camps. Baby wipes are suggested for waterless bathing.
Clothes Washing - There may be a laundry service at the lodge before and after the trek, but you should
assume it will not be cheap. Expect to pay up to $30/load, depending on the number of items. Due to cold
weather and cloud cover on the mountain it is not likely your clothes will dry if washed on Kilimanjaro.
Electricity - Note that electrical supply for domestic use is generally 240V AC/55. All installations are
British standard and all appliances should be adapted with pin plugs of British specification. Keep in
mind electricity is only available in the lodges, so you will not have frequent access to electricity.
Trip Food - Included in this trip. We will be fed hearty meals on the trek. You should bring some trail
snacks of your own. Some snacks like power bars may freeze too solid to eat on Kilimanjaro. Our trek
crew will provide coffee, hot chocolate, tea and herbal tea. Bottled water, beverages and alcohol are an
extra charge in lodges. The water provided to you on the trek is either filtered or boiled. You should treat
it again with purification tablets in your water bottle prior to drinking.
IMMUNIZATIONS
There are many recommended vaccines for Tanzania that need to be obtained before departure from the
USA. Multiple visits to a doctor may be necessary for some vaccine series, which usually start 2-3
months prior to the trip. Be sure to discuss with your doctor malaria-preventing medication and Diamox
for altitude sickness; both are highly recommended and if you are NOT planning to bring Diamox you
must discuss this with the leader. You should bring antibiotics in case of severe diarrhea; this proved
highly valuable in the last AMC trip in dealing with a bad stomach bug (Cipro was the cure; hand
sanitizer gel will be the prevention this trip). Your insurance may not cover immunizations, so check first.
Recommended vaccinations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow fever, booster
doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and polio. Consider using a “Travel Clinic” such as those listed at
http://www.travelhealthresource.com/clinics/.
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CLIMATE
Mt Kilimanjaro is climbed year round. We will be climbing the mountain
during the transition between the rainy season (April-May) and dry season
(July-Sept). Even though it lies near the equator, summit temperatures at
night could drop to zero degrees Fahrenheit (F). The items on the
Kilimanjaro climb packing list are critical to help you keep warm. Wearing
layers is necessary as daytime temperatures at most altitudes over 8,000
feet on Kilimanjaro range from 45-70 degrees F and can drop below
freezing towards the summit. Even if the weather is dry, there can be
periods of dramatic thundershowers. As the outfitter webpage states, “Like
any large mountain, Kilimanjaro can make her own weather at any time of
year so one must be prepared for rain and snow in any season.”
WEATHER
It gets cold on Kilimanjaro! Crater camp can dip to 5 degrees F above zero.
Snow and ice is a possibility at the higher elevations. Long or short periods
of rain can occur. Muddy conditions may exist. A long sleeve shirt and pants are needed on all days
except the first and last when shorts and a t-shirt will suffice. The higher you get the more layers you will
wear while hiking. Your rain jacket should fit over a shirt plus a fleece jacket. You should have a down or
synthetic down jacket or at least a vest for up high for warmth. Gaiters are required to protect you from
rain, snow, and volcanic ash. A key thing to remember is that a temp of 5 degrees (F) at 18,500 feet of
elevation feels colder than at home due to the very dry air, acclimatization issues, and often mild
dehydration. Your sleeping bag must be rated to zero F or colder! If you don't have one you can rent from
EMS or REI.
EXPERIENCE AND RISKS
Hiking with any pack over steep mountain terrain is physically very demanding. We will be hiking at
elevations in excess of 19,000 feet, high enough for contracting acute mountain sickness (AMS), the
combination of physical exertion & lower oxygen levels require that we pace ourselves and pay attention
to proper nutrition and hydration. People wishing to participate in the Kili trip must have previous hiking
experience at the intermediate level or higher. Although the hiking will be at a moderate pace, this is not a
trip for beginners or people who
have not backpacked for several
years. A few of the days are long
and strenuous. You should be in
excellent physical condition at the
time of departure from the USA.
You need to be prepared to commit
yourself to keeping shape between
the time you sign up for the trip to
the time you depart on it. When you
participate in this activity, you
should be prepared both physically
and mentally, and equipped with the
appropriate gear. You should
always be aware of the risks
involved and conduct yourself
accordingly. In this regard, you are responsible for your own safety. Prior to your being accepted as a
participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience. Please do not be
offended by the questions.
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Traveler's diarrhea is very common in Africa (similar to other less developed areas such as Mexico and
rural Asia). About 28% of international visitors get some sort of traveler's diarrhea in East Africa.
Although the outfitter filters your water, it is still recommended to use iodine tablets or similar treatment
method. Other devices are not reliable and not recommended. The iodine tablets only purify your water,
so although the crews are as careful as possible about your food, it is still possible to get sick from the
food. Have plenty of hand sanitizer gel easily accessible while hiking and use it after all bathroom visits,
before and after meals, and when touching communal gear. It is possible for participants to pass a bug
amongst the group through our own poor hygiene. Packing an appropriate antibiotic to treat traveler's
diarrhea is strongly advised. Cipro is the best antibiotic for adults.
COST
Approximate cost is $3800 per person without airfare, with a minimum of 9 participants; with 15
participants the cost is approximately $3400 per person. Round-trip airfare is additional at approximately
$1800 - $2,800. This trip uses the 8-day, 7-night Lemosho (Shira)/Western Breach/ Crater Camp route.
We will substitute the Lemosho (Shira)/Southern Circuit/Crater Camp route used by past AMC trips if
weather conditions become a safety concern. Please note that the itinerary and trip price are approximate
may change due to lodging availability. We reserve the right to substitute different lodging of a similar
standard. Prices are based on double occupancy in the lodge and trek tents, and include all ground costs
during the trek including park fees, lodging and meals. Park fees are subject to government increases that
must be passed on to participants. The trip price does not include some tips, bottled water, drinks in
lodges, travel visas and expenses involved with travel outside the scope of this trip, such as additional
lodging and airport shuttles for a post-trek safari.
TIPPING
As in many parts of the world, tipping in East Africa is a
symbol of appreciation for a job well one. Gratuities for
meals at the hotels (3 nights) are included in the cost of your
expedition, although previous participants liked having a
few small bills in their pockets to give the people dragging
their luggage around at the hotels. US dollars are fine for
tips. Tipping our hired guides and crew is at your discretion
but is a way to show your appreciation of the wonderful
service we expect on this trip. On the Kilimanjaro climb you
will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tip to be
given to the entire crew. The guides have a formula to fairly
divide the group tip between all crew members, even those
doing jobs that aren’t as visible (think about cleaning the toilets!). In addition, we will tip the lead guide
and the assistant guide separately from the crew. The tips are usually presented on the final evening of the
climb. Cash is required; smaller bills are better since $100s are hard to use in Tanzania. These tipping
guidelines are for each person in our group, but you can use your own discretion.
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Head Mountain Guide: $10 - 15/day X 8 days = between $80 to $125
Mountain Crew, which includes assistant guides, porters, cooks, camp staff, etc.: $20-35/per day X 8
days = between $160 to $280
Lodge staff tip box: $5/night X 3 nights = $15, plus $1 per bag carried
Airport drivers: $5 each way
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APPLICATION AND CANCELLATION
If you are interested, you should apply as soon as possible as this trip is likely to fill quickly. The
approximate cost is based on quotes at the time the trip was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee
in October 2012. Any savings, as well as any cost increases, will be
passed on to you. Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC
policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leader is
not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip price
also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative
expenses of offering Adventure Travel, including the trip's publication
in AMC Outdoors for several months. The overhead fee is 20% of
participant land costs; air travel is not included in calculating the
overhead charge. The trip fee includes emergency medical and
evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does
not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or
for baggage loss. Individual travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Any unspent funds will be refunded to the participants.
To apply, you must submit the completed Application, Confidential Medical Form, and
Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release Form, and enclose a deposit check for $1000.
You will not actually be accepted, and your check will not be deposited, until the leader has determined
by telephone conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. The remaining balance
will be divided into 2 equal payments due on January 21 and February 21. Deposit checks from waitlisted
applicants will not be cashed until they have been accepted to the trip AND they confirm continued
interest. Please make payments by check payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club. When the group is
complete, participants will receive the names, addresses and phone numbers of all those going on the trip.
Email will be used as the primary source of communication. If you have any questions or to request an
application, please call or e-mail Robin Melavalin at 617.780.5362 or Rmelavalin@rcn.com.
Cancellation policy is based on several considerations. Cancellation will not be allowed to raise the cost
to the other participants or to the leader. If there are actual costs, such as expenses already incurred on
your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and
cancellation, they will be deducted from your deposit. If possible they will be applied toward another
acceptable (waitlisted) applicant. We expect a group size of 10-16 people, including the 1 leader.
SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS
For safety and the integrity of the trip, it is important that
participants disclose fully to the leader your level of
experience, level of current fitness, mental health and
medical issues and treatments, and advise of any changes
to the above before departure and while traveling. This can
be a physically and mentally demanding trip due to the
amount of hiking and travel involved. You will be in an
unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, and be mentally
and physically challenged.
You are expected to have a positive attitude with an open
mind that any unexpected issues can occur at any time.
We are a team and should always be supportive and
understanding of anyone having difficulties. Participants are expected to contribute to the group
experience, be approachable by others, and take genuine interest in the group members. Any interpersonal
matter that participants cannot resolve themselves should be brought to the attention of the leader for
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resolution. Participants are expected to stay committed to the planned activity and respect and follow the
leader's decisions. Participant thoughts, concerns and group consensus will be appreciated when received
and will be taken into consideration in the leader’s decisions. To minimize risks we will stick close
together and will hike in groups and not alone.
If there is interest, a pre-trip hike will be arranged so participants can get to know each other, learn more
about the trip and discuss appropriate gear.
TRIP LEADERSHIP
Robin Melavalin is a cultural anthropologist who has been involved with
educational travel for over 20 years and has led college groups to Cuba and Cape
Verde, West Africa. She leads hikes and backpacking trips year-round, mostly in the
White Mountains of NH, for the Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts chapters of
the AMC. She has twice co-led the one-day Presidential Traverse, a 19-mile hike
across the Presidential Range in NH. She has co-led or led five prior AMC
Adventure Travel trips: “Morocco Trek and Sights” (twice), “Hut to Hut in the
Bavarian Alps” (twice), and “Kayaking and Whale Watching in Baja Sur, Mexico.”
Her research and personal travel experiences also include Kenya, Nicaragua, China,
the Dominican Republic, Russia, Uzbekistan, Costa Rica, Denmark, the Azores
Islands, Spain, Greece, the Yucatan and Bali.
KILIMANJARO GEAR LIST
Clothing: It is essential to maximize the versatility of your travel wardrobe by packing clothing that can be layered.
For climbing the mountain you should have three warm layers for the upper body. Items must be made of wool or
synthetic/fleece. Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each other and supply good insulation. A good
combination is a long underwear polypro top, a sweater or light fleece, covered by a down jacket for higher
elevations and a hooded rain jacket that is waterproof and breathable in case it is needed. Lower on the mountain
you may be hiking in short sleeves and shorts, but quickly will move to long sleeves/pants and then multiple layers
as we move up the mountain and it gets cold! Summit morning – and the day before – can be very cold and you will
need to bundle up. Cotton items do not provide adequate insulation and are completely useless when damp; do not
bring cotton on the trek. You should always have a dry set of clothes. Talk with your guides immediately if your
clothes get wet for any reason and you do not have dry clothing left in your supply while on the mountain. Some of
us will wear the same things over and over so quantities for each item will vary from person to person.
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Long Underwear – At least one pair of medium weight tops and bottoms. They should be made of CoolMax, polypropylene, or another synthetic (no cotton blends).
Underwear – Sufficient for 8 days, synthetic (no cotton blends).
Bra – Must be synthetic (no cotton blends).
Shirts – at least two, 1 short and 1 long sleeve, but you will need more. These will be worn several times
during the duration of the hike.
Fleece Jacket – One medium weight.
Warm Jacket – One warm jacket, down filled or high loft insulation. You will want this, in addition to a
fleece layer, at Crater camp due to cold.
Waterproof/Breathable Jacket & Pants – It can rain a lot in East Africa. The jacket must be waterproof
with hood and (preferably) pit zips. The pants will go over fleece pants or long underwear, and must be
waterproof; side-zip style is very convenient. Gore-Tex or a similar waterproof/ breathable material is best.
Pants – At least two pairs of synthetic, wool or fleece pants. One pair of hiking pants with zip off legs and
a pair of warm fleece pants. These should fit loosely and be comfortable. No cotton jeans or khakis. Warm
tights may be substituted for fleece pants.
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Hiking Boots - Full leather hiking boots are required for warmth and comfort. Boots with fabric side
panels are not as warm and waterproof as full leather 3-season sturdy hiking boots.
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Camp Footwear - One pair of light sneakers or trail shoes with room for thick socks.
4-6 Pairs of Socks - Made of synthetic materials or wool blend. Synthetic sock liners are recommended to
transport perspiration from the foot to the outer sock.
Gaiters - One pair of either high or low gaiters made of breathable material to keep mud, dirt and snow out
of your boots.
Toe Warmers - Good for keeping warm at night in your sleeping bag and for the summit day
when temperatures will be cold. Bring several pairs.
Down or Synthetic Booties – Good for keeping feet warm at night at the higher elevations. Optional but
recommended if you get cold easily.
Mittens – One pair of heavy fleece mittens and a lighter pair of liner gloves works well. A second pair of
liner gloves in case of wet weather. Insulated gloves will not keep your hands warm enough.
Waterproof mitten shells – One pair to go over your fleece mittens or liner gloves. These are for use
against the winds and cold sometimes encountered in the crater and on the way to the summit. They must
be waterproof for the rain.
Hand warmers – Good for keeping warm at night in your sleeping bag and for the summit day
when temperatures will be cool.
Hats - You will wear a sunhat almost every day of this trip. Bring a wide brimmed sunhat. You need a very
warm fleece or wool hat on Kili for warmth. Also, in case of high winds or cold up high on Kilimanjaro,
you must have a balaclava or facemask.
Sunglasses – Two pair; this is a very important piece of equipment. The eye is particularly vulnerable to
the brilliance of mountain skies and reflections off of snow. Bring one good-quality pair with good UV
protection. The lenses should be very dark. Attachable side shields are necessary, or bring “glacier glasses.”
One extra pair is necessary in case you lose your good ones.
Spare glasses, contacts and cleaning solution – If you wear contacts you may find the dust and the windy
conditions are a nuisance. You may need to wear your glasses.
Glasses - If you wear glasses or contacts you have the following options:
 Prescription sunglasses are expensive but good; make sure they get dark enough to significantly protect
your eyes.
 Contact lenses combined with good quality "regular" sunglasses or glacier glasses over them. Glacier
glasses are the mountaineer-type round sunglasses, available at REI and EMS, that are very protective
and have side panels that keep light from coming from the sides.
 Contact lenses are difficult to deal with on a multiday wilderness trip because hygiene is a problem and
air is very dry up high so contacts might not be wearable. Generally people seem happier in glasses
than contacts on Kilimanjaro.
 High quality clip on sunglasses over your prescription eyeglasses. This is not a fashion statement but is
practical and less expensive than buying prescription sunglasses.
Bandanna – One or two. Tied around your neck, it gives you excellent sun protection in a spot that most
people forget about. It can also act as a sweatband or be used to clean your glasses.
Sunscreen and lip protection – One of each. You should carry these with you during the day.
A SPF rating of 30 or higher is absolutely essential. Bring lots of sunscreen!
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Sleeping bag – Minimum 0-degree (or colder rated) with down or synthetic fill. Down will compact better
and be lighter but MUST BE KEPT DRY. Use a heavy-duty garbage bag to wrap it in once compressed.
Storing your sleeping bag compressed makes it lose loft over time, which causes it to lose significant
warmth factor. So, if you start packing far in advance of the trip, you should leave your sleeping bag loose
and fluffy until only a day or two before you leave. You can compress it for test packing your luggage to
look at the fit, and then take it out and leave it loose until near departure. When you get to camp on
Kilimanjaro each night you should be sure to open up and fluff up your sleeping bag asap rather than
waiting until bedtime. This will allow the filling to regain some loft - and warmth – before you get in. If
you find your sleeping bag takes up too much room in your mountain duffel bag, you can plan to have it
outside your duffel. Just make sure your total duffel AND sleeping bag weight are less than 35 pounds.
And make sure to bring at least two heavy duty garbage bags to wrap the sleeping bag in whether it's in
your duffel or not; two because in the wear and tear of unpacking/repacking every day, you will find
garbage bags and zip locks will get tears which mean they will lose waterproofness and need to be replaced
mid-trip.
Compression sack – To keep your sleeping bag in.
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Sleeping pad – On the mountain (8 days/7 nights) we are in mountaineering tents and you are sleeping on
the ground. You need a good sleeping pad to insulate you from the coldness (and hardness) of the ground.
A closed cell foam camping mattress is okay. Inflatable Therma-Rest type is more comfortable and warmer
– highly recommended! Do not bring a car camping size mat, as it will be too heavy and bulky.
Daypack – Any daypack that is comfortable when carrying a jacket, two water bottles, book, binoculars,
camera, and extra layers depending on weather. It should have a waist belt. You should not be carrying
more than 15-20 pounds.
Pack cover – Something waterproof to cover your pack when hiking in the rain. Otherwise, bring a large
plastic bag to line the inside of your pack.
Duffel/travel bags – Two large ones. Your bags cannot have wheels or any other metal or plastic parts that
make them heavier and less flexible.
Plastic garbage bags or stuff sacks – Several, to double bag your sleeping bag and clothes on the
mountain. It may rain! Anything you wrap in garbage bags or put in zip locks will need backup bags – your
bags may wear out part way through the trip.
Water bottles – At least two wide-mouth, durable bottles. Another option is a bladder bag hydration
system. The Platypus brand is better, as we can put boiling water into it without causing the bag to leak.
This is important on treks because some of your drinking water may need to be boiled if there are filter
problems, and it is hot when poured into your container. Also, the bladder can be taken to bed to warm your
feet at night. If you choose the bladder route, make sure you bring at least one wide-mouth water bottle.
Water treatment – Our trek crew will filter our water with Katydyne water filters. For emergencies you
should also bring some type of water treatment tablets (“Potable Aqua” or a “Polar Pure,” etc) to treat water
– make sure it will work in cold temperatures.
Flavoring packets – Wyler’s Lemonade, Tang, Gatorade, etc. to mask the taste of boiled or treated water.
Camp towel – Small and lightweight, not cotton.
Headlamp – Bring one LED Headlamp and a second backup headlamp or small flashlight. Pack at least
one set of extra headlamp batteries. Lithium batteries are recommended. It will get dark early and it is best
if you don't need your hands to hold a flashlight while walking between dining and sleeping tents, to the
bathroom, etc. Also, our itinerary is such that we will hike in the dark when starting up the Western Breach
so good headlights are essential.
Trekking poles – Poles can reduce downhill pounding on your knees by 30% and are good for balance.
Poles are vital for anyone with knee issues and recommended for all!
Snacks – Bring from home trail snacks of your choice. Avoid snacks at high elevation that could get hard
when cold and break a tooth.
Hot drink mixes – If you like types of hot drink mixes that are not provided, bring them from home.
Toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, lotion, etc. Try to find organic brands that won’t
hurt the environment. The skin can get very dry on the mountain so lotion is important. Feminine hygiene
products, when used, should be put in the small garbage can where you put toilet paper in the toilet tent.
Ear plugs - Essential for blocking out wind, noise or a snoring tent companion for a good night sleep.
Waterless hand cleaner/sanitizer – One small bottle to carry with you always and use profusely to help
prevent stomach bugs. Use it before touching food or utensils and ask others to also.
Baby/personal wipes –These work great for cleaning up after a long day! Past groups say you can never
bring too many of these!!! You will probably take an entire bath with baby wipes in the higher elevations.
Camera and supplies –Past groups recommend bringing more digital camera memory cards and batteries
than you think you will need.
Books, iPod, journal, cards, etc. There will be time to read, listen to music, and reflect on your day. One
of the highlights of the trek will be getting to know our African staff over a game of cards.
Note: Binoculars – Past participants have said binoculars are not worth carrying on Kilimanjaro, where
animal sightings are somewhat rare except for monkeys and birds in the forest zone. For avid bird watchers,
a pair of binoculars may be useful.
First Aid Kit - The AMC trip leader and our hired guide will each carry first aid kits. Because of liability,
prescription drugs will only be dispensed in emergencies and only if available. You should consider
bringing the following medical items for your own use. Please discuss this with your physician.
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Intestinal Disorders - Imodium, to decrease diarrhea and cramping. Cipro or other appropriate antibiotics
for treatment of severe diarrhea. PeptoBismol can be good but still bring Imodium & Cipro. Some bring
Compazine 25mg rectal suppositories for severe nausea or vomiting.
Cuts & Scrapes - It's wise to bring a supply of small and large (i.e. knee-sized) bandaids to treat abrasions
that may occur. To prevent infections bring antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions. Possibly
Erythromycin or Amoxicillin tablets for skin or soft tissue infections.
Blisters - It is wise to bring your own small supply of blister treatment items to insure that you avoid
letting any blister get out of hand. "Second Skin" and moleskin are recommended.
Headaches - Tylenol or ibuprofen may help relieve altitude headaches. Nothing stronger than codeine
should be taken for fear of masking potential severe altitude problems while on the mountain.
Insomnia - In high altitude mountaineering, restlessness is not uncommon and sleep is very important. You
should not take any sleeping pills above 15,000 feet. Melatonin can be helpful for jet lag.
High Altitude Sickness – Diamox (acetazolamide) 125mg tablets to be taken twice a day from 13,000 feet
to the top or when mild symptoms start. Bring enough to increase dose to 250mg twice a day if needed, or
250 mg pills and start with half a pill. This drug is widely used in high altitude mountaineering and is
highly recommended. It does not mask signs of altitude illness; it helps your body acclimatize more
quickly. Acetazolamide/Diamox cannot be taken by those with sulfa allergies. Some travel clinics will
issue other medications to take during an evacuation in case of problems, for example dexamethasone or
nifedipine.
Malaria prevention - Mosquitoes vary by trip, as their presence is hard to predict due to weather and
elevation. The airport is in the mosquito zone. Most of the trip we will be higher than the mosquitoes, but
you will have exposure and should strongly consider malaria preventive medication. Discuss malaria
prevention with your travel clinic. Most commonly, malarone or Lariam are given; doxycycline is cheap
but can cause severe sun sensitivity. Packing mosquito repellant should be done carefully: bring a small
concentrated bottle, tape it up, and wrap it in paper towels and double zip lock for travel. The packing is
because if it leaks in your bag, bug spray can ruin your raingear, etc.
QUESTIONS? Contact Robin Melavalin at 617.780.5362 or Rmelavalin@rcn.com
*****
SAFARI/TRIP EXTENSION OPPORTUNITIES
Tanzania is far away and expensive to reach. While some of us will come directly to the trip and go
directly home afterward, we expect that others may take this opportunity to travel to other regional
attractions, on their own, outside the sponsorship of the AMC. Those doing so are acting on their own,
and must recognize and acknowledge that such an extension is outside the AMC-approved trip, and as a
result, the AMC takes no responsibility related to that travel and the associated risks. The official trip
dates are June 20, 2013 to July 2, 2013, including travel days for those coming and going directly to and
from the trip. Be aware that the AMC-included Medical and Evacuation insurance coverage is only valid
while you are participating in the AMC trip. You should consider purchasing additional insurance if you
will be participating in a non-AMC- sanctioned extension.
The trip leader can put you in contact with the outfitter by email if you wish to discuss non-AMC trip
extension opportunities after your climb (or before). These include space in a 5 day/4 night safari group
visiting Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Parks, shorter or longer private
safaris, one-day visits with local tribes, or Zanzibar beach extensions.
The foregoing is intended only to help you in planning your activities, and must be read in the context of
the first paragraph of this section.
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