View Full Version : Should I hike up Kilimanjaro?
pizzaguy
06-10-2009, 00:47
How do you hike up this trail?
http://www.tanzaniaodyssey.com/mount-kilimanjaro/machame-route.htm
I mean, how thin is the air up there? How do you deal with that?
And how COLD will it be? If my math is right, you are going up as high as 17,000 feet!
WHY I ASK: My doctor, a lady in her 50's who is in rather good shape - but does not hike often, wants to go hike this. Looks like maybe 6 miles a day - no big deal, right?
But she doesn't hike a lot. AND this is in thin air. AND it's got to be cold up there.
So, she's actually asking ME if I think it's a possibility for her! What do I tell her? I cannot make up my mind if it's any big deal or not.
Any input welcome!
I know somone who at 65ish made it up recently. Full sherpa guided trip. He said it was a miserable hike and not much to see. Even though you are up high, there are no features close by to enjoy a view.
On most trips the guides and porters go slowly, do short mileage days(enable you to more readily acclimate), and carry all or most all the gear and food. Yes, it's cold at the top, but the weather is somewhat dependent on time of the yr. you go. When you are further along in your research of this trip these questions will be answered by your guide service.
I know somone who at 65ish made it up recently. Full sherpa guided trip. He said it was a miserable hike and not much to see. Even though you are up high, there are no features close by to enjoy a view.
I've attempted to do this hike unguided. I haven't found a way to legally accomplish doing this. All these trips require permits and guides. There are different routes that provide different views. And, the views are dependent on weather. There are also side trips that are very scenic worthy than just hiking to the top of Killi on the most often traveled route(s).
sounds to me there are many other places to hike that would be more interesting. ymmv
fiddlehead
06-10-2009, 07:41
Altitude is best attempted if you are in good shape.
Take your time, sleep low, explore high in the daytime, acclimate slowly.
I though Kilimanjaro was 20,000' (that's what my buddy who summited told me)
When i went to 20,000 feet on Dhampus peak in the Himalayas, i spent 3 weeks hiking from 4,000 to 17,000 then slept at 15,000 two nights and then went up to our high camp at 17,500 and slept a fitful night. The next day was awesome and except for a slight headache, i felt great.
I had been up there before so knew what to expect. Expect: Poor sleeping, waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath, and wierd dreams and headaches. Try to force yourself to drink and eat.
If you do it properly (and listen to the pros there) it can be awesome.
As mentioned, there are no views from the top so it is really hiking up for the sake of saying you have done it. However, there is something to be gained from the challenge and diversity is one of the wonderful parts of enjoying the world. If someone wants to climb it, why not. Acclimate to the altitude slowly while taking as much from the experience as possible and it is really just a slow walk up of a climb.
It looked amazing on the IMAX film.
Perhaps you can find that on DVD for some inspiration,
Monkeywrench
06-10-2009, 09:03
No views? Are you kidding? It is an amazing place. It should be on every outdoorsperson's life list. Oh, and the summit is 19,640'. Get in shape. Take diamox. Go slowly. "Pole pole."
http://www.allenf.com/tanzania_surf_to_summit.htm
"Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high, and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called the Masai 'Ngaje Ngai', the House of God. Close to the western summit there is a dried and frozen carcas of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude."
No views? Are you kidding? It is an amazing place. It should be on every outdoorsperson's life list. Oh, and the summit is 19,640'. Get in shape. Take diamox. Go slowly. "Pole pole."
http://www.allenf.com/tanzania_surf_to_summit.htm
Nope, not kidding. Miles of plains in every direction that would be viewed from above as opposed to eye level are not at the top of my list.
You can read about it in the book "The Seven Summits" or something like that. Two corporate types in their mid 50's climb the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. Kilimanjaro is one of them. Read the book many years ago. go find it in the library.
I can't remember Kilimanjaro being that hard to climb.
Read the book and then you will know.
You can read about it in the book "The Seven Summits" or something like that. Two corporate types in their mid 50's climb the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. Kilimanjaro is one of them. Read the book many years ago. go find it in the library.
I can't remember Kilimanjaro being that hard to climb.
Read the book and then you will know.
Or better yet, give her the book and let her read it, so she can make up her own mind!:banana
From wikipedia:
Trekking routes up Kilimanjaro
Main article: Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kilimanjaro_climbing_routes)
There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain, which can be done in 6 or 7 days[19] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-18). The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c7/UhuruPeak.jpg/180px-UhuruPeak.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UhuruPeak.jpg) http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UhuruPeak.jpg)
Sign at Uhuru peak, indicating to climbers that they've reached the top.
Persons wishing to climb Mt Kilimanjaro are advised to undertake appropriate research[20] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-19) and ensure that they are both properly equipped and physically capable. Though the climb is technically very easy, the altitude and low temperature make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatisation is essential, and even then most people suffer some degree of altitude sickness (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitude_sickness).[21] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-Acclimatization-20) About 10 climbers die from this each year, together with an unknown number of local porters - figures for these are guessed at between 10-20. Kilimanjaro summit is well above the altitude at which high altitude pulmonary edema (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_altitude_pulmonary_edema) (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_altitude_cerebral_edema) (HACE) can occur.[22] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-MedicalProblems-21) All climbers will suffer considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches, and though most young, fit people can make the Uhuru summit, a substantial number of trekers will abandon the attempt at a lower altitude.
High altitude climbing clubs have criticised the Tanzanian authorities for charging fees for each day spent on the mountain. This can encourage climbers to climb rapidly to save time and money, while proper acclimatisation demands that delays are built in to any high climb.
Tanzanian Medical Services around the mountain have expressed concern recently over the current influx of tourists that apparently perceive Kilimanjaro as an easy climb. Many individuals require significant attention during their attempts, and many are forced to abandon the climb. An investigation into the matter concluded that tourists visiting Tanzania were often encouraged to join groups heading up the mountain without being made aware of the significant physical demands the climb makes.
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Kilimanjaro&action=edit§ion=7)] Records
Fastest ascent: Bruno Brunod, 5 hours 38 minutes 40 seconds[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-climbkili-22)
Fastest ascent (female): Rebecca Rees-Evans 13 hours 16 minutes 37 seconds[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-climbkili-22)
Fastest ascent and descent: Simon Mtuy, 8 hours 27 minutes[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-climbkili-22)
Youngest person to summit: Keats Boyd, 7-years old [24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-cbs-23)
Oldest person to summit: Karl Haupt, 79 or Valtee Daniel, 87[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro#cite_note-climbkili-22)
Technically moderate climb, Physically demanding.
I've attempted to do this hike unguided. I haven't found a way to legally accomplish doing this. All these trips require permits and guides. I looked into this two years ago with someone who did it outside of a tour before and wanted to do it again.
You can't do it unguided and they are serious about this. You really don't want to be breaking the law in other countries where civil rights are not what they are here.
Basically, you need at least 6 days of permits, but unless you are an experienced altitude type person, 8 days is what you will need. IIRC, the permits were $150 per person per day.
You are required to hire a guide (fairly expensive) and both a porter and a cook (both fairly inexpensive) for the guide. If you don't hire your own porter, the chances of making the trek aren't good. Many don't finish even with a porter. One cook can be hired for the group.
As far as altitude goes, different people react differently. Most merely are reduced to stumbling automatons. Some can't move, and a few develop altitude sickness and NEED to get to lower elevation or they will die.
I didn't do it because the cost (airfare alone was over two grand) was going to be about $8,000 or so. I think that included a post hike safari, though I'm not sure if that was included in the costs I added up. We planned on a month total. I lost interest after I added things up and decided to go to Central America for a month instead (About $1000 for five weeks, including everything). Going back next year and do Mexico from DF to Cancun.
I was told over and over that I needed porters, a cook, and food was to be included in the costs. When I really looked into this I found out all this was not absolutely necessary or legally required. I found out though all you legally need is a guide and permits. The guide is not esential in the sense that many of the routes are obvious, but the guide helps with local customs and organizing the trek which is a worthwhile, convenient, and legally necessary requirement. I also found out it's not necessary to go with pre planned and large organized expedition sized trips where all your gear and food is carried for you and your accommodations are pre decided for you. Although, some may find it convenient and necessary for someone else to supply and carry their gear, supply and cook their food, and basically dictate the hike I personally would rather have more control of my hike and not be ushered down the trail in an ecotourism expedition with a crowd of tourists. There are ways to do this hike by doing more research and organizing more of the logistics yourself at a much lower cost than the $6000-8000 usually quoted, but this is not for everyone and it must be realized what one is undertaking which tends to overwhelm some when in another country
Nope, not kidding. Miles of plains in every direction that would be viewed from above as opposed to eye level are not at the top of my list.
agreed... but it is on my list... of places that i am not interested in