Thanks for a fantastic time out here, fingers crossed I can get back out soon!

(Africamper)

home SiteMap Contact

Adventure Alternatives

The Expedition, Trek, Safari and Gap company. Professional, ethical adventure holidays around the world

Call us Today on 02870831258

Kilimanjaro - Mountain and Myth

Kilimanjaro the Mountain

The once-eternal snows on her broad summit spread across three ancient peaks - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, which last erupted an estimated 100,000 years ago. The actual summit is called Uhuru Peak (meaning ‘independence’).   Kilimanjaro translates to “mountain of the springs” and encapsulates five different habitats from bottom to top. It is this uniqueness of micro-climates and habitats that makes an ascent of the mountain so special. Sadly Kilimanjaro is now a prime example of the effects of global warming, and her permanent glaciers are in retreat.

In a period of seven days, traversing the mountain over 24 miles, ascending from 6000 feet to 19,340’, you will go from cultivated farmland through equatorial forest and alpine heath, across a lunar-like rocky landscape up to a glaciated summit. Mt Kilimanjaro's unique position just below the equator offers an opportunity to experience so much in one expedition.

The Myth of the Climb
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits, the highest peak in Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and one of the most impressive peaks in the world. A volcanic giant alone on the savannah plains, snow-capped and remote, it is as evocative of the continent as the elephant - huge, stately and beautiful. People are irresistibly drawn to see it, and for mountain climbers, trekkers and adventurers 'Kili' is a perennial favourite.

I have heard people who return from it's high point talk of the "the hardest thing I've ever done". Then there are those who summit virtually on their hands and knees, and wear the hardship like a badge of honour, perpetuating the idea that you've only ever climbed Kilimanjaro if you've gone beyond the limits of physical endurance, and perhaps sanity. To any mountaineer or guide, there is only one way to climb a mountain, and that is the safe way and consequently the enjoyable way.


A climb of Kilimanjaro will take you, in a period of around seven days and 30 miles, from equatorial forest to glaciated summit, from one extreme of weather to the other, to the approximate altitude of Camp 1 on Mount Everest. A thousand metres higher than Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro is not to be sniffed at; and yet people ascend with practically no knowledge of altitude preparation and acclimatisation, hardly aware even of the necessity to drink more water. Kilimanjaro is not a technical peak by the ordinary routes, but it does have objective dangers worthy of serious consideration. I do not ascribe to the myth that climbing Kilimanjaro is either too easy or too hard; it can be both depending on your approach. However if you take it too fast, it will become too hard. Then again, don't be complacent because the weather can be very changeable, and the challenge too much physically. There is only one way to climb the mountain, and that is safely which means approaching it with intelligence, knowledge and calmness. This website should provide all that you need to know, but it is advisable to read lots of additional material about climbing Kilimanjaro.

Altitude Sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro
The main nuggets of advice are to go slowly, take seven days for the trip, drink lots of water (3 litres per day on the mountain), sleep well and rest well whenever possible. Watch out for heat stroke, sun stroke and dehydration - these are the accompanying culprits for headaches and general sickness (often attributed to only altitude).

Expect to have a disturbed sleeping pattern, increased urine output, occasional mild headache, slight loss of appetite and tiredness as you go higher. These are common symptoms of mild AMS - altitude mountain sickness, but they are not life-threatening at this stage. If the symptoms continue to change of character and loss of co-ordination (much like a drunk reeling about without coherent words), continued migraine-like headaches, loss of sleep and complete lethargy, then it is time to go down. There is no other course of action, or no tablets which should be relied on in the case of feeling progressively more ill; the mountain will always be there. Always be safe.

You can assist things with an aspirin a day - 7 days will not have too corrosive an effect on your stomach - and this is the only analgesic which thins blood and helps with headaches. Otherwise Brufen or Nurofen is good for headaches. Sleep flat or with your head at the high end of the tent, never pointing downhill. Diamox is a popular pill to take but it must be pointed out that it is a strong drug which is a diuretic so you will urinate a lot more (which means you must increase your water intake appropriately). Also Diamox is not a magic pill for going high; if taken, it should be in small quantities and be part of a programme of slow ascent, good rest and food, and increased water intake.

If you do get ill then immediate descent is the only option and in Adventure Alternative we have that option covered completely; we have the staff and the access to rescue vehicles and the experience to deal with any situation. Do not argue with the guides! They know from experience what is the best option. Taking Diamox may give temporary relief which may lead to a decision to 'carry on up'. This is bad mountaineering judgement and should be avoided. Your body will not forgive you.

The Seven Summits - Gavin Bate

Denali, the highest in North America is a big serious expedition in a remote, cold and unforgiving corner of Alaska. A mistake on this mountain may cost dearly. I once was tentbound on it for a full seven days in a storm. But the long term commitment of being up in the high Alaskan range, hauling 60kg sleds every day and really having to manage yourself properly and your team, is very exciting and fulfilling. It is all about sound mountaineering judgement and self-preservation. Cold and often very icy, even the normal route is a proper undertaking.

Aconcagua in South America is not especially technical by the normal route but suffers from the infamous Vente Blanco, the ‘white wind’ which is desperate to get caught in, plus of course it is 7000 metres high and the effects of altitude are more cumulatively deleterious after about 6,000 metres. It is also a very physical expedition with carries to camps to be made and a longer period spent acclimatising. Mules carry the gear to Base Camp but this expedition requires much more camping and managing yourself on the hill. Adventure Alternative run one or two trips there every year.

Elbrus in Russia is probably the obvious follow-on from Kilimanjaro, lower at just over 18,000' but significantly colder. It involves a non-technical ascent in crampons and the summit plateau can be a nightmare to navigate in poor visibility. The area is beautiful though, deep in the Caucasus, redolent of the Alps fifty years ago. Adventure Alternative run five trips there every year.

The little known and remote Carstenz Pyramid in Indonesia is the only one that requires rock-climbing, 4000' of knife-like granite rising dramatically out of impenetrable jungle. Difficult to reach and requiring rock skills to scale it, most people opt for the much easier Kosciusko in Australia (if you believe that Australia is a continent) which can actually be ascended in a car for the more sedentary adventurer.

That leaves Mt Vinson in Antarctica which is a stunning and utterly memorable expedition for its location, if you have about $26,000 to spare. It's not technically too difficult, but woe betide if you leave your gloves behind. The actual climb takes only 5 days but you can spend weeks waiting for the weather to fly into Base Camp. However, weeks in Antarctica is an experience never to be forgotten.

Mt Everest, being the highest mountain on our planet is the pinnacle of the Seven Summits. She can be climbed from either Tibet or Nepal. We run treks to her base camp in Nepal throughout March - May and Sept - November. The climb of the normal routes on Everest is again non technical. You use basically a harness, jumar and crampons. The biggest and hardest task on Everest is looking after yourself and the sheer height and influence of the altitude. I have now led four climbs on Everest and next year return with a team to tackle her again. The climb takes about six - eight weeks, most of which is training and acclimatising.

For many people climbing Kilimanjaro is the first rung on a ladder that could feasibly end up on top of Everest itself. Knowledge is important though and like any mountaineering challenge, Kilimanjaro should not be approached with complacency. My' briefing' for my teams never really ends until we are back off the mountain safe and sound. You can never learn too much.