Kilimanjaro Tips

Kilimanjaro Immunisations

Hi Team,

It’s advised that you start immunisations for your trip 3-4 months before departure.

Book an appointment with your GP or physician and they’ll be able to provide an up to date lust of vaccinations.

Some GP’s will be able to provide all the vaccinations, some won’t and you’ll be advised on the location of the closest travel clinic.

Full and up to date details of the required vaccinations can be found on the NHS website –

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/united-republic-of-tanzania.aspx

Personally I would suggest going for the following, but take advice from the doctor.

PLEASE NOTE!

Although we try to keep up with the latest vaccinations and advise accordingly, It’s the responsibility of the traveller to check with your GP or travel clinic. Without certain vaccinations border control will not let you into the country. The Tanzanian government have been known to change the criteria at the last minute.

Hepatitis A;
Tetanus;
Typhoid;
Cholera;
Diphtheria;
Hepatitis B;
Meningococcal Meningitis;
Rabies;
Yellow Fever;
Malaria.

Have fun with the needles

Please contact me if you require any further details.

Have fun.

Darren.

Darren@mountainsinmind.com

Or via Facebook

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Energy from those around you! Kilimanjaro Training Weekend

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips

Our recent and newly launched ‘Kilimanjaro training weekend’ went great.

My apprehension and sleepless nights were soon forgotten when we were sharing laughs whilst drinking tea at the Moel Siabod Cafe at the end of a fantastic weekend.

Two days and nights had passed since five of the Kilimanjaro adventurers; Sarka, Jane, Stuart, Andrew, John and my forever suffering and supportive partner Clare met for the first time.

I arrived at our base camp, the Snowdon Ranger YHA at around 4:30pm on Friday after a quick excursion to Betws y coed to check out the gear shops.

The hostel was locked and not open till 5!! I had a little panic as I had to leave to collect Clare from Bangor station at 5:40pm. Still after checking in, ordering the packed lunches and breakfasts, moving rooms as there was no heating in the original, I shot to Bangor to pick up Clare.

The guys arrived throughout the evening and had travelled from various parts of the U.K. including Yorkshire, South Wales, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

After breakfast on Saturday, we discussed various options around kit choice for Kilimanjaro and demonstrated ideas around gear management whilst on the mountain. We then filled out water bottles, packed our sandwiches and headed to the summit of Snowdon via the quieter Ranger Path. Other than a drone filming a school training expedition, it was peaceful (ok hands up we used a drone to film the summit of Tryfan in May!! I apologise for this, but the footage was excellent).

After watching a team of sheepdogs do their thing and looking in horror at the lines of people heading up the Llanberis path, we summited Snowdon. Scrambling to the summit cairn on a busy Saturday was something else!

After celebrations and many photos we dropped out of the mist for a short lunch stop, before heading back to the Snowdon Ranger YHA for hot drinks and cakes, a la ski chalet style.

Showered and rested we drove the short distance into Beddgelert for a lovely meal at the Saracens’s Head Hotel.

Sunday.

Rested and with a few aching muscles we headed to the Moel Siabod cafe for a quick coffee before the 2.5 hour walk to the summit of Moel Siabod.

The views of the Glyders, Carneddeu and Snowdon were awesome.

A lunch stop in the summit shelter and many photos later we headed back down for hot drinks at the Moel Siabod cafe.

The weekend was full of laughs and great bonds were built before we head out to Tanzania in January 2017. Lots of knowledge shared within the group and support for each other.

Conclusion: Success

And Sarka didn’t realise she’d carried a rock in her rucksack from the summit either!! (Who put that there?!)

Kilimanjaro – Awesome views

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips adventure, africa, bucket list, mount kilimanjaro, mountains, travel, trekking

Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is on many peoples bucket list. The popularity of reaching the roof of Africa is due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s relatively easy terrain, which involves no technical climbing! That being said, it’s not to be taken lightly as it’s not an easy trek due to the high altitude.
One of your lasting memories (and there will be many) will be sitting in awe looking out across the spectacular mountain landscape from your tent, some say reminiscent of Mars! You’ll be inspired by the knowledge that you’ll be one of the 20,000 trekkers annually who walk through five climatic zones from Tropical Rain-forest to the Arctic in less than 7 days.

People attempt Kilimanjaro for many reasons. It may be to raise money for a chosen charity, as a personal challenge to show yourself and others what you can achieve or to simply experience the thrill of climbing a mountain. Some love the sense of escaping the rat race and the pressures of modern life, drawing encouragement from the surrounding nature and enjoying the cameraderie of your team mates and the fabulous porters.

Others like me chose to trek to the summit after watching the IMAX film in 2002, unbeknown to me this would actually be a life changing event. It was the beginning of a dream, which I had no idea how to turn into a reality. After setting myself a series of goals, I was able to quit my corporate IT job, to run an exclusive outdoor adventure company sharing my passion for the outdoors and adventure with others.

If you’d like to join one of our trips to Kilimanjaro, click the link to download the brochure for more details.

http://goo.gl/KOZlXG

Be sure to live your dream and take steps to do something amazing. Remember! “Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows”

Darren – Founder, Mountains in Mind.
Darren@mountainsinmind.com

Www.mountainsinmind.com
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6 Mount Kilimanjaro facts

Darren BLOG, Kilimanjaro Tips 7 summits, adventure, africa, bucket list, everest, hiking, kilimanjaro, mount kilimanjaro, travel, trek, trekking

Kilimanjaro or Mount Kilimanjaro as it is sometimes called is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the world. A Kilimanjaro Trek requires no technical skills and any fit person can reach the summit. You can reach Kilimanjaro from the UK on flights direct into Kilimanjaro Airport, Africa.

Where is Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is situated on the Tanzanian/Kenyan border and the Mountain can clearly be seen rising above the African plains whilst on Tanzania safari. Kilimanjaro’s Weather is very different in each of the climate zones, ranging from tropical heat through the rain forest to sub-zero temperatures on the summit.

We’ve compiled six interesting facts, which will help you undertake a trekking adventure to the Kilimanjaro.

1. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent and is the tallest free-standing volcano in the world. Kilimanjaro’s height in meters is 5,985 or 19,340 feet and the summit is clearly visible from Kenya. The classic images of Giraffe are taken from within the Amboseli national park, just over the border into Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is at the southern edge of the Great African Rift, a section of East Africa which is slow moving into the Indian Ocean. This creates an immense amount of volcanic activity and if you like rocks, you’ll be amazed at the size of some of the rocks which started inside the mountain and now lie strewn across the Mars-like landscape.

2. From the 5,895metre (19, 341 feet) summit of Kilimanjaro, you’ll be able to stand in awe at witnessing something amazing, the curvature of the earth. This very unique and privileged experience is often reserved for passenger airlines or Everest summiteers, this makes reaching the summit Kilimanjaro even more precious. Not only this, depending on which time of year Kilimanjaro is climbed, you could be the highest person in the world… How cool is that?

3. Kilimanjaro is known as a dormant strata volcano! The last major eruption was 360,000 years ago, the last activity was only 200 years ago, this which resulted in the creation of the ash pit, which trekkers can see today from the summit. It is said that the lava or magma is only 1 kilometre below our feet, which is pretty amazing. Due to the hight of Kilimanjaro, glaciers have been on the summit since before records began when they used to cover the entire summit, making reaching the top impossible. Unfortunately, the glaciers are now in retreat and some estimate they will completely disappear in the next 20-years.

4. Kilimanjaro has 3 volcanic cones, Kibo, Mwenzi, Shira. The Shira cone has now been eroded by the weather and the passage of time, which has left amazing plateaux, over which the views to Kibo are unbroken. Mwenzi is clearly visible from Barrafu (Base) camp and it keeps a watchful eye on us as we ascend towards Stella point on summit night. During the cold dark summit night, I keep a watch on Mwenzi waiting for the dawn glow on the horizon, when this appears I know we are nearly at Stella point and only 50-minutes away from fulling many dreams.

5. Did you know? Kilimanjaro is the only place on Earth where you can walk from the equator to the Arctic in 7-days, pretty special ah? This is only possible due to Kilimanjaro’s unique ecological system starting on the plains of Africa, starting you pass through dense rain Forrest, Heathland, Moorland, Alpine Desert until you reach the Arctic zone. Each day is different and the higher we climb the more unique the landscape becomes. If you’ve ever thought about walking on Mars, then this is the closet landscape to that experience.

6. Over 25,000 people attempt to summit Kilimanjaro each year, with approximately 2/3 being successful (we have a 100% success rate). To have a greater chance of summiting the mountain, choose treks which are 7-day’s (or longer), this will increase your chances by 21% over a 6-day trek. Check with your tour operator to make sure the working conditions, pay and welfare of your porters are well documented and they have a proven record. Also, your life will be in the hands of the guide and support team, choose wisely! and remember you get what you pay for…

Be sure to Live your dream and do something amazing today.

Remember! One day is not a day!

Have a super day,

Darren – founder Mountains in Mind.

Kilimanjaro Tips – power!!

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips adventure, africa, bucket list, hiking, kilimanjaro, mount kilimanjaro, travel, trekking

Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is on many peoples bucket list. The popularity of reaching the roof of Africa is due to Mount Kilimanjaros realitvily easy terrain, which involves no technical climbing!

That being said is not an easy trek due to the high altitude and should be taken lightly.

But in a technological energy dependent world this can be difficult!!

So how to charge those smartphones, garmin watch, the electric toothbrush and the GPS tracker, especially when there is direct access to the national grid?
There a number of options available from solar panel chargers and USB power pack.

USB power packs.

There is a vast number of products on the market from the single charge to a multiple charge units. Power ratings are graded in mAh (don’t ask!), the higher the number capacity the more charges we have. For example the unit we use (purchased off eBay) has a 50,000 mAh rating which gives around 5-6 full iPhone 6 charges.

As with all battery driven products the cold will effect the battery life and its capacity to retain the charge!

Search on eBay for ‘usb power hub 50000 mah’.

Solar Panels –

The number and style of products on the market is again vast. Options available are single panel to multi panel. The more panels the faster the charge.

If you’d like to join one of our select trips to Kilimanjaro jump across to download your brochure.

Be sure to Live your dream and do something amazing today.

Remember! One day will never come!
Darren – founder Mountains in Mind.
Darren@mountainsinmind.com

Www.mountainsinmind.com

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Kilimanjaro Tips – more water!

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips

Following on from the Kilimanjaro Tips – Warer! Blog we want to cover different drinking systems.

There are 2 main methods of carrying your water.

Hydration system sometimes called camel back after he brand;
Large 1litre wide mouthed bottles.

Due to the environmental impact and waste Managment in Kilimanjaro the park authorities have banned the ‘off the shelf’ water bottles.

1. Hydration systems (or bladder) – are the most effective way of keeping hydrated on the move without having to stop to take your sack off to get water out.

There are many brands in the market and we’ve found the better brands to be more resilient to the environment. Brands such as Platypus, Camelback are the leading brands in the market. You can purchase cheaper brands but these may not be as resilient.

The main draw back with this system is that you’re unable to effectively monitor the amount of water consumed.

I tend to take a 1lire wide mounted bottle as a back up just in case I drink the entire contents of the hydration bag.

Hydration system come in varying capacities from 1 litre – 3 litres – we suggest the 2 litre system with a wide mouthed bottle back up system.

2. Wide mounted bottles – the ad

Kilimanjaro Tips – Water!

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips

Water water everywhere!

Not on Kilimanjaro, even in the rain water can be in short supply the higher up the mountain we go.

Depending on the chosen route on the mountain will determine how abundant the water sources are.

The main route and often the busiest route is the Machame Route. This has the most water sources. That’s not to say other routes have less.

The water is taken from streams by porters, well away from the area where Trekkers will cross. This allows fresh, clean water to be taken and carried back to camp. This carry can range from a 1/2 mile to 12 mile round trip at the Barrafu.

Water tends to be fresh, although a little gritty at times.

Some Trekkers take purification tablets with them and some don’t.

The purification tablets or drops can remove/kill most but not all of water Bourne deseaes. Purification tablets , such as chlorine based products leave a taste and you can purchase taste naturalising tablets to counter this.

You will need to aim to drink 2-3 litres of water each day during the trek and 1-2 litres of water in camp. This helps reduce the effects of heat exhaustion and aids in the acclimatisation process.

Oh .. You will wee loads too

Kilimanjaro Tips – blisters!

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips

To bring a hard man to tears!

Blister can result in the end of a trip. To walk on or with a blister is one of the most painful experiences you can have in boots!!

Blisters are caused by the outer layer of skin rubbing with the underlying layers. After a period of time the layers can separate and fuilid builds up and becomes very painful.

As with most things prevention is better than a cure.

Steps to help reduce the onset of blisters.

Buy boots that fit;
Buy good quality, single layer socks;
Wear liner socks, such has Injini;
Change your socks or wash your sick every 3-4 days;
Break in your boots before the trek;
Identify any hot spots when wearing your boots;
Apply blister prevention like competed or thin padding applied with surgical tape;
Wash and clean you feet on a daily basis (each afternoon in camp you’ll have access to a small amount of warm water);
Let your feet breath, by taking a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear around camp;
Clip and file your toe nails, like a mini pedicure;

For more tips check out the blog section.

To contact us to receive details of current and future trips click here.

Kilimanjaro Tips – Bags!

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips

BAGS – What do we need to take with us on the mountain?

good question.

We’ve placed a concise kit list onto the ‘mountains in mind’ website and anytybody booking a trip will receive a full checklist, but we’ll cover a few ideas here.

Firstly there is a weight limit which is imposed by the national park for the porters and dictates what weight they can carry. This is typically around 16kg of our kit. They then have to carry their own personal kit and an item or 2 of camp kit. The maximum they can carry is 25kg.

The type, style and size of our main kit bag is critical.

The best bags to use are duffle style bags (no wheels or frames) that are easy to carry and can consume all the required gear. The best size is 90litre. Brands around range from The north face to more affordable brands such as Gelert (in the Uk). Decathlon offer a range too.

Any excess kit not required for the mountain can be left in a secure location in the Hotel.

Best day Day packs size range from 25 litre to 35 litre in size. The style and brand are down to personal preference and depends on what feels comfortable. The addition of a hydration system will help keep you hydrated during the trek.
Inside both the day sack and kit back your gear must be stowed in waterproof liner bags. These will help keep your kit dry (yes it does rain) and reduce the effects from a dusty environment. Also helps manage your items easier and your sleeping bag must also be stowed away too.

Kilimanjaro Tips – Trekking Poles

Darren Kilimanjaro Tips

Lauren Worley – Kilimanjaro 2015

Trekking poles, will I need them?

There are many discussions for both the advantages and disadvantages of taking trekking poles.

The simple answer is yes, take them. Why?

There has been plenty of research as to the benefits of using poles from correcting the posture to reducing the stress and strain on our knees. The other advantages of using ‘trekking poles’ on this trek is that it aids momentum and on summit night you can use them to lean on and help you to the summit.

If not in use they can be stowed on the side of your day sack.

Many brands and styles around. Look for the telescopic variety which are normally in 3 sections and the height can be adjusted to the terrain (shorter on the uphold / longer on the downhills).

Typically made from aluminium you can find poles made from material such as titanium , which comes with a nice price tag. The most popular brand us ‘Leki’ a German make and some would say a pioneer in the trekking pole world.

Other brands are available and can be bought on line or any outdoor sports shops stock them. Price range from £10 ($14) to £180 ($265) a pair.

If you don’t want to splash out poles can be hired from Moshi and we can arrange this for you.