Kilimanjaro Tips – Water!

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