Kili Lemosho

Hi Graeme,

 I'm also doing this climb...really looking forward to it despite the challenge. 

 James

Hi you two!

So jealous of you both, climbed Kibo last september via Lemosho.

If you need any info, drop me a note, i'd be only happy to help.

Azza 

Hi Azza,

 Any tips on dealing with altitude sickness?  I've heard of some drugs that can be taken but not a fan.  I used ginko bilobo when I did the Inca Trail but Kili is a "little" higher.  Any general advice on what to take would be great - reading Heny Stedmans Kilimanjaro book and that is fairly comprehensive but always keen to get more views.

James

Hi James

My thoughts regarding the altitude: I had never been anywhere near that kind of altitude before and sought advice from everywhere.

As i live at sea level i was "advised" the following, daily doses of Gingo Bingalo sp?? is apparantly good as well as an asprin (to thin the blood!) also taking Diamox with you as a precaution. DO try this out first in the UK (or wherever home is) there are some gnarly side effects!

As i like you do not like to take drugs and i went along the lines of letting my body adjust without them. Before i went i made sure my digestion was top notch, I had heard the maleria tablets were going to make me feel not too good so i made sure i ate plenty of fruit and the such before i went to Africa, i didnt want any deli belly!

Drink plenty each day, the first day will be to assist with the humidity in the jungle (it's WARM!) after that i drank around 2 to 3 litres a day, at least a litre of this i added isotonic saches of powder (supermarkets sell them) although take some antiacid also, 6 days of powder aint too good either, but it takes the taste away also. I also bought an extra 2 litres from Moshi from the shops, You have to carry it obviousley but i wanted fresh bottled water untill we were out the jungle.

Walk slowly. POLE POLE (powly powly) will be heard everywhere, i walk regulary in th british  hills but could not believe the speed walked on the third day,across the Shira plateau. i still cannot gauge just how far we walked each day! DO walk slowly. At least this will let you take shed loads of pictures.

Most of all DO NOT STRESS over the altitude, one of my group propper stressed over that and the quality of water (believe me its sound) and he really struggled approaching lava tower.

My mantra for future high altitude treks. Walk slowly. drink plenty. stop to take loads of pictures and ENJOY.

Lemosho has to be the best way to see Kili, have a great time

Azza

Alright James

Wow this seemed an age away when I booked it and now we're only talking two months or so. Hows it all going? I'm now letting myself start to think about it and beginning to get excited.

 Graeme

Thanks for the advice Azza very useful.  Any tips on how many layers to pack for the cold??  I'll be layering up but can't really decide how much to bring!

 Hey Graeme - yeah it has suddenly dawned on me that its not far off!  Time to start prepping and getting in to shape again...All the good work from training for the London marathon has worn off recently.

 James

Hi James

So close for you guys now!

Kili is a really bonkers mountain to layer up on.

From the rain forest at the bottom, shorts and tee for that (remember sun hat). Most days after that it was just regular walking trousers with tee.( with fleece in't bag for stops etc). Carry waterproofs also, we got hit by a storm once (very wet).

Night times are a wee bit colder of course, look out for the milky way. First time i saw it i thought it was a cloud!!! Am not kidding.

Summit push: Inner/Outer socks, boots, gaiters - base trousers, fleece trousers and over trousers - Wicking Tee, lightweight fleece, soft shell and down jacket ( i had the soft shell and down jacket open).

This is what i wore during the night assault, one of the poor lasses with us (only a stick of a thing tho) had 10 layres on, including a down jacket and were still cold.

As a guide, i estimated -10 as we set off at midnight, at 5000mtr it started breezy and probably dropped to -12ish. On this push, keep an eye out for orion (the constalation) especially it's belt.

So jealous of you all, have fun. Remember what i said above regarding stress.

Azza

Hi all

There is a lot of us 'Kili Trekers' on this site trying to contact others in they group. I've be in touch with most of you traveling to Kili in Aug, Sep and Oct. As there are a couple of us going to North wales to climb Snowdon on Sat 14 Aug, arriving the friday night and camping out. Sunday will look at Tryfan another lovely walk/climb. Therefore I would love to get as many Kili Trekers together to do some walking and talking. If you are insterested e-mail me on jim.donald@babcock.co.uk I think it would be great to get everyone together and discuss 'Kili'

Hear from you Jim