Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route
Hi Andy,
I am going to Killy on 5th, I've had a posting since May with no replies. Would also love to get in contact with others on trip and find out who they are and what they are doing for prep. I've managed to get in contact with another and we met to climb the welsh 15. This weekend off to Mont Blanc for some altitude training. What have you been doing
Jim
Hi Jim,
From Cardiff so doing most my training in the Brecons as its close and Snowdonia. Trying to get in a couple of hours a day training, mostly cardio on a summit trainer, which has a kili programme...Not doing altitude training, taking diamox (hoping that will help as well as smoking).
Great to finally hear a voice out there...good luck on your Mont Blanc climb. Let us know how it went.
Andy
Hi Guys.
My wife and myself did this exact Kili Rongai Trek in Feb this year. It was the best time we have ever had!. Anything you are not sure about please ask me as I am happy to give you advice and tips if you need it .
The Summit night will be the hardest test for the Group. It is a very long and slow Ascent in the dark. And you will not be the only group on the trail. The guides will already know who are the fittest members of the group , and also which members of the group need to be watched carefully for problems. The guides are very very good at their jobs. I takes about 6 hours to reach Gillmans Point. Just in time to see the sunrise over Mawenzi. At this point you will rest and drink. (probably warm water). It is a point that a lot of people do Cry with joy and relief. (i did). And maybe not all of the group will have made it to Gillmans. Then you have to decide who wants to make walk around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. It takes approx 2 hours to get around the rim , and is energy sapping.But keep going and it will be worth all the hurt.
Coming down is totally different, You will be shown how to get down the long scree slope. (just lean back slightly and use your heels to slide and dig in.) Back at the tents you can rest for only a short whili. Then you have to walk to Horomo Camp. It is a walk of 3 to 4 hrs, but although you are tired you will get the energy from somewhere. Then relax and have some dinner and the best sleep you will ever have.
You can take Diamox with you. But the Head guide has a supply and will give tablets when you reqest them. He will keep a close eye on you for signs of altitude sickness.
The toilet situation is very basic, it is a tent with a barrell with a wooden lid. Not nice but everyone in the group is in the same boat so you all just have to loose any inhibitions.
The food will amaze you . great variety , and more than you can eat.
Tipping. There will be a tipping ceremony on the last morning of the trip. where your appointed spokesman will be expected to say a few words of thanks to all the staff. You will have already been given a sheet with the "expected " tips for the staff. As well as this you will probably have been helped to summit by one of the Guides who you may want to tip seperately. So after the ceremony go and find him and slip him $40. Believe me its worth it and more.
There are some of the trip photos on my profile page if you would like to see them.
Craig
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
Its great to see you both online, nice to kinda meet others in our group before the trek begins!
Its two week to go now...any last minute tips for fitness? What you all doing training wise?
Got your diamox, immodium, sweeties & malaria tabs ready? lol
the prepartion i'm using is the rowing machine in my local gym as it works more muscles that just the treadmill (15-20 km per session 3 times a week) this coupled with regular squash games & treadmill action & a 6-8 hour weekly hike across the seven sisters is what i'm doing - i didn't have too much of an issue with altitude last year so will refrain from using diamox as i hear the side effects are horrendous - as sleep will be a minimum i will be using a concentrated energy drink obtained from 0800 sports which is sugar free & lasts for 5-6 hours without any crashes - i tried it yesterday at work after a dreadful sleep & it's very effective. also bring some jelly babies for summit day. could be the difference between making it or not.
looking forward to the trip & meeting you all
Brian
Hello Andy & Brian, preperation almost there, now been jabbed , and started the malaria tablets... Still got a few more bits to buy, Fitness training at the gym, also swimming to help boost fitness levels. Looking forward to meeting everyone, I'm flying from Heathrow on Tues 21st flight at 2000hrs., are we all booked on the same flight to Nairobi ?
See you all soon, Juliet
Hi All.
Are you staying at the kilimanjaro mountain resort hotel? . If so it has its own website. Very nice hotel . Although the last mile or two is along a rough old mud track, so it's a bit bumpy. The first night you are there you will get a standard room. (still very nice). But on return from trek they upgrade you all to great rooms!.
ps ( foods better on the trek than at the hotel) ;o)
Anybody want any tips plz don't hesitate to ask.
Lovely to hear from you guys and yes it would be great to start getting to know everyone, The malaria I have started taking is Larium Mefloquine, it has to be started 2 weeks before travelling, I had to visit my travel clinic which is connected to my GP's, this is where, I was jabbed in the arm as well as the wallet !!! I have just made yet another visit to Go Outdoors for more bits and pieces I think I am finally at the end of my shopping list. Thanks for the inside info on the Hotel, I have had a look at the website and the views look fantastic, I live in Basingstoke does anyone need a lift to the Airport ?
Still have Jelly Babies on the shopping list
Looking forward to hearing from you all,
Juliet
Hi all,
I'm on Malarone too. You are right Juliet about the hit to the wallet! I am training hard, got a Black Mountains charity 18 miles walk on Sunday and trying to up the anti this week. It does look like we have got some team spirit going which is best for these types of trips, I am flying from Heathrow on same flight as you guys, might get my dad to drop me off as I don't want to say goodbye to three year old twins and look a wuss in front of you all (my wife is threatening to print me a t-shirt!).
Really important issue: (hate sweets BTW) Are jelly babies better than Kendal Mint cakes?
Brian, thanks for the training tips, I got on the rower today. Your advise has left me a bit more confident regarding my fitness level. I want to not just make it to the top, but enjoy it too, if you kinda understand?
Will check back online after the weekend to see you'all back.
Andy
Not too sure how this forum works and just posted message. Can't see it anywhere so a further test run before I bombard you with questions and share my hints and tips.
Karen
Got it sussed!
Less than 2 weeks now. Training has been gym uphill treadmill running x 2 miles daily. Every fortnight weekend mountain walking in Lakes and Snowdonia (got lost up Try-fan last weekend!)
Taking diamox whilst away (it worked well at Everest).
But that's it now, keeping bones, feet, toes safe ready for the big push! So today was packing (take 1) as no doubt I will do this several times before I depart. Everything in seperate sealed bags appropriately marked and in an order for the walking days ahead.
Toiletries am still playing with, and snacks................ what is everyone else taking? I have toffee crisps, jelly beans sesame seed bars.
Wonder if we get to leave a bag at hotel for return from trek. If so that will allow us to offload some of the weight. Assuming we are only allowed to take 15k up Kili that is?
Are you all purchasing your visas on arrival? This is what Exodus have suggested on each occassion that I've called. And how much money is recommended to take out with us?
Please let me have your thoughts and good luck to you all. I'm sure our trekking paths will be crossing :-)
Does anyone know if it'll be a full moon on Mon Oct 4th?
Karen
hi Karen, i'm not on your trek but did it in feb thiss year. You can leave your excess luggage at the hotel so take an extra bag for this. It is quite safe to do so. I got my visa before travelling but half the group got theirs on arrival at kili airport and they had no problems. Money,... well you can't spend much on Kili and the beers in the hotel are $1 . :o) . Just take enough dollars for the group tip and even a personal tip to a guide who goes above and beyond for you. And money for prezzies .
They will offer you a safari at the hotel meeting which is approx $100 . This takes place on the morning of the day of your return home. you will go straight to the airport from safari. Most did this. But we chilled for the day at the hotel instead.
$400 dollars will be more than enough. hope this helps.
Craig
Hi all, I have been out walking for a couple of hours today, I figure any walking must be good, unfortunately that are not that many hills around Hampshire although have found the wayfarers walk which takes me up over the downs and to one of the highest points in Hampshire and on a day like today was beautiful, I will be at the Gym again tomorrow have got into the habit of time in the Gym (rowing, cross trainer and a fast walk (I don't do running)) then Aqua Aerobics then a few lengths of pool, unfortunately due to work restrictions that will be the last time for a week ! The pills to help with altitude sickness, I dont know wether to get any or not ? Any advice on this please. I believe we will be supplied with a kitbag for the porters to carry has anyone received this ?
Look forward to hearing further
Juliet
By the way thanks Craig your advice is invaluable
Juliet
hello everyone
I am flying out of manchester on the 24th so will be a bit later than others, Bit aprehensive as it my first trip and I am not sure what to expect, although I am seeing a friend tonight who went up a couple of weeks ago and I hope that will ease my nerves (probably not).
Would be good to hear from others on the trip
iain
Hi Juliet
Diamox is the drug used to combat altitude sickness. The Head Guide WILL have a ready supply of Diamox for anyone who needs it. Lots of people take their own Diamox, and you can try and get it from your doctor . But some give it and others don't as it is not a licenced drug in the uk. There are however *Nomad Travel Clinics * dotted around the uk. They will give it to you no problems. £14 approx.
You should get your Exodus kitbag soon. It isn't that big though . The best thing to do is use a 90litre bag to travel with and pack your empty Exodus kit bag in your 90litre bag . Then when you get to the hotel put your trekking gear in the Exodus kit bag and leave your main bag at the hotel.
Also Keep your Boots close to you. (either wear them on the plane or place them in hand luggage.) It sounds odd but if your bags go missing in transit you still have your boots and those are the most important.
Craig
es, that's all folks, and low and behold, I've just come down with an lmighty cold.!! Refraining frm gym for a few days and dosing up with vit C. Best to get it out of the way before the trek (typical hey).
So Craig, thank you so much for your advice. Next question then, does our luggage go straight through to the connecting flight, or do we have to physically collect and reload?
Also, I know it's a 20k limit for the hold, but we do get hand luggage too, right? But, what is the weight for the trek?
AND....................another big question to all of you have been before, what is the weather supposed to be like? (Other than cold ascending to summit). Wet / dry ???
I've previously used water filters (brilliant). Anyone else got suggestions for purification?
Thanks everyone Kx
So then, after finally spending time reading the full itinerary (as opposed to working out /walking etc) I notice an amount of $590 (or should that be £s?) for Kili park fees :-(
Somebody please tell me this is part of what has already been paid for the trip! Classed as local taxes.
And surprised that the walking is anything from 6 - 12 k per day. I expected it to be much further. Thank heavens for Snowdonia and the Lakes. Good training!
Hi all,
Did the Snap Cymru charity walk yesterday on the Black mountains, 716m elevation 29km. Met 2 Merthyr boys who have done Kili who gave me some tips: Those like me who will get visa from airport could be waiting a while in the queue. Diamox rules! Walking slowly most difficult aspect of ascent (remember to walk slowly around campsite as well). Good food. Plenty of mars bars, milko choc drinks & bananas handed out. They took dried fruit snacks. Water purification tabs still a good idea even though all water boiled. Better to wear less layering on summit night as peeling off layers through being too hot inconvenient. They wore shorts for first 4 days (They are from Merthyr!) But saying that, I went with wife to seychelles 2 years ago at this time as sea-level is pretty damned hot. Take lots of small dollar bills as noone has change. Hand and foot warmers help water bottles stop freezing. Poles great for descent. Most important: Vaseline around water bottle rims for summit night to prevent frozen bottle sticking to lips and peeling skin (aluminium bottles). Hope this is of use.
Luggage allowance: Great idea to pack this week, leaving time to repack without all the stuff you bought, but won't really need! Got my Exodus kit bag, its 70 x 33 x 32 cms square. Holds pretty much everything.
Hope this helps!
Cheers, Andy
Just a quick note...
Thought park fees were included in holiday price???
I'm hoping so, Exodus specialist had gone home by the time I made contact this evening.
Used to have the boiled water as hot bottle for bed and then filter it thru to drink next day. Also kept small mouthwash with me to rinse after brushing teeth or, has to be said, swilling away the sick! Any thoughts about mosquitto nets? Even the small ones to fit over hats? It's not a fashion show after all :-D
Karen
At heathrow your luggage is checked straight through to Kili airport so you have no worries there.
Park fees are all included in the price of the trip. Really the trek is quite easy going requiring only moderate fitness until you reach Kibo Camp. Summit attempt is at midnight and Lead guide will get you all in the mess tent at 11:30pm to thoroughly check that you are all ok to continue. He will also offer Diamox.
Ascent- all you will be doing is walking in very very slow motion . painfully slow, but it is the sensible way. You get to Gillmans point at sunrise. You get asked again if you are ok,. given a drink of warm water and rest for 10 minutes. You can see Uhuru Peak from here. Spirits are lifted and you push on.
Descent- Fun! but energy sapping scree descent from Gillmans Point. Tip- Dig your heels in and lean backwards. Find tent and collapse for 30 mins . Then march 3-4 hrs to Hombo Huts feeling rather pleased with yourselves! . Youv'e done it!
Craig
at what point do we stay in hotels? (thinking running water here!)?
Thanks for prompt replies by the way ;-)
Hotels first night and last night. So lots of celebrating on the last night and a chance to wear your new I climbed Kili T Shirt. :o)
Mozzies won't be around on the mountain , it is too high for the mozzie that carries Malaria. I wouldn't bother with a hat net. Nobody on our trip got bit at all or wore any repellant . It just wasn't an issue. The biggest threat is from the SUN . So take the strongest factor you can buy and apply it regularly.
Craig
Thanks again for your response. So, here's the thing, we trek up Meru, and then down again .............. is there a moment inbetween to freshen up, or are we straight off on the big one?
Understand that our bags go straight thru from Heathrow to Kili, unless of course you know any different?
What makes any of you think that I'm getting a wee bit apprehensive now? Tee hee Collected my diamox today. Kili here I come ................
Karen
Thanks again ............. keep having to retrace my thread! How can I view your photos on line?
ps, never screed before as I hate coming down mountains!!!! However Snowdonia/ Tryfan/Pyg and Scarfel have certainly prepared me, but I've got a feeling I'm in for a shock! OMG
You can see photos of my trip by typing TYW in the search bar. Then scroll to bottom of page and click on images link and then scroll down to find craiglc photo album. Some pics are from N Wales accidently put them on :o(
Craig
This time next week we should be sat on the plane, hopefully having met up beforehand in the departure lounge. I have had to make a phone call to chase up my kit bag I have been assured that it will arrive. After reading Andy's update now considering more shorts ! will have to do a practise pack, I have never had to pack for a trip trying to cover Hot & Cold, Rain or Sun, I am sure I have read somewhere that mosquito nets are supplied when needed, have made sure that I have repellent and also have purification tablets and enough to share, probably got more in the 1st aid kit than stocked in Boots !!
Thanks for all the tips guys really appreciate all the information.
7 sleeps and counting
Juliet
Hey Juliet,
Don't worry about the packing....we will all just pack a peg. Simples!
Actually, you will be surprised and pleased what you can manage to get in the Exodus bag. Definately all meet up in departure lounge (we all will be the ones in shorts, T-shirt, padded down jackets and clogg hopper walking boots, just in case they lose the luggage, lol). Looks like some great team spirit going on here. Figure it will help us all reach the summit.
Oh, BTW, If anyones interested The Welsh rugby captains are on TV this Thursday evening at 7:30pm, going up Kilimanjaro, they went on 5th Sept...decided not to watch it, but am going to record it and watch it when I get back...
Cheers, Andy
Hey Juliett,
I would totally recommend getting some zippy food bags and packing separate clothing items in them, and marking them up. It saves pulling everything out of your kit bag, where you run the risk of either getting very frustrated or losing something! It means everthing you need is easily to hand. i.e put pairs of liner socks together with a thick pair. Hankies in one bag, pants in another (Uou've presumably invested in wicking knickers?) Thermals long sleeved. etc Sounds long winded but did this for Everest and my friend does it for every trek. She was always the first one ready in the mornings. Also, preplan your summit layering, make a list, and when the time comes there'll be no faffing around! Otherwise I've heard that you just wear everything you've got because it is sooooo cold (LOL).
Having a duvet day as full of cold and need to shake it off before 25th Sept! Time for some extra research :-)
Hi
My friend Gill and I are also doing the Kili trip on 21st September - you all sound great and really ready for the big adventure. We did the Inca trail a few years ago and the team spirit and comeraderie were amazing, so really looking forward to meeting up with you all. See you at Heathrow next week!
Hilary
PS We are the pensioners in the group, so look out at the airport for two white haired old ladies wearing summer dresses and plimsoles! (It's 30degrees at Kili airport today)
Hey Andy, I cant find the programme of the Welsh Rugby Captains doing Kilimanjaro on sky planner, what channel is it ? would like to record it myself and try and keep it for later on our return.
More shopping today, remembered to get a bigger memory card for the camera, forgot the extra batteries !!
still no kit bag
Juliet
Hi Juliette,
7:30pm ITV Wales
Cheers, Andy
good to hear everyone is preparing well - i would recommend taking some sugary items for summit day - i failed to get to the top of Chimborazo last year as all the will in the world is no substitute for zero blood sugar level - my mate who i went with also took jelly babies to the top of Kili 3 years ago & he said they were invaluable - a big box is currently half price in sainsbury's so time to stock up.
Does anyone know if there'll be snow on the summit as well - my mate reckons not for this time of year.
only 2 more gym sessions & 1 walk across the seven sisters to go
see you soon
Brian
We took *Sports Beans* enough for a pack per day. They are full of energy. check them out on the web. Very good.
There was snow on Kili in Feb but I don't think there is at the moment. But that will make the section between Gillmans and Uhuru safer to walk and less energy sapping.
You will be glad to know that you will be given Bars of Cadbury Chocolate at various points on the trek especially on summit night. Yum!
Craig
sports beans....eh - never heard of them - probably too late to check them out - picked up a bad shoulder injury about 3 weeks by slipping off a flight of wet steps - hasn't affected training but can feel it especially carrying a rucksack so will probably be on painkillers - can't believe the bad timing - could be worse i suppose.
have 2-3 training sessions left & last day at work today - happy days!!!
hope everyone else's preparation is going well - look forward to meeting you all
whenever i get a muscular injury i use the following method
get in the shower & hold the shower head in your hand & run it over the affected area - then turn the temperaure down very slowly so the affected area gets used to the temp change - then down again - until you have it on freezing cold but keep it concentrated on the affected area for about 1 -2 minutes on the coldest setting - then turn it back up to normal & then once more as before - then take 2 ibuprofen & go to bed - you should feel like a new person in the morning.
works for me on my squash injuries & also very good against a lactic acid build up.
are you on my trip we start the trek next sunday (26th Sept), OMG its so close, when I booked the trip it was ages away! I joined a bit late and the flight was fully booked so I am flying from Manchester to Amsterdam and then to KIlimanjaro next Friday so I think I will meet everybody next Saturday. I am now really looking forward to it, I packed my bag last night and everything fitted in quiet easily. The suggestion of bagging everything has been confirmed by a couple I spoke to who went up 2 weeks ago as everything gets wet and dirty really quickly. Don't forget some smarter clothes for the last night to celebrate!
Last trip to decathalon (hopefully) for some new socks this afternoon, and a few more lucozade powders.
See you next week
Iain
That is next Saturday guys! unbelievable hey :-) I now have enough socks so ready to go (last minute packing gets done on Monday!) Oh and I have spare laces too :-)
Ian, think you are setting out a day before us, but sure our paths will cross. Are you doing MERU too?
Everyone, be careful this week leading up to the trek, and avoid taking doggies to vets!!
Karen
Hi Guys,
How lovely to hear from you all! I'm a friend of Brian who's been very busy in this cafe giving you all lots of tips!. It seems like you're all very fit and ready to go! I hope I won't be the one slowing you down. I've only done Inca Trail and got up to 4.500 m so cannot tell what's it like above it. Looking forward to meeting you all!
love Goska
Hi Guys, the leg is fine this morning, thanks for the advice. It is more likely to be me at the back bringing up the rear, I am fit and feel fitter than I have done for years with the extra preperation I have done for the trip. I have achieved high peaks in the UK but no more than that. What I do have in abundance is PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) and I am sure the team spirit will get us there.
Trial pack done and weight is good, still no kit bag !!!
Juliet
Hi Guys,
Glad to see all injuries improved. Kinda watch out the next few days till we get out there, lol!
Last training session for me, today. Pen-Y-Fan. Living on pizza, burgers and beer the past fortnight, I would say to gain some weight, but my wife would say because I have been out training rather than have the kids!
See you all on Tuesday evening, Terminal 4, Heathrow.
Cheers, Andy
Well done James, thanks for the advice, so looking forward to the adventure which starts tomorrow !
We will have to swop notes with you when we get back.
See you all tomorrow in Departures
Juliet
Just want to wish you all a great trip!
Drink plenty,eat well,enjoy the company and listen to your guides! and you WILL make it!
Looks like I'm the first here.....
Looking forward to meeting fellow team mates. My first trip with Exodus.
Well, see you guys soon,
Andy.