Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro Jan 2012

Hi George

Will advise as much as possible!  I did Kili in August 2 years ago so not sure about January.

!. Water is local and boiled.  I took purification tabs, can't remember which.  However didn't use them all the time and I didn't have any upset tums.

2. Water will definitely freeze on summit night despite starting off with it hot.

3. Definitely  need a down jacket.  I had 5 layers on including down jacket and waterproof over the top.

4. In August we only had snow on the ground at the summit.

5. Didn't have a problem with mosquitos but would recommend Deet as a precaution.

6. No idea about WiFi.

Take some Diamox with you just in case.  It would be a shame not to summit because of altitude when it is preventable.  Also hire the sleeping mats.  I took my own and regretted it.  the hired ones are very thick and the porters will carry it.

It will be amazing! Enjoy and take lots of photos.

Wendy 

Hi George (and thanks Wendy)

1. Water is boiledand provided every morning and evening (and some lunch times) to top up water bottles. There is no need for purification.

2. It will drop below freezing as you get up to Barafu (translates as ice in Swahili) and water bottles will freeze on summitday. Even camelbaks/platypus' with thermal covers on hoses often freeze.One way to try and prevent this is to blow the water out of the hose after drinking, and make sure that the container is upside down (hose at the bottom) as the container will freeze from the top.

3. Personally I prefer a down gilet and waterproof - this is what I also generally use in Scottish winter conditions. You do not move quickly on summit day and therefore do not produce as much body heat as you would in the UK. Layering is best - and make sure you have a good hat, gloves (base and outer) and socks!

4. at any time of the year, if it precipitates above 4500m it will generally fall as snow. It is common to have snow on the ground in Nov and April/May but not so common in January. If it does snow then it often melts in the day as you are usually above the cloud line and the sun is strong at 5000m on the equator. The mountain weather is getting harder to predict and you should be prepared for some snow above Barafu (or Kibo is ascending Rongai).

5. Mosquitos aren't a big problem on Kili - although you may experience at lower altitudes, in the Lemosho forest or on your descent via Mweke (likewise at Simba on Rongai and dsecending near Mandara Hut).

6.Internet is generally available in the hotels but not wi-fi. Speeds are slow and service ocassionally intermitent in Tanzania.

There are more tips online in the trip FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) at http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/tyr/faq, otherwise please do not hesitate to contact the office and speak to one of our numerous experts.

Thanks

Jim

Jim. Wendy, Thanks for sharing these tips.

 

Much appreciated - George :)

Hi Jim and Wendy,

Can you help me too?  I'm doing Rongai, also in Jan.   It's regarding the issue of backpack.   Other than camera, hat, suncream and glasses....is there anything else i need to worry about carrying during the day?  do you think the below is too small?   i can wear a hat, sunglasses and my cambera clips onto my belt.  Any thoughts greatly appreciated.  thanks!

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=camelbak+womens&hl=en&gs_upl=937l2655l0l2983l8l7l0l1l1l0l219l1031l0.5.1l6l0&safe=images&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2640842781716066526

Hi there

In short - yes I think this is too small. Mountain environments can change quickly and although you may set off at the start of the day in shorts and a t-shirt, by lunchtimeyou could be in mist or rain. You should ensure that your backpack can carry an extra layer in case the wetaher changes, or can fit a layer in that you take off.

Secondly, although we set up camp on most days (or are in camp) for lunch on the first and last day you will need to carry a picnic lunch.

I'd recommend something in the region of 25l as a decent size day pack.

Jim

Head of Product

Hi.

I used a 25L day pack with built in hydration thing. Definitely needed the volume for carrying waterproofs/fleece/snacks.  You do get used to carrying it so it's not as awkward as you might imagine.

 Wendy 

Thanks both, that's really useful.  1 more item for my christmas list!

Hi there, leaving to do the Lemosho route in a few days time. I've got US $ to take with me for visa, tips etc. Does anyone know if I will need to change any money into local currency at the airport, or can I get away with US$ to buy lunch etc in the hotel, or even change money at the hotel? I would normally, but as I'm not really going to be spending money on anything else I wondered if it was worth it? Thanks, Vicki.

Hi Vicki

It is worth changing a little cash locally in to Tanzanian shillings. This can be done at the airport or the hotel. Although US$ are widely accepted generally anything is rounded up to the nearest $ and thus most items are slightly more expensive in US$.

Your guide on arrival will be able to recommend an amount, but something in the region of $50 should be sufficient. To save multiple fees/commissions it is possible to change GBP locally in to schillings.

Regards

Jim