Success is yours
Success is yours
What to take and what to know ?
For a successfull summit, you need to improve your chances with every bit of useful knowledge you can get. It's never possible to prepare for every eventuality , but the following equipment list and guidelines have been developed over 5 years of experience. Please feel free to add any items which you personally require and which are not on the list.
TIPS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KENYA
CLOTHING - Correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably mittens), warm hat, rain coat, sunglasses, sun protection cream (20 +), hiking boots, hiking/running shoes ( It is not necessary to walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks are encountered.) and very importantly, a walking stick. One of the most important items of clothing will be a an outer jacket. You want it to perform the function of keeping you warm and protected at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees celsius, keep the wind out, yet still "breath". Never take tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or extreme discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Definitely have this in your bag. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and t-shirts are a must, especially for the lower slopes when the temperatures are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed correctly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct layers, starting from against the body. The biggest mistake made by people is to wear everything they've got and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, but has absolutely no wicking properties."Wick" means that the fabric has the abilitty to draw moisture away from the body and then to allow it to evaporate on the outside. Cotton fabric against the skin will trap the moisture, ensuring a very cold and miserable time. On Kilimanjaro, this could mean hypothermia which is potentially lethal. So, don't take chances with incorrect clothing. The first layer should be a "wicking" type of thermal underwear, offering good insulation. The middle layer should provide the insulation and warmth and a product like polar fleece or Polartec® 200/300 will provide this. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex®, Goretex®, Weathertite® or Jeantex® offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Mt. Kenya.
ADDITIONAL - Aspirin, torch and batteries, toilet paper, 2 x water bottles (carrying 3 litres).
CAMERA - Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at the summit of Mt. Kenya is possible, and most people do this. The secret is to always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas at high altitude. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease fuctioning, but remember. If you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens is warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning.
FILM - ASA 200 film is good for taking shots with relatively little light. You might reach the summit just before sunrise and may not wish to wait owing to the altitude and the cold. After sunrise, film with ASA 200 or 100 are fine. There are numerous classic photo opportunities, some of which are only available in low light conditions. If you can, and if you are a serious photographer, we recommend that you take a small, portable tri-pod with you. Also remember that it is sometimes so cold that you cannot hold the camera steady.
FINAL NOTES - Make the ascent in a pace that suits you, do not rush. Frequent rests are required. Make sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 litres of liquid a day - preferably water. Porters can boil water for you. REMEMBER ! A functioning body water balance is one of the keys to a successful climb!
PACKING - Remember that you could be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to individually pack items in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or accidentally dropping a bag in a stream.
MENTAL PREPERATION - It is very possible to reach the highest trekking peak on Mt. Kenya. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. There is nothing as dangerous to the members of a party if one person is unduly sure of himself. Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration. Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of Mt. Kenya.
DOCUMENTS : Passport, Yellow Fever Certificate, Visa (if required), Travel insurance and Medical Cover
CLOTHING : Jersey or sweater (polar fleece), Raincoat or Poncho, Shorts, T-shirts, Jeans (for after the climb), Track suit pants, Jacket, Waterproof Pants,Waterproof Jacket, Thermal Underwear, Balaclava, Sunglasses, Gloves, Thermal hiking socks and normal socks when using running shoes, Hiking Boots, Gaiters, Sleeping Bag, Light Shoes, Cap/Hat, Scarf, Towel, underwear
EQUIPMENT : Day Pack, Water bottle/s (at least three litre capacity), Toilet paper, Torch, Spare batteries (also for camera), Pocket knife
FOOD : Energy snacks, Chocolate, Sweets, Nuts, Energy drinks. All meals are supplied on the mountain, so take only snacks.
PHOTOGRAPHIC : Camera, Spare batteries, Film, Different lenses, Video Camera, Video tapes, Battery packs, tri-pod, Binoculars
FIRST AID / MEDICAL : Asprin, Imodium, Valoid, Painkillers, Antibiotics, "Space blanket", Bandages, Gauze, Adhesive, Betadine, Mercurochrome, Throat lozenges, Eye drops, Water purification tablets, Sun block, Lip salve, Malaria prohylactics, Insect repellent
PERSONAL ITEMS : Toiletries, Cash US$
MISCELLANEOUS : Notebook, Pencil, Sketchbook, Masking tape, plastic bags, walking stick, address list for post cards (Should you want to use your pen, remember that the ink will probably freeze when you are at the summit.)
* Please note that not all of these items are essential , and you may use it as a guideline only. As far as possible, we have mentioned the items which you might need, but this is no guarantee that you may not need anything else. It is best to use common sense and your knowledge as a hiker to determine a final list.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CREDIT CARDS : Credit cards are only accepted by major airline companies or by some of the larger hotels. Do not rely on this as a source of cash while in Kenya.
CURRENCY : The Kenyan Shilling is the local currency , but the US$ will also be accepted by most dealers.
DAY PACK : Make sure that you put all your daily items in the pack as the porters travel very quickly up the mountain. You will seldom see them before you reach the overnight . Your day pack should be comfortable with padded straps. Do not put too much weight into it, as this will affect your chances of success.
ELECTRICITY : The local electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles ac. You will need to supply your own international standard adapter for your electrical appliances.
GUIDES : If you have any questions during the climb consult your guide, he is the climbing expert. While tipping is not compulsory, it is a tradition on the mountain. Remember that your guide and porters will have had your best interests at heart for at least 5 or 6 days when you have the opportunity to tip them.
HEALTH : A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory and must be produced at the airport upon arrival. Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics . Please consult your doctor about these. Larium is very popular, but should be taken with care. Known side-effects may lessen your chances of success. Currently, other medication is also available which will be effective against the malaria strains currently found in Kenya. Woman using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is commonly found at high altitude in people not used to being at such altitudes. AMS , once apparent, can be most effectively treated by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude. Prevention is possible by proper acclimatisation and keeping the body hydrated. Fluid build-up in the cells may cause a condition known as Oedema, which can affect the lungs (pulmonary) or the brain (cerebral). The latter can be lethal if not treated immediately or if symptoms are ignored. Probably 70 % of all people climbing Mt. Kenya will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarise yourself with this condition and take preventative care. Your tour operator should make a point of briefing you on this.
ITINERARY : Changes in the planned itinerary can take place, subject to weather conditions or other unforseen eventualities.
LANGUAGE : The official languages are Ki-swahili and English.
MEALS : All meals are provided on the climb. The menu can vary, depending upon the availability of commodities at the time of the climb. If you do have any preferences, for example vegetarian, this can be accommodated. Please stipulate at the time of booking if you have any preferences regarding your diet.
MEDICATION : There is a variety of medication available on the market today for relief of the problems associated with high altitude sickness.(AMS). Please enquire form your doctor regarding possible side effects that the medicine might have during your climb.
MOUNTAIN WATER : The stream water high on the mountain has been tested and has been found to be fit for drinking. Take care however when filling up at tarns, as this water may in certain cases be contaminated through nearby camping areas. However, if you would like to be on the safe-side, use water purification tablets or ask your guide to boil the water for you. This can be done in the evening. You can fill your flasks in the morning, ready for the next part of the climb.
TIPS FOR PORTERS AND GUIDES : Tips are usually given to the guides and porters after the climb. (Approximately US$ 50.00 per guide and US$ 20.00 per porter) , but this is at your own discretion. The amounts mentioned should only be used as guidelines and can be given from the group as a whole.
* Please note that the above information is to be used as a guideline only and that you should check with qualified medical personell when using any medication.
All rights reserved by TRIBE SAFARI 1994
Site Last Edited Friday, July 04, 2003