We often get asked for recommendations on gear items. There are a myriad of quality brands and products, so what you ultimately find visually appealing, functional and economical is a personal choice. However, we would like to point out specific products that we find outstanding.

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All Kilimanjaro routes pass through the rainforest. Being drenched can be a real damper on the mountain, so you need a rain jacket to keep you dry when the clouds roll in.  The Marmot PreCip jacket is a waterproof, windproof, yet breathable, lightweight jacket.  The jacket has a standard fit and can be worn over a baselayer or an insulating layer.  

The PreCip features an adjustable hood that tucks into the collar, pit zips to allow body moisture to escape, side pockets and an elastic drawcord hem. The Marmot PreCip rain jacket retails for $99, and can be found at REI, along with the matching Marmot PreCip rain pants.

Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket - Men’s
Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket - Women’s
Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pants - Men’s
Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pants - Women’s

In  a press release issued yesterday, we released the results of our year-long Kilimanjaro Climb Survey conducted among independent travelers, hikers and mountaineers.  Over 100 respondents participated in the survey, offering valuable insight into various aspects of climbing Kilimanjaro to prospective adventurers.

Demographically, male climbers outnumbered female climbers by 2 to 1, and the ages ranged from under 18 to 70 years old.  A third of climbers were between 31 and 40 years old and a third were between 41 and 50 years old.  July proved to be the most popular month for climbing Kilimanjaro among respondents, followed by August and October.  These popular months are excellent times to climb due to low precipitation and good visibility.

In preparation for their climb, 35% of respondents hiked as their primary form of training, which is the best exercise.  The median frequency of training was three times per week over a three month period.  Kilimanjaro can be successfully climbed by any reasonably fit person.

The survey revealed that the route of choice was Machame for 45% of respondents.  Machame, also known as the “Whiskey Route”, is the most popular route on the mountain, with Marangu, the “Coca Cola Route,” coming in at a close second.  Climbers using these trails can expect to encounter high traffic on their journey to the summit.  Only 14% and 11% of climbers used Lemosho and Rongai, respectively.  Ultimate Kilimanjaro uses the less frequented routes for its group climbs as ideal alternatives to avoid the crowds.  

The biggest obstacle in successfully climbing Kilimanjaro is the extreme altitude.  Kilimanjaro is 19,340 feet high.  The low oxygen content commonly causes differing degrees of altitude sickness among climbers.  The respondents’ susceptibility to altitude sickness was consistent with published figures - 82% of climbers experienced at least one symptom of mild altitude sickness.  

On Mount Kilimanjaro, summit day includes a strenuous 4,000 foot climb to the peak, beginning at midnight, in subzero degree weather, followed by a 9,000 foot descent.  55% of respondents identified summit day, which consists of 10 to 14 hours of trekking, as very tough.  Other cited difficulties included altitude acclimatization (34%), lack of sleep (17%) and foul weather (10%).  On a scale of 1 to 10, the most common rating for the climb difficulty was a 7.

Respondents overwhelmingly noted that their trip on Kilimanjaro was a very positive experience.  More than 50% of the climbers rated their experience as 10 out of 10, meaning that regardless of all other measured variables - how old they were, when they climbed, what route they chose, how many days they took, and whether or not they reached the summit, they had a great time.

Yes- the summit of Mount Meru is almost 15,000 feet high.  If you climb Meru, you can, with one day or no days in between, climb Kilimanjaro thereafter with a lower number of days (5 or 6) because you will have had exposure to approximately the highest altitude where you will camp on Kilimanjaro (Kibo Hut and Barafu are about 15,500 feet high).

However, do not be too aggressive on either trek.  To do Meru and a challenging Kilimanjaro climb back to back may put too much stress on your body.  And strenuous activity increases the likelihood of altitude sickness. So while the Meru/Kilimanjaro climb combination can increase the probability of summit success over a lengthy Kilimanjaro climb alone, it can also decrease it.  The success of this schedule depends on how strong of a hiker you are.

Many who venture to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro extend their stay to enjoy a safari.  And for good reason - Tanzania is the mecca for wildlife viewing, with national parks, game reserves and conservation areas comprising more than 25% of its land. 

The Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the most famous park in the world, with the highest concentration of plains game in the world.  Contrary to popular belief, the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti does not only occur over a certain season, but rather it occurs continuously. 

As shown in the illustration, the migration follows a clockwise movement throughout the year.  The important part to note is that between August and October, the herd crosses into the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.  Therefore, if you are intent on seeing the migration as part of your Northern Tanzania safari, fall is not the ideal time to visit.  Of course, that runs counter to some of the best months to climb Kilimanjaro.  But not to worry, if you do come during the fall, there will still be plenty of animals to see.  Only half of the animal population participates in the migration, meaning half are still available for viewing.  In other words, don’t let it stop you from visiting the Serengeti.

All nine members of the Red Nose Climb made it to the summit today.  Although nearly all climbers experienced some form of altitude sickness or minor injuries during the climb, they each made the gruelling ascent in the cold, windy mountain air and reached Uhuru Point before sunrise.  They are currently at Millenium camp, and will be off the mountain tomorrow.  The climbers used the 8-day Lemosho route.

They have a raised over 1,500,000 GBP for Comic Relief, a British charity organization.