1st to 10th July 2010 | Tanzania, United Republic of

Trek to the Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro 2010

Trek to the Roof of Africa

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Group One : July 01 – 10, 2010

Group Two : July 08 – 17, 2010

Trek – 6 days – 5,892m

This was G4G’s 30th challenge.

38 people joined us for our return to ‘Kili’ (as she is affectionately known) for the fifth time in 9 years for one of our most popular trekking adventures. Taking the Marangu route on the eastern side of the mountain, we trekked through dramatically varying terrains including rain forests, meadows, moorlands and ‘The Saddle’ – a high altitude, 5km wide desert. The journey steadily took us up to the renowned Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and the glaciated summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Two acclimatization days were included.

Level: This was a DEMANDING test of our fitness, but was achievable by anyone in good health, willing to train for a minimum of 3 months to build fitness and stamina. Mount Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, but there are plenty of challenging sections and trekking at high altitude is tough. G4G ran a number of free training sessions before the challenge.

Number of participants: 38 in total

Registration Fee: AED 1,850/-

Minimum Sponsorship: AED 18,000/-

Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.

What G4G provides on the Challenge: Flights and transfers, hotels/huts (on a double-occupancy basis or 6-per-hut), food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.

Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.

Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!

Closing date: Closed.

Trek to the Roof of Africa

July 1 – 10, 2010 & July 8 -17, 2010
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The daily itinerary was similar for both groups

Day 1: July 1, Thursday

Depart Dubai – very late evening flight, thus we travelled overnight.

Day 2: July 2, Friday

Nairobi – Arusha (1,300m)

Arrived Nairobi early morning and departed directly by coach for Arusha.

Arrived at Arusha very late due to roadworks, so the charity visit was postponed to the following day.

Overnight at Hotel in Arusha

Day 3: July 3, Saturday

Arusha to Marangu (1,400m)

After an early breakfast, the group were picked up from the hotel and transferred by coach to visit Laishene School in Monduli, where they were met by representatives of Community Projects Africa.

We had a spectacular visit to the charity, including a football match (the school boys won 2-0!), tour of the school, speeches, school song, gifts from the village elders to G4G particpants and gifts from G4G participants to the school, etc.

After a quick lunch back at the Arusha Hotel, we were driven to the Marangu Hotel at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overnight in Marangu Hotel

Day 4: July 4, Sunday

Trekking: Marangu to Mandara Hut (2,740m) : 7km, 4 hours, approx 700m ascent

After a final kit check and inspiring pre-trek briefing, we were introduced to our guides, porters and cooks before being transferred to the entrance to the Kilimanjaro National Park, where we started the first day’s climb – a relatively easy trek through rain forest to reach Mandara Hut, with plenty of time to enjoy the verdant scenery, abundant bird life and monkeys that inhabit the forest.

We had lunch along the way before reaching the hut, where we had dinner.

Overnight at Mandara Hut

Day 5: July 5, Monday

Trekking: Mandara to Horombo Hut (3,800m) : 11km, 6-7 hrs, approx 1,000m ascent

After breakfast, we trekked for about half an hour through the forest, followed by a zone of giant heather before emerging from the rain forest into open moorland. The rest of the trek was beautiful, with splendid views and spectacular vegetation. The terrain was undulating and some sections were steep, but the paths were easy to follow to Horombo Hut.

Overnight in Horombo Hut

Day 6: July 6, Tuesday

Horombo Hut (Rest/acclimatization day at 3,800m)

A few people took a gentle, 3-hour round trek to the Zebra rocks, but many decided to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Horombo Hut and get fully rested ready for the trekking ahead.

Overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 7: July 7, Wednesday

Trekking: Horombo to Kibo Hut (4,700m) 10km, 6 hours, approx 1,000m ascent

After breakfast, we began the climb to Kibo Hut. The route crossed the saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi and then onto the high altitude desert, before reaching the hut. The wind was strong and cold – a taste of what was to come the next day!

We had an early dinner followed by attempts to sleep in large dormitories for several hours before our 11pm wake-up call! The hut was more basic than those at Horombo and Mandara and lacked a reliable water supply, so our porters had carried our water from one of the last water points.

Overnight at Kibo Hut

Day 8: July 8, Thursday

Trekking: Kibo Hut to Summit (5,895m), descent to Horombo Hut : 4km, 7-8 hrs, 1,200 ascent; plus 14km, 5-7 hrs, 2,200m descent

Rising at 11pm and having tea, cakes and biscuits, we started the ascent to attempt the summit at midnight.

From Kibo Hut, the path zig-zagged up a scree slope to Hans Meyer Cave (5,182m) where it became steeper and decidedly a slog! The wind was howling across the slope causing a wind-chill effect to -20C.

We finally reached the rim of the crater at Gilman’s Point (5,681m) in time for a spectacular sunrise and were able to briefly rest and eat some energy-giving snacks before continuing on around the snow-covered edge of the crater to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, taking around an extra 2 hours.

The return from Uhuru to Gillman’s took about 1.5 hours and then it was a steep scree run down to Kibo Hut, taking around 2 hours to cover what took us 6 hours earlier that morning (in extreme discomfort!)

After a quick rest, re-hydrating drinks and lunch, all climbers descended past Kibo hut for another 3-5 hours to the Horombo Hut for a well-earned overnight rest. It was a quiet dinner table that night!

Overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 9: July 9, Friday

Trekking: Horombo Hut to Park Gate : 18km, 5-7 hrs, 1,900m descent

Today, we completed the descent to the Marangu Gate via the Mandara hut where we ate lunch. We were then transported to the hotel for a celebratory dinner.

Overnight at the Marangu Hotel

Day 10: July 10, Saturday

After the dusty and bumpy drive back to Nairobi, the jovial group departed for their evening flights home with many a story to tell!

Climate

Temperature during the Kilimanjaro trek can range from a humid 26°C during the first day to -18°C on the summit day. Temperatures can drop to -20 or more C in the early hours approaching the crater rim. Daytime temperature during the climb is usually between 15°C to 20°C but at higher altitudes, you need to be prepared for freezing conditions. It can be cloudy and even rain at any time of the year.

Health

The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Our medical adviser recommends that you should be immunized against Hepatitis A and B; Typhoid; Tetanus; Diphteria; and Polio. For precautions against Malaria, a short stay prophylaxis of Doxycycline (100mg daily) or Lariam (250 mg weekly) is recommended. Some people may be troubled by altitude sickness. The risk of this can be significantly reduced by taking Diamox 250mg twice daily starting a day before arriving at altitude and continuing for two days after (Please consult your Physician for all medical advise).

The trek is described as DEMANDING and reaches altitudes of over 19,000 feet. You need to be fit and healthy to participate. It is essential to walk slowly and drink a lot of water throughout your trek.

Training

You will be walking for several hours per day, sometimes up steep inclines, so it is important that you start a training programme at least three months prior to the Challenge. Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness (and some may even help you fundraise!) The challenge is described as a moderate-high intensity test of all round fitness. You need to be fit and healthy to participate.

Visa information:

Check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to travel. You should also have a couple of clean pages (no stamps!) left in the passport. You will need two visas, one for Kenya and one for Tanzania. Please submit a copy of each visa to Gulf for Good.

Kenya:

The cost of the visa varies depending on the nationality. It is advisable to obtain your Kenyan Visa before traveling, but bear in mind it is only valid for travel within 3 months of your application. This is issued on the same day at Kenyan Airways Office, Dubai or at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Abu Dhabi. For more information please visit http://www.kenyaembassy.ae

You will need to take the following with you to apply:

Completed Application Form
Payment in Cash
Original Passport
One passport photocopy
One passport photograph
Letter of No Objection from your UAE visa sponsor

Tanzania:

It is advisable to obtain the visa in advance. It is issued on the same day at the Tanzanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and after 3 working days at the Tanzanian Consulate in Dubai. The visa is only valid for travel within two months of application. For more information visit http://www.tanzania-uae.org.ae/

You will need:

Completed Application Form
Payment in Cash
Original Passport
One passport photocopy
Two passport photographs
Letter of No Objection from your UAE visa sponsor

Travel & Medical Insurance

G4G can arrange travel insurance for all the participants. You will be required to pay your insurance premium at least two weeks before departure. Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms and conditions, etc. is available on request.

Fundraising

A comprehensive fundraising booklet is included in your challenge pack. It is always preferable to arrange fundraising “events” rather than ask family, friends and colleagues for money. Fundraising in this way increases your profile, creates more goodwill and raises awareness of the work of the nominated charities. The G4G office can give you names of previous challengers who will be happy to offer advice and maybe even assistance.

Safety

We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.

Respect for the Environment

We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints!

What We Supply

Return flights from Dubai, daily meals, water and accommodation. All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own daypack.

A Typical Day

You will receive a full pre-trek briefing. A normal day on the trek would start at 7.00AM with the delivery of a bowl of hot water for washing, to each hut. Breakfast is served in the dining hut and you should have packed up and be ready to leave by 8.00AM. The average walk per day varies from one hut to another but is usually 4 to 7 hours apart from the 11 to 12 hours trek to the summit and back down to Horombo Hut on Day 7. A picnic lunch is served each day along the route. There is time to relax, socialize, play games or explore the area before dinner. Washing facilities are limited but there are ablution blocks at each hut (though no water at Kibo).

Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Bottled water is available throughout the day from porters/guides.

Personal Equipment

Travel light! Do limit the weight of your luggage on the trail to less than 15 Kgs and less than 20 Kgs overall. All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable. Do not take or wear any valuables on the trip, it is best to leave them at home. The key to staying comfortable while climbing is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. This kit list is provided to help you choose your equipment and clothing for this trip.

Please refer to the Kit List below. All the items required for the trip can be purchased from major sports shops & camping suppliers in U.A.E.

Miscellaneous Information

East Africa is 1 hour behind the UAE

Local Currency: Tanzania shilling (TZS)

Take US$, Sterling Pounds or Euros in cash to change.

A good reference book is the Tanzania edition of the Lonely Planet publications, available in Dubai from Magrudy’s, Borders, Books Plus and Book Corner.

Group 1

Group 2

Join us for our return to ‘Kili’ (as she is affectionately known) for the fifth time in 9 years for one of our most popular trekking adventures.

Funds raised will support Community Projects Africa (http://www.communityprojectsafrica.org/countries_1.html), by assisting them to build classrooms in primary schools in Tanzania to allow the children to obtain an education.

How to Pack:
Your clothes and equipment should fall into two following categories:

What you are going to wear and need on the tour. This should fit into a single bag and will be transported each day from site to site.
What you are going to carry in your daypack.

Carry an extra T-shirt in your daypack. When you stop trekking you may feel cold after sweating and need to change your shirt or add a layer to prevent chills.

Most of your clothing that you are not actually wearing will be carried by your porter. Although a guide will always accompany you on the trail, you are unlikely to see your porter except at the huts or the camps. Therefore it is important you pack carefully the smaller Day Pack you carry yourself. Anything you need during the course of the day should be in your Day Pack, including, most importantly something warm and something waterproof.

Camera
Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at altitude is perfectly possible, but always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but if you keep it inside your jacket and the lens is warm, it will likely form condensation when suddenly exposed to cold. This condensation will freeze under certain conditions. Therefore, keep your cameras dry at all times.

There are numerous classic photo opportunities. It is recommended that serious photographers take a small portable tripod, as it could be cold enough that you cannot keep the camera steady.

Mental Preparation
It is well within you to complete this challenge. Remain in a positive state of mind, without being overly confident. This mental stamina will make the more difficult parts easier to complete. 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 the Challenge.

DayPack
Make sure your daypack is properly packed and complete by the time you start each day.

Compulsory
A good attitude and a sense of humor!

CHECK LIST

Base Layer:

1 Pair Medium Thermal Underwear leggings (long) – Avoid Cotton
1 Pair Medium Thermal Underwear top (long) – Avoid Cotton
4 pairs wicking sock liners. Cotton to be avoided
Regular underwear – wicking material

Thermal Layer:

Fleece jacket or equivalent – full zip is best for temperature regulation
Fleece pants or equivalent
1 pair light, mid-weight thermal gloves
3 pairs heavy/thermal hiking socks – worn over sock liners
Quick Dry shirts
Down jacket
Fleece scarf or equivalent
Fleece hat or equivalent
Optional, but recommended – synthetic-filled vest, ear muff

Outer Shell:

Long length waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket (eg Gore-tex or equivalent). Must be big enough to go over all the other layers
Trousers waterproof, windproof, breathable (eg: Gore-tex)
Poncho or rain jacket
NOTE: The above layers work much better than a single huge parka!

Additional Gear:

Sleeping bag rated to at least -5C, preferably -15C
25 – 35 litre day pack, with padded shoulder and hip straps and a couple of outside pockets
Medium weight hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended or treated leather boots or equivalent) with new laces
Running-type shoes
Sandals/flip flops – easy for quick trips while camping!
Tracksuit trousers (with zip-off legs if you can find them!)
2 pairs warm trousers
2-3 pairs Trekking trousers with zip-off legs
Trekking shirts/t-shirts: short-sleeved; at least one long-sleeved lightweight; and at least one long-sleeved warm
2 sets travelling gear (trousers, shirt, shoes, socks, underwear)
Wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain
Trekking poles
Sunglasses (and extra prescription lenses or contacts)
Protective glasses – clear for contact lens wearers in dusty, cold conditions
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Lip Balm with sunscreen
Water bottles (insulated) and hydration bladder : 3 litre combined capacity
Quick Dry Towel – medium size
Wash Cloth & Toilet Paper
Buff or Bandana
1 Headlamp with extra bulb & batteries
Camera with extra film, batteries & lenses
Trail snacks – energy/granola bars, bars, nuts, toffees, etc
Packs of energy powder mix for drinking
Neck pouch and/or Money belt to carry money, permits and passport photocopies while traveling
Travel documents, including copy of passport
4 extra passport-sized pictures for visas and permits (just in case!)
Cash currency (US$ and local currency)
Swiss Army Knife with scissors and tweezers
Personal toiletries and medication
Plastic bags for packing & zip-lock bags – assorted sizes are very useful for storing and keeping dry all sorts of things!
Mini first aid kit (main kit carried by group medic)
Wet Wipes and anti-bacterial hand wash (for use when water and soap are not available)