1WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We recommend to buy an insurance from World Nomads (https://www.worldnomads.com). They cover biking rescue etc.
2WHAT IS THE WEATHER ON KILIMANJARO?
The short answer is that the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro range from hot to bitter cold. The journey from the gate to the peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. This is because the routes to the Uhuru peak cross different ecological zones. Mount Kilimanjaro has five major ecological zones, each approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 m) in altitude. Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and life as the altitude increases.
Due to its proximity to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and time of day. At the beginning of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From there, the temperatures will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones.
At the summit, Uhuru Point, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates its own weather. It is extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you climb, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.
3I'VE NEVER BEEN IN THAT ALTITUDE, IS THAT A PROBLEM?
No. Most of our clients haven’t been in high altitude before. Our itinerary is designed for the regular traveler without previous experiences in high altitude. If you stick to our acclimatizing program and listen to our guide, chances are really high that you make it to the top.
4WHAT IF I SUFFER FROM HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
If you don’t feel comfortable, our local guides as well as our guide got enough experience to tell you if it’s safe to continue the trip. We’ve got a couple of rest days planned as well as some acclimatizing days. This should allow you to get enough rest for the big day. There is always an option to leave the bike at the camp and just walk up if you don’t feel like biking. Also, our local crew will assist you with carrying your bike. But at the end, it’s safety first. We won’t risk anything and rather keep you safe at the camp than trying to bring you up to the peak.
5WHICH VACCINATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED OR NECESSARY?
Depending on the country you are coming from, a Yellow Fever vaccination is required. The following vaccinations are recommended by the Tropical Medical Bureau: Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies and Poliomyelitis. Please talk to your local doctor about this.
6IS THERE A RISK OF MALARIA?
As soon as we are beyond the entry gates of the Kilimanjaro National Park, there are no more mosquitos because we are above 2000 m above sea level. In the lower elevation, you can protect yourself from mosquito bites and you should be safe. In the past years, there hasn’t been a reported case of malaria among our clients that were travelling to Kilimanjaro with us. If you take any medication, please be aware that this can have a negative effect on your physical strength
7DO I HAVE TO CARRY ALL OF MY LUGGAGE WHILE BIKING?
No, we each carry only one daypack on our tours. Your large travel bag is transported for you onto the next night’s rest place.
8WHAT KIND OF BIKE IS RECOMMENDED?
We recommend a trail bike with 120 to 160mm of travel. While hiking up with a hard tail would be easier, going down is much more fun with more travel.
9WHAT DOES "CHALLENGING FITNESS AND TECHNICAL LEVEL" MEAN?
We ride / push between 10 and 20 km per day and cover 700 to 1200 m in altitude. That doesn’t sound much, but in high altitude it can be very challenging. Lots of pushing and carrying our bike, in particular during the summit day. The summit day is very demanding and challenging. All other stages of the trip are classed as moderately difficult; level 2.
10WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
Our local crew has climbed the mountains hundreds of times. If there is an emergency, they know exactly what to do. There is limited helicopter rescue on the trip as well.
11HOW MUCH CASH DO I NEED DURING THE TRIP?
All the expenses are covered. You only need cash for alcohol, souvenirs and tips. We recommend to give 20 USD / day as a tip for each client during the days on Kilimanjaro. Calculate 200 to 220 USD / tip for the trip.
12WHAT DO WE HAVE FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER?
We’ll have plenty of real good food in the lodge as well as on the mountain. There is a wide variety of dishes. On the mountain, we’ll get soup, salad, some starters, a main dish and desert. If you have any special wishes regarding the meals, let us know when signing up for the trip.
13DO YOU CARRY A FIRST AID KIT?
Yes, we have a first aid kit containing most common medications. Please bring your own personal medications as required.