Climbing a mountain, such as Kilimanjaro for example, is a very special experience, but it carries its own dangers. Thankfully, a reputable company like Mulonje Tours And Safaris Limited has got skilled and experienced climbing crew, procedural know-how and the right equipment to reduce any risks thereby making it a safe and enjoyable adventure. There are a number of things to keep in mind in order to make your climb safer and more comfortable. Some of the things to keep in mind are as follows:-
- Make your climb with a reputable Mountain Climb Operator
There are many operators offering mountain climbs but some of the less expensive companies compromise on safety. Choose an experienced and reputable company to give yourself the best chance of reaching the summit safely. At Mulonje Tours And Safaris Limited, we have got years of successful experience with properly certified guides and experienced support staff.
Your guide is an expert and so please follow his advice Now that you have hired an expert guide to take you to the summit; you need to follow his advice. Some of our mountain guides have climbed Kilimanjaro several times and they certainly know what they are doing!
- If you are unsure – just ask
All of our mountain climbing crew members will be monitoring you as you walk and their experience allows them to spot warning signs for example – signs of altitude sickness. But if you are feeling unwell or have any doubts about any matter relating to your climb, just ask. You can be sure that our mountain climbing crew members will have the answer.
- Don’t rush – take it easy
All of our mountain climbs are carefully designed to get you to the top. It is never a race and pacing yourself will increase your chances of a successful ascent. Our mountain teams know very well the importance of climbing slowly, so listen to them.
- Keep your body well-fueled
Your appetite may diminish as you climb, but it is vital that you feed yourself well. Our meals up on the mountain are expertly designed and prepared, but you may wish to supplement them with some high-energy snacks. On a strenuous climb, you need more calories.
- Drink more water
A key factor in your wellbeing is keeping yourself well-hydrated. Besides the physical benefits of drinking more water, there are also benefits to maintaining your mental sharpness, too. And most importantly, drinking water regularly is key to reducing chances of getting altitude sickness. Water-purifying tablets are a must and so bring them to ensure that what you drink is safe. Some climbers also bring energy drinks to boost electrolytes.
- Do not take alcohol neither should you smoke tobacco during your climb
It is well known that consuming alcohol on a mountain climb simply makes the symptoms of altitude sickness much more worse. Alcohol also dehydrates the body yet the last thing you can ever imagine of is getting dehydrated. Similarly, smoking tobacco or taking sleeping tablets will hamper you.
- Sleep lower than your daily highpoint
Wherever possible, our mountain trips are designed to ensure that you sleep at a lower altitude than the highest point you reach during the day’s climb. (Sometimes, we will organize a short climb after the day’s walk to reach a higher altitude before returning to camp to spend the night. This is a worthwhile ‘extra mile’ to take.
- Medication for your climb
Some of our climbers take Diamox, a medicine designed to combat altitude sickness. This is usually a prescription-only medicine andso you will need to consult your doctor before your trip. Diamox is taken a couple of days before the climb, but please note that taking it after symptoms develop will not alleviate the symptoms. The standard ‘treatment’ for altitude sickness is to get the ill person down to a lower altitude.
- Wear the correct clothing
Proper clothing is an essential part of any mountain climb and so give careful consideration to your choices on clothing. Lightweight garments which give you the freedom to move, and layers which can be taken off or put on according to conditions should be your preferences. Wind- and waterproof outer clothing are essential too.
- Wear the appropriate footwear
Footwear is a very important subject. You need good-quality boots for a mountain climb, waterproof, lightweight boots that give ankle support and great grip.
- Use walking poles
Some walkers find that using a pair of walking poles makes their walking more efficient, while also improving stability and easing the pressure that ascending and descending can place on knees, ankles as well as the back.
- Keep safe from the sun
Although temperatures can vary significantly during the climb, the sun is a constant presence in many months of the year. Good-quality sunglasses are a ‘must’ as the sun reflects brightly at high altitudes. Snow-glare can be an issue at the summit. Protect your head and neck with a proper hat and use sunscreen to look after any exposed areas of skin. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day.
- Check the weather forecast
Your mountain guide will always keep one eye on the weather forecast. Safety is everything, so any threat of bad weather could lead to a rearrangement of plans. For your part, you need to make sure that you have got all the right clothing to cope with all sorts of weather conditions; from the heat on the lower slopes to the snowy, icy temperatures on the summit.
- Be prepared for minor accidents
Our philosophy is that safety is the number 1 priority, always. But accidents can happen anywhere, and while our teams are trained in medical and recovery procedures, it is always advisable to carry your own basic first aid kit for minor problems.
*Note that children under the age of 10 years are not allowed on our mountain climbing trips.
What Mountain Climbing Gear Do I need?
- Thick Gloves
- Liner Gloves
- Balaclava
- Sun Hat
- Water Bottle
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Trouser / Pants
- Down Jacket
- Summit Trouser
- Poncho
- Gaiters
- Head Lamp/Torch
- Fleece Trouser
- Fleece Jacket
- Sleeping Bag
- Liner Sleeping Bag
- Thermal Underwear
- T-Shirts
- Hiking Boots
- Walking Sticks
- Binocular
- Snow Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Pillow
- Cover Bag
- Crampons
- Day Pack
- Duffle Bag
- Mattress
- Ox meter
- Scarf of Buff
- Socks
