Larry Garber for providing such amazing Kili tips! His advice is just essential for a successful and hassle-free climb.

Want to learn some more? You are more than welcome to also read my special “Tips on Clothing and Equipment for Your Kilimanjaro Climb” article. Enjoy!

Broadcaster: LDGarber

Video Lesson 1: Your Backpack!

In this video you’ll learn about the following:

- Backpack essentials.

- Camelback water units.

- Waterproofing.

- Layering (clothes needed according to weather forecast).

Video Lesson 2: Boots and Hygiene!

Themes discussed:

- Footwear and personal comfort.

- Ziploc bags to keep clothes dry.

- Wet wipes/hand sanitizers.

- Tissues (for runny noses).

- Water purification techniques.

- Tips to prevent your drinking water from freezing.

Video Lesson 3: For Your Own Comfort and Safety!

Learn all you need to know about:

- Plastic ponchos.

- Sun protection.

- Hiking poles.

- Sleeping bags.

- LED head lamps.

- Ear plugs.

- Personal entertainment (music, cameras, batteries).

- Must-pack items (Swiss army knife, dark tape, etc.).

Video Lesson 4: First Aid Kit and Physical Fitness!

Essential items mentioned include:

- Dental hygiene.

- First Aid Kit and Medication.

- Technology items (watch, GPS).

- Maps of the Area.

- Snacks and Food.

- Physical fitness (VERY IMPORTANT). Prerequisites are rather strict: at least 4 months of physical fitness prior to the ascension. Gym 4 times a week: electrical machines for 45-60 minutes + hikes 1-2 a month!

Heard of Mount Kilimanjaro, I presume, no? Culminating at 5895 m (19341 feet), it is by far Africa’s highest and most majestic mountain! Here’s some advice on what to bring on your trekking odyssey!

Looks very "flamboyant" to me! Just like the tree...

Walking sticks

Whether you call them walking sticks, staffs, or trekking poles, they’re just indispensable for a comfortable walking journey!

Walking sticks will assist you during your climb, and support your knees on descents. Especially if you already have fragile knee joints!

For best support (and even better comfort), consider buying two sticks!

Boots

I’m sure you’re familiar with the song “These Boots are Made for Walking”, right? And no, I’m not talking about Jessica Simpson’s version (although I do admit her clip is rather “special”)! I’m referring to the original version, first recorded by Nancy Sinatra! The song’s title is quite representative of what you need during your Kilimanjaro ascension. Your walking boots have to be solid and soft at the same time, the type that will resist the most extreme weather conditions out there!

Indeed, boots are perhaps the most important item you will purchase! Both in terms of your health and well-being. Make sure they fit you properly! Moreover, try them on before buying them: they just have to be the right size!

Do this: put your foot in the shoe without tying the shoelace, and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot. If you have one finger’s thickness of space at your heel, then the boot is made for you . If not, then it is either too big (don’t recommend “clowny” shoes ), or too small (less than one finger space)!

Some key features to look for in boots are:

- Vibram, or comparable high rubber-content soles with deep lugs to provide better traction.

- Sturdy, high tops with padding to protect ankles while providing good ankle support. Boots with a stiff heel counter is also a big bonus, as it relieves your foot and ankle.

- Uppers made of leather or a leather/Cordura combination.

- Removable insoles for extra comfort and cushioning.

- Lacing system with D-rings and speed hooks to easily put and remove your boots.

- Sewn-in, gusseted tongues.

- Waterproof coating to ensure your feet stay dry at all times.

Socks

Pay special attention to the material of your socks. They can be made of:

- Cotton: Not a great idea while hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and retains it.

- Ragg Wool: Way more comfortable, but you don’t have to be allergic to it.

- Acrylic: Not as resistant and much warmer than wool socks, although they do wick moisture away from the feet. Notice that some acrylic socks have extra cushioning, which can be interesting!

- Polypropylene: Primarily used in liners – thin socks worn beneath thicker main socks. Will wick moisture away from foot, and can also reduce friction between your foot and the shoe.

- Silk: Same purpose as polypropylene.

Sleeping Bags

Should be chosen wisely! Large variety of options, from “Down Sleeping Bags” (very resistant to water and cold), to “Hollowfibre” (synthetic fibre, dries rapidly), and “Thinsulate” (state-of-the-art synthetic fibre, economic, very light) types!

Important things to consider in a sleeping bag:

- Needs to fit your body (in width and length).

- Two-way zipper (for better ventilation).

- Insulated hood.

Daypacks

Preferably big, but not too big either! A 25-40 litre rucksack tends to fit most people needs.

Headlamps

I’d go for head torches, which leaves your hands free. Petzl Zoom Headlamps and Petzl Tikka are definitely worth it, although not the cheapest I agree.

Gloves

Two pairs highly recommended: a pair of wool or fleece gloves as a next to skin layer, and a second pair of waterproof gloves that go over the first pair!

A very good pair of gloves should not be underestimated if you want to keep your fingers healthy and intact!

Hats

Good-looking hats are important for sure, but as you know looks are not everything! Most importantly, a good hat is one that protects you from the sun, and also that fits easily into your backpack (or comfortably fastens to your belt, backpack, etc…). Furthermore, make sure it can provide good shade to your face, and that it “breathes”.

I just love some of those Rogue hats, don’t you?!

Thermal Beanie/Balaclava

Protects you from the wind and hinders frostbite. Not to be neglected!

Told ya a beanie could be handy!?

Duffel Bags

A lightweight classic! Easy to stuff with your clothing and rolled socks.

Things to consider: a strong seam, good quality zippers (that can be padlocked), and short handles to pull your bag quickly if required.

Water Bottles

Drink, drink, and drink some more! Water is vital to appropriate acclimatisation, and so are water bottles! You should be able to carry 2-3 litres of water at any time!

Any water bottle is good really, although I must admit I really enjoy the Swiss Sigg types. Eco-Friendly, and reusable! Unless you’d rather go for hydration systems, with a tube from a bladder in your pack to your mouth; practical and very popular! The only disadvantage of such systems is they can freeze easily! Either way, be sure it won’t leak nor freeze.

Gaiters/Anklets

Very useful little pieces of materials that keep mud, rocks and to a certain extent water out of your boots! May even be utilized to keep ticks away!

Can be sweaty nevertheless.

A Jacket & Trousers

Two words: comfort and waterproofing! They need to be waterproof, breathable and windproof.

ATTENTION PLEASE: No jeans! They absorb water, cling to the skin and make walking very difficult. Believe it or not, but wearing jeans can lead to hypothermia.

Lately I received a couple of interesting emails, and thought I could share some of my answers on the matter! If it is a concern to some of you out there, it might indeed just be something worth mentioning!

In one of the mails in particular, a person stated he was looking for “THE BEST African safari destination/country, with both a friendly culture, reasonable prices, crystal clear water beaches, an interesting nightlife, and of course a country that is relatively safe to travel in“! That’s a lot of things to ask at once I know…

While there is no “perfect” destination with all of the above, there is certainly an ideal place that stands out in my mind!

If you’re looking for a combination of beaches and incredible animal wildlife, then I’d DEFINITELY consider Tanzania! Tanzania is by far my best pick!

Here’s why I think you should seriously consider it:

- It has a majestic mountain: Mt Kilimanjaro! The mountain’s name comes from the misuse of two Swahili words: Kilima (hill or little mountain), and Njaro (greatness, also used as white or shining). You can either climb it (if you’re a confirmed trekker), or just stare at it while taking amazing pictures with your family and friends!

Majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro (Creative Commons Image)!

- Stunning beaches: South Beach in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mafia Island (best for coral reefs), Pemba etc.

Paradisiac, isn't it?!

- THE BEST safari destinations: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha, Selous (my pick if you enjoy boat safaris), Mikumi (nice especially if you’re looking for a national park not too far from Dar; approximately 2-3 hours drive).

Ngorongoro Crater (Creative Commons Image)!

- If you can’t do all of the above in one trip, go only for the Northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater…), and maybe spend some time in Zanzibar (recommended) or Mafia island.

- Dar es Salaam also has a very nice Yacht Club, and the Slipway is great if you’d like to eat pizza, or just wander around the waterfront!

Sunset Over Dar's Yacht Club!

Pizza Time @ The Slipway!

- In terms of costs it is not the cheapest country, but you can most certainly find reasonable prices if you’re willing to camp, or don’t mind backpacking. There are also various companies that organize trips throughout Africa in huge trucks (overland trucks). Really cool if you’re young, and are looking for an experience like no other!

- People are very friendly in Tanzania, and the country is relatively safe. Of course, like in all major countries (and cities in particular), you need to keep an eye on your hand bag and personal belongings. Also make sure not to carry around expensive items when unnecessary!