Mt. Kilimanjaro Opinion
Candid opinions about anything that deals with climbing on Kilimanjaro
Give Gifts As a Tip
Many trekkers on Kilmanjaro not only give money as tips, but many of them give their sleeping bags, jackets, hats, gloves, tents, watches, and just about anything else you can imagine. Is this a good thing? Some say yes, others say no.
Many of the porters were extremely tattered clothes while climbing Kilimanjaro. You will feel bad for them, dont’ get me wrong. Occasionally you find some with out shoes, many with out jackets, and many without the basics for climbing the mountain. When tourists leave, it’s not uncommon to leave a jacket you paid $150 for in the United States, thinking that the porter will use it in the future - and always be warm going up the mountain. You did your good deed.
Date: August 29th, 2006 |
2 comments
Running Down Kilimanjaro - Descent from Uhuru
We ran down Kilimanjaro. Really! When we left the summit, we did a nice relaxed jog down a huge open gravel terrain from Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp. It wasn’t like we were actually jogging, but rather it was steep enough that you kind of jumped down the mountain and gained momentum.
Everyone was doing it. I am not sure if it’s standard procedure and it was pretty unsafe, but I know everyone was excited to get down to Barafu Camp where it was warmer and time to take a nap.
I would recommend using poles if you attempt this.
Date: August 21st, 2006 |
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$15,000,000 in Park Fees
Think about it. An average of 25,000 people climb Kilimanjaro each year. Each person will pay ON AVERAGE about $600 toward park fees. These are the fees that go to the Tanzanian government/park authorities. 25,000 multiplied by $600 = $15 million dollars.
I know they have some expenses on the mountain, but if they can’t even get a descent toilet ANYWHERE on the mountain, it kind of makes you wonder what they are doing with that money.
Date: July 26th, 2006 |
1 comment
Should You Climb on New Years?
Many people like to plan trips up Kilimanjaro during the holidays, normally around Christmas and New Years. I have to say, last year we took a group to the top of Kilimanjaro, arriving on the first sunrise of New Years 2006. Although it was a wonderful experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, climbing the mountain on the last night was like walking through the mall a few days before Christmas.
It was busy - really busy. I am estimating a few hundred people summitted on New Years. And, it was pretty difficult to get the quintessential …
Date: June 28th, 2006 |
2 comments
WheelChair Up Kilimanjaro
Could someone in a wheelchair make it up Kilimanjaro was a questions that I received today.
Well, to be honest, I haven’t seen it or heard of it before, but Kilimanjaro is one of the mountains where can do about anything. At the least, I think if you took the Marangu route, and had a couple spare porters, you could probably make it to Kibo Hut, which is the last hut before the summit on the Marangu Route. At that point, I am not sure, but at the least, this guy could make it a few days up the mountain and …
Date: June 14th, 2006 |
3 comments
Tipping Your Crew - Another Lesson on Tipping on Kilimanjaro
It always seems like people are more worried about tipping on the mountain, than actually the experience of climbing Mount Klimanjaro. Let’s not worry about our gear, or the weather, or our tents, but let’s worry about how much to tip. I think it’s just an American concern.
Since I have covered this question on another tipping post, I thought I would remind everyone how much you can spend on a tip - the total amount with everyone included.
Date: August 23rd, 2006 |
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How and When To Tip - Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the biggest concerns - and question that I receive the most - are when and how to tip on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best method for tipping is to discuss with your group - maybe after your summit day - how much you are going to tip each person. You should tip based on their value on the mountain - and do not feel obligated to tip if they did not give you proper service. You should figure out a tip for each porter, each cook, each assistant guide, and the lead …
Date: August 10th, 2006 |
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Solar Backpacks – Best Bets on Kilimanjaro
One of the biggest issues you face on Kilimanjaro is capturing all those spectacular moments with your camera. For the average Kilimanjaro climber, they are going to take pictures up Kili for about 7 days, turning their camera on, and then off, on and then off. Afterward, most people have a planned safari, which could take between 5 to 7 days. If you don’t have multiple batteries, or ones that can be recharged by the sun, you might have difficulty using your camera the entire length of the trip. That means …
Date: July 25th, 2006 |
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On A Budget!
Don’t come to climb Kilimanjaro if you are “on a budget.” I received a phone call the other day, from someone looking for a cheap, but quality climb up Kilimanjaro. Budget trips don’t seem to really exist on Kilimanjaro anymore. Budget trips did exist a few years, but after prices for the park fees went up, you are most likely going to spend AT LEAST $1000 on trip. And this $1000 would be a low-end trip purchased and organized when you arrive.
If you are spending $1000, I don’t really consider that to be a “budget climb” anymore. If you are …
Date: June 23rd, 2006 |
1 comment
Could I die in Africa?
Many trekkers fear that climbing a high mountain, like Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Kenya, that you a big chance of getting killed. The same thing is true for safariers going out into the Serengetti. They are always a bit worried of being mauled by a mother lion while sleeping at night. They are both valid concerns, especially for novices visiting Africa for the first time.
To be honest, sure there are a few people killed every year in these instances, but there are car accidents and people getting struck by lightening too in your hometown too. The chances of you coming …
Date: June 12th, 2006 |
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