Articles tagged ‘Mountain Warnings on Kili’
The Poor Porter
By Donovan | December 2nd, 2005 |
Add a Comment »
It’s kind of a tough mental debate when you are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. You just bought your fancy new $150 jacket, an expensive sleeping bag, and paid a bunch of money to climb the mountain. Here is your porter, carrying your gear to the top of the mountain, for minimal wages. He is usually not [...]
Who Makes It To The Summit?
By Donovan | December 1st, 2005 | 3 Comments »
You would think there is an equation for success on Mt. Kilimanjaro, a rule that if you follow, will help you arrive at the summit. Over of the years, however, I have seen everything: a short, fat, overweight woman with no trekking skill climb straight up Western Breach to the summit. A week before [...]
My Safari Guide Boyfriend
By Donovan | November 29th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
Some men go to Thailand in search of small, beautiful Thai woman, some woman go to Australia is search of the rugged Australian with the great accent. Whatever floats your boat is up to you. But, just like anywhere else in the world, there are a huge number of Tanzanian safari guides, porters and mountain [...]
Phantom Porter
By Donovan | November 7th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
Here is an unfortunate scam that happens to some people on Mount Kilimanjaro. We like to call it the “phantom porter.”
“I climbed solo with one guide and three porters. At the Machame Gate on the first day, amidst all the excitement and pre-climb preparation, an “extra” porter briefly was introduced to me. [...]
An Extra Day
By Donovan | October 27th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
The top of Mt. Kilimanjaro is about the same height as Everest Base Camp. To reach the top of Kilimanjaro, it can take you five or six days. To reach the top of Everest Base Camp, it usually take two solid weeks. What does all this mean? It’s means that you shouldn’t rush up Mt. [...]
Marangu Village - Friend or Foe?
By Donovan | October 26th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
The somewhat famous village of Marangu sits on the far eastern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is the starting point for climbing the easy route, Marangu - also known as the Coca Cola Route. Unlike the other bigger cities of Moshi and Arusha, Marangu has a distinct feel - much more like a small mountain [...]
Worst Christmas Ever
By Donovan | October 14th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
About four years ago, BootsnAll Travel Network published a story by Robert Geier, who wrote a poignant story about his tragic experiences on Mt. Kilimanjaro and in Kenya and Tanzania. This story is a bit sad, kind of funny, part truth, part embellished perspective from his limited time in Tanzania. In his intro, Robert says [...]
Taking a Whiz
By Donovan | September 17th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
Water, water and more water - one of the best techniques for climbing Kilimanjaro is to stay hydrated - super hydrated. You should drink at least 4 litres of water per day, if not more. While sometimes your body may feel like it’s hard to drink more water, you have to force yourself to drink [...]
Sign Your Life Away
By Donovan | September 15th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
Almost any company taking you to the top of Kilimanjaro will require you to sign a few legal documents. Read through them very carefully because you will realize that basically you have few, if any, personal rights on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
You are agreeing that by climbing one of the highest mountains in the world, you [...]
Don’t Be a Sucker
By Donovan | September 15th, 2005 | Add a Comment »
You have just finished climbing Africa’s highest mountain, the grand Kilimanjaro. You are wandering off the trail, down past the gate, and are celebrating with your friends that you made it. All you want to do is sit your ass down, have a beer, and get in a Land Rover that will take you back [...]
