Category: Mount Kilimanjaro

Sometime last year, I got an email. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary email, probably a climber wanting to join a group or get a quote to climb Mount Kilimanjaro privately. Upon the back-and-forth correspondence of emails and WhatsApp messages, something caught my eye. It was not a normal climb that we were to organise, but a whole cause, a cry for a mother, an ambition of a daughter. She was straightforward in what she wanted, but above all, the courage to reach out and open up; she had two worries. One, she wanted to climb Kilimanjaro, but her climbing partner was not just any other ordinary climber; she was a child, just about to turn 10 years old. Ok, the age thing was out of the way because the minimum age for climbers to Kilimanjaro is 10 years. But still, she would need the utmost care from our crew on the mountain, which wasn't the main problem. Number two, she wanted female porters, female guides and female drivers in between transfers.  As we continued communicating and planning the trip, she opened up that she was worried about the safety of her only daughter and herself. We have guided female climbers before, solo female climbers, women's groups and climbs of that sort, but she stressed how much that was important. It was when she expressed her safety concerns and explained the situation in India, how girls and women were being raped, that I understood her point and where she was coming from. First, I assured her that we could facilitate an all-female crew; in fact, our Mount Kenya chief guide was a mature woman.  I also assured her that on pickup at the airport, I would be the one to personally pick them up instead of sending a

Lenses vs glasses, which one should you go for when trekking Kilimanjaro? For those who rely on vision correction, choosing between glasses and contact lenses is a critical decision that can impact comfort, safety, and overall experience. This survey note explores the pros, cons, and practical considerations for each option, drawing from expert advice, climber experiences, and environmental factors specific to Kilimanjaro. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for climbers to make an informed choice, ensuring a clear vision throughout the trek. Research suggests contact lenses offer better vision and comfort for active climbing, while glasses are simpler and protect eyes from elements. It seems likely that both options work well with proper precautions, but personal preference and hygiene needs play a big role. The evidence leans toward using daily disposable contact lenses for hygiene, with glasses as a backup for rest periods. Kilimanjaro’s climb, typically lasting 5–9 days, takes you through diverse climates from rainforest to arctic summit, with basic camps offering long-drop latrines and limited water. High altitudes, fluctuating temperatures, dust, and wind all play a role in determining which eyewear option is best suited for your needs. According to the Vision Council, over 75% of adults use some form of vision correction, with glasses being the most common, but in adventurous settings like mountaineering, preferences shift. A survey by the American Alpine Club found a roughly even split between glasses and contact lens users among climbers, highlighting the debate. Clear vision is crucial for navigating rocky trails, preventing falls, and enjoying the stunning vistas from the Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak. Therefore, ensuring your vision correction method doesn’t hinder your experience is paramount. Understanding Your Options Climbing Kilimanjaro, at 19,341 feet, demands clear vision for safety and enjoyment, especially with its varied terrain and weather.

Hiking Kilimanjaro alone as a woman is not possible because having a mountain guide and porters is compulsory; here, we are referring to solo climbers of less than two people or joining a group trek as a solo traveller. First off, happy International Women's Day! Embarking on a solo journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, the towering 19,341-foot icon of Tanzania, is a bold and exhilarating decision. For women, climbing Kilimanjaro alone—whether joining a group trek or opting for a private ascent—offers a unique blend of empowerment, introspection, and adventure. The mountain’s diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to stark arctic summits, challenge your physical and mental resilience while rewarding you with unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment. As a solo female trekker, you have the chance to craft an experience tailored to your pace, preferences, and personal goals, but it requires careful planning to ensure safety, comfort, and confidence. Kilimanjaro’s allure lies in its accessibility to trekkers of varying experience levels, yet its high altitude, unpredictable weather, and multi-day demands make preparation critical. Women face distinct considerations, from managing personal hygiene in remote conditions to navigating cultural dynamics in Tanzania. Solo travel adds another layer, requiring you to balance independence with practical safety measures. Whether you’re an experienced hiker comfortable with solitude or a first-time adventurer easing into solo trekking, this journey demands respect for the mountain’s challenges and your own capabilities. This guide is designed specifically for women hiking Kilimanjaro alone, offering practical and empowering tips to address unique needs. From choosing a route that matches your skills to mastering bathroom logistics in freezing conditions, handling menstruation at altitude, packing smart, ensuring personal safety, and preparing for Tanzania’s cultural context, these strategies will help you tackle the mountain with confidence. The goal is to equip you with the

Having your period during the trek on Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t have to stop you from reaching the summit. High altitude can mess with your menstrual cycle, bringing surprises like early periods, irregular flows, or intensified symptoms. Whether you’re expecting your period or not, preparation is key to managing it on the mountain. Cups are a convenient option for carrying out waste in alpine environments, but they can be messy and time-consuming. They can be changed twice a day, making it easier to change during mid-climb. Tampons/pads require more waste but are cleaner and don't require rooting around in tent vestibules. They can be used in a blue bag with antiodour powder, but may need to be changed midday. A combination of cups and period underwear can help catch leakage during summit pushes. Tampons are many ladies' favourite option for heavy days, as dealing with overflowing cups in the backcountry is not fun. On lighter days, you can use a cup to throw in and forget about for the day. Here’s a detailed guide to help you trek with confidence, covering everything from packing essentials to handling hygiene and staying mentally strong. Understand How Altitude Might Affect You When you climb Kilimanjaro, the altitude—reaching 19,341 feet—puts stress on your body, which can throw your menstrual cycle off balance. You might get your period earlier or later than usual, or notice changes like heavier or lighter bleeding. Symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, or mood swings could feel stronger when paired with altitude challenges like shortness of breath. Every woman’s experience is different, so even if your period isn’t due, plan as if it might show up unexpectedly. Being ready for this wildcard will keep you focused on the climb. Selecting the Right Menstrual Products Choosing the right menstrual products is crucial for

Carrying right pants will show how prepared you are for any of our high East African mountains because they’re a layer of protection against the elements, a tool for mobility, and a contributor to your overall comfort during multi-day treks. Each mountain requires you to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, sudden weather changes, and physically demanding terrain. For example, Kilimanjaro’s summit night can plummet to below 0°F with wind chill, while Mount Kenya’s lower slopes may be warm and humid. Rwenzori’s constant moisture demands waterproof gear, and Ol Doinyo Lengai’s volcanic ash calls for durable fabrics. Packing the wrong pants can lead to discomfort, blisters, or even hypothermia, jeopardizing your climb. Climbing the iconic peaks of East Africa—Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Mount Meru, Rwenzori, and Ol Doinyo Lengai—is an expedition that demands meticulous preparation. Each of these mountains presents unique challenges, from Kilimanjaro’s diverse climate zones to Rwenzori’s muddy trails and Ol Doinyo Lengai’s volcanic terrain. One of the most critical aspects of your preparation is choosing the right clothing, particularly the pants you’ll wear. Your legs will carry you through rainforests, rocky scree, snowy summits, and muddy slopes, so your pants must be versatile, durable, and suited to extreme conditions. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 19,341 feet, takes you through five distinct climate zones: rainforest, heather/moorland, alpine desert, arctic summit, and everything in between. Mount Kenya, with its rugged peaks like Batian and Nelion, challenges climbers with technical ascents and unpredictable weather. Mount Meru, often a warm-up for Kilimanjaro, features lush forests and high-altitude deserts. The Rwenzori Mountains, known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are notorious for their wet, boggy trails and frequent rain. Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano, demands gear that can withstand abrasive volcanic ash and intense heat. Across these diverse environments, your pants must keep you