10 facts to consider before you climb Kilimanjaro...
MountainQuest will 'custom build' your expedition for the same price of a regular trekking group. PLUS we help you every step of the way: from selecting a route to training and preparing for your adventure!
1) Safety must be your top concern.
Your safety MUST be your primary concern. The summit of Kilimanjaro, while non-technical, is very high and must be taken seriously. Climbers are at health risk from the altitude. We believe in training our teams BEFORE we arrive in Africa. We have required reading, and “mandatory” team reading that outlines what to expect, and how to prepare for altitude. Recognition of the symptoms is KEY with Acute Mountain Sickness… before it forces you down or becomes life threatening. On the mountain, we pay extra rescue fees for our teams. Plus our guides carry a FULL first aid kit, and high altitude medication. You are ALWAYS within eye and earshot of our staff.
2) Consider staying away from the "tourist" routes.
Instead, get off the beaten path. Our routes are selected for their scenery and ease of acclimatization. They make for a magical experience. Join us on our Classic Western Breach summit climb, or trek the breathtaking Lemosho Glades Forest route which spends an extra day on the Shira Plateau to acclimatize. Both are beautiful, remote and less traveled. We prefer the Western Breach option on both of these climbs… A route many believe is the BEST on the mountain. Climbing the non-technical Breach to our high Crater camp means amazing views, and camping within walking distance of the fabled Snows of Kilimanjaro - a sight you WILL NOT see on the "tourist routes." Our summit day is short, enabling us and excellent chance to reach the summit in time to watch the sun rise over Africa.
3) Choose a company who specializes in climbing Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro is the only thing we do. We have climbed and trekked on 6 continents… But we specialize in climbing to the Kilimanjaro. If you have ever dreamed of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and planning a safari through East Africa... We are here to help. And doesn't cost any more to deal with a specialist.
4) Select the route that best helps you acclimatize.
Our climbs are "built" by high altitude mountaineers from North America. If you choose our luxury climb, your team will be lead by a North American climb leader. And every one of our climbing routes has been designed - and climbed -- by a top-notch Canadian high-altitude mountain climber. If you have a problem at 18,000 feet, it's good to know that you will always have a real pro with you, one who can speak English (you would be amazed how many Tanzanian Guides can not communicate with their teams) and one who is well-versed in the elements of climbing to high altitude.
5) Choose a trekking company who actually visits your lodgings, knows the staff and approves your menu...
You would be surprised how many high end tour operators use third party contractors in Africa. MountainQUEST eliminates the middle man. Hotels and lodges that are great one year can be unrecognizable a year later! Because we actually travel to Africa every year, we are able to constantly update our standards of accommodation, climbing staff, guides, cooks and food (our head climbing cook is the BEST on Kilimanjaro!). Last but not least, we can let you know what conditions to expect on your route.
6) Your support team of guides and porters will make or break your trip. Choose wisely.
From food to communication, it is your porters, cooks and guides who will ensure your experience on Kilimanjaro is a good one. This is why we have been so careful in selecting our African staff. MountainQUEST has hand selected our African staff from past expeditions. Our team is incredibly experienced, well trained in mountain medicine and first aid. Our head guides have extensive climbing résumé's. Their first aid skills, mountain rescue qualifications, summit success ratios, and their ability to interact with our clients are simply excellent.
7) Select a company that hires the best staff, pays them fair wages and supports the local economy.
Unfortunately, it is all too common to see Kilimanjaro porters carrying double loads, and working only for the tips they receive at the end of their climb. These practices are illegal, but they still continue - we see it every time we climb. Our staff is hand selected by MountainQUEST president Russ Barstow. We choose the BEST local guides with the MOST experience. Our head guides are qualified by the National Outdoor Leadership School. Our cook staff has been trained in Arusha prior to climbing with our teams. Our porter staff are highly experienced, with multiple summits under their belts. Most are from the Chagga and Masai tribes and live close to the base of Kilimanjaro in Moshi and Arusha town. Many of our head guides have been to the summit in excess of 60 times! Our staff has worked with us in the past, AND they know we will be coming back again in the future. They like working with us, and they deliver top notch service. They do an amazing job, and we pay them a good wage. We like to suggest that our climbing teams bring their used gear to donate to our crews gear locker. We think our staff is great, and we know you will enjoy them too!
8) Do NOT rush your ascent...
Pole Pole! Slowly Slowly!
We even suggest taking your time getting to the mountain in the first
place! If you want a “budget trip” up the “Coca Cola route” over five
days, don’t call us. Our shortest program gives you seven full days
on the mountain. We also believe that you should take two rest days
before you start climbing. This allows you time to relax and work off
your jet lag (most companies offer only one). We have learned that the
extra time is well worth it for a successful and fun trip to 19,340
feet, giving climbers a far greater chance of standing on top and far
less chance of altitude sickness.
9) If you are traveling to Africa, a Safari is a "must do."
We offer a great four day safari option after our climbs. We find this is plenty for most people. We see all the sites, while managing to stay clear of the "tourist path." The Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire and Lake Manyara are all classic African Game Parks with unbelievable animal viewing. We choose spacious 4WD Landcruisers instead of minivans jammed with clients. Our safari lodges are vintage and luxurious. The staff, the food, the locations and mostly the amazing views are what you will remember for the rest of your life.
10) Get the best climb for your money.
If you are going to climb Kilimanjaro, we believe that you owe it
to yourself to work with a specialist. We are proud of our expedition
track record, and our past clients have been incredibly happy with our
company. We know how much the competition charges... And we think that
you will agree that we offer a fantastic trip for the money. Shop around,
and if you can find a better program, go for it!
