DO NOT CLIMB higher than 9000ft (2700m) if you have:

• a breating problem
• a soar throat
• a cold
• a cough
• a high temperature
• a nose bleed

Precautions
There is controversy concerning the taking of medication for altitude sickness. The current advice from the British Medical association is that you should take it three days before you reach a high altitude and continue to take it until you descend to the gate. The Tanzanian view is that you should not take any medication iuntil, or if, you have the symptoms of altitude suckness. It is quite possible that you may not feel the effects of altitude at all.

Hire of Equiment
Most equipm,ent is available for hire in moshi but do check with us in advance to guarantee your items.

Extra acclimatisation Day
You may wish to spend an extra day ay Horombo on the Marangu route, or Shira on the Machame route, in order to let your body better acclimatise;

Gratuities
Frankly porters expect a tip, they do a very tough job - these, of course are always at your discretion. Although they are forbidden to push for tips, it happens.....

Health Requirements
Yellow Fever Inoculation + carry Your International Vaccination Certificate .

Anti-Malaria tablets
Recommended for most of equtorial and eastern Africa - please consult your pharmacist or physician, there is alot to chose from.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out Travel Insurance. This must cover you for Medical Costs while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb.

Secondly your gear can be broken in and adjustments can be made before leaving. Simple things like how your pack best sits on your shoulders can be worked out prior to leaving and your feet will thank you when you have perfectly worked in boots.

Thirdly your not running a marathon up Kilimanjaro, a good, smooth walking pace is what you want up and down hills for at least an hour straight. If you can get in some day hikes - even better.

As for aerobic training get to a gym and pound a stairmaster. Use a consistent program such as aerobic training and start at a specific level and time interval. Slowly work your way up each time you train. Try for at least twice a week.

Jogging is also great but I find it punishes the body somewhat at first. But it is great because it works on your mental strength as well. Try to set a goal each time you run or do any exercise during your mountain training.

Do not stop until you reach that goal - fighting through some pain and succeeding will be the difference between getting to the top and giving up short. Trust me your mind will be your biggest ally or adversary when your just about to summit.

This may sound harsh but I assume the goal of most is to actually summit Mount Kilimanjaro. If your goal is to go as far as Arrow Glacier then that is great but your mind will still have to be strong for whatever goal you try to achieve.

Try to go easy the last few days before leaving for Africa. Eat well and pamper your body if it has any aches. Continue your training but not fall out.