Machame route video

I just watched this video from Trial Magazine where one of the staff members did a 6-day Machame climb. It's a nice overview of the route and what it really feels like.

Last time I did the Machame route I took 7 days and found the extra day well worth it. Instead of hiking directly from Baranco to Barafu (final summit camp) we had an additional day with a stop at Karanga instead. If you have the time I highly recommend an extra day to acclimate. As the video correctly points out, it's not a technically hard mountain but the altitude can make or break you.

I also really liked hearing from the guide, Samuel. Nice touch.

Kilimanjaro photo wins contest

Sorry for the silence. I was out backpacking in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. I'm finally getting caught up now and had to share this. I know this is a bit off topic from our typical Kilimanjaro adventure travel and trekking related content. But this is a GREAT picture.



Rob Bukar won the Imaging-Resource photo competition for April. While there are no real details about the photo itself, I think this came from the Kenya side of the mountain given the wildlife and mountain view.

Kilimanjaro makes another top 10 list

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro has recently been recognized by Forbes Travel as one of the top 10 for amateur climbers. Take a look and get a few ideas for some other places to consider after you get back from Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro water unsafe?

A recent backpacker returned from Kilimanjaro with water samples to test how well it was being filtered and treated on the mountain. In this case, the answer is not well at all! As a result a number of climbers became ill. While I'm only aware of a few cases where climbers got sick on the mountain (aside from altitude sickness), water quality is a serious issue on Kilimanjaro. On one climb I witnessed a porter urinating into the steam that was to be our water supply.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself on the mountain. If you bring your own filter make sure you get your water far enough upstream to avoid any contamination from your own party. If the porters are providing all your water make sure to ask your guide how the water is being purified. Warn him that you've heard stories and do not want to get sick. The guides know sick clients mean lower tips and should take extra precautions with your water.

Brief History of Kilimanjaro

Roy J Hinde of the Travel Zone blog has posted a nice, short geological history of Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as some of the thoughts on how the name came about. Check it out.