Equipment check list

Headlamp
Walking pole(s)
Sleeping Bag,
Gaiters: To keep mud, rocks, and snow out of your boots.
Water purification: This is essential as water for drinking is taken directly from mountain streams.
Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support.

Other Check list (limit yourself)

1 set of thermal underwear (top & bottom e.g poly plopeline thermos)
1 sleeping bag (rating -0 degree or four seasons goose down sleeping bags)
1 warm jersey puff jacket e.g the North Face Types of Jackets
1 sleeping pad/mat
1 pair of track suit top & bottom
1 light towel
1 polar fleece/down vest
1 pair of light loose fitting cotton trousers
1 waterproof jacket (with a hood) & pants
1 to 2 T-shirts (cotton/wool)
4 pairs of thermal hiking socks
2 pairs of thermal socks liner
2 to 3 pairs of shorts (with pockets)
1 pair of hiking boots
1 wide brimmed hat / baseball cap
1 pair of sneakers/trainers/takkies
1 pair of warm heavy weight gloves/mittens
1 pair of gaiters
1 pair of light weight gloves (inner gloves)
1 bandana
1 pair of sunglasses/mountaineering glasses
1 balaclava
1 wool hat
1 warm scarf

NB: Make sure that your boots are waterproof

USEFUL EQUIPMENT:

2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
1 head lamp (plus spare batteries & bulb)
1 pair of walking/ski poles
1 pocket swiss army knife
2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
1 travel pillow (optional)
Personal Items & Toiletries:
Toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items. (Ladies, please carry some sanitary toiletries as being at high altitude may alter your cycle).

Photographic (optional):

1 camera (plus spare batteries),film & tripod stand,different lenses,
1 pair of binoculars,video camera,video tapes, battery packs.
Miscellaneous (Optional):
notebook, pencil, sketchbook, masking tape, zip loc plastic bags, ear plugs, address list for post cards, map of Kilimanjaro (the trip leader will have one).

HEALTH:

Yellow Fever: This is compulsory and a certificate might be requested on arrival at the airport. Please make sure that you have the shot in time.
Malaria: There are various types of medicine on the market today used for prevention and treatment of malaria. We recommend that you consult your doctor on which prophylactics to take.
Water purification tablets: On the mountain, we use water from the streams. Although drinking water will be boiled first, it is advisable to add a tablet or two - to be on the safe side.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): This is a condition commonly experienced at high altitude. In most cases, this can be avoided by following guidelines on hiking pace, eating, resting and fluid intake. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the various affects that altitude can cause.
(Please consult your doctor on use of Diamox - tablets used by some mountaineers to help them cope with the effects of altitude).
Personal medical supplies (optional): As your tour leaders, we will carry a group medical kit.
Some items that you might want to carry would include; aspirin, imodium, laxatives, antibiotics, bandages, malaria tablets, gauze, adhesives, betadine, throat lozenges, eye drops, sun block, lip balm, moleskin antihistamine tablets and cream.

OUR PORTERS
We have qualified porters who have wealthy of experience with Mt Kenya Trek for more than five years each. They have good communication skills and first aide handling. Friendly and dedicated team . Our portes are participants in Mt kenya clean up Campaign every year .

OUR MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Our guides are qualified with long experience in treks and climbs graduating from outdoor leadership school and Kenya wildlife Service and have participated in Mountain rescue operations and are members to Mt Kenya Guides
Our Mt Kenya Guides and Porters will help you in sorting the gears.

ABOUT MT KENYA

Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain. Straddling the equator, it's icy summit reaches to 5,199 m. The National Park consists of all areas above 3,200 m. The mountain actually consists of three distinct zones: the volcanic peak zone, with its endless glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone, with its distinctive giant vegetation such as groundsels; and the lower slopes, with their thick forest and bamboo vegetation.
Mount Kenya has always attracted curious hikers and adventurers, including the turn of the century British geographer/explorer Halford Mackinder. To most modern day adventurers, climbing to the peak of Mount Kenya is still a challenge requiring extensive mountain climbing skills. Nevertheless, most visitors are able to reach the more accessible Point Lenana at 4,985 m and many visitors enjoy simple high altitude walks.
Wildlife below the Park boundary include elephant, buffalo, antelope, and the rare bongo, also found in the nearby Aberdares. Most wildlife can be viewed from Mountain Lodge on the south side of the mountain. Mount Kenya can be climbed anytime of the year. However, the best times for visiting Mount Kenya and the National Park are December to February and July, August through to early October, when there are no rains.

Climb Equipment List for Mt. Kenya

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proper equipment is extremely important to the success, enjoyment, comfort and safety of your trip. Please bring the following items for your climb. If you have any questions, call us for advice.

Sleeping Gear
These items are available for rent for $30 each. You must order and pay Mountain Madness, Inc. for them before your departure.
___sleeping bag and stuff sack: night-time temperatures on Kilimanjaro can be as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit so bring a warm bag
___sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalent

Head and Face
___pile or wool hat: it must cover the ears; a balaclava works well
___shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun
___bandannas: various uses - cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.
___sunglasses with side shields or glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water

Upper Body
___t-shirts: two t-shirts that will get dirty; polypropylene is best; no cotton.
___upper body layers: three warms layers for the upper body. These must be made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Layers must fit over each other and provide good insulation. A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.
___rain parka: a good parka made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially on Kilimanjaro.
___poncho: quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; poor protection in windy rain
___wool gloves or mittens: wool or pile; one pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves works well
___mitten shells: one pair to go over mittens; provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountain

Optional
___Down or Synthetic Jacket: although not required some individuals may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights.

Lower Body
___undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb
___hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
___tights: comfortable to hike in, protection from vegetation and sunburn, warm on cool misty days; Lycra are best
___long underwear bottoms: one pair, either wool or polypropylene ___pile, bunting or wool pants: one comfortable pair that fit loosely over the long underwear bottoms
___rain pants: a good pair of Gortex or nylon pants (nylon pants must be made of breathable, water resistant nylon); must be roomy enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants

Feet
___thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
___thick socks: six pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks
___hiking boots: one pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock (see Boot Fitting and Maintenance section in this booklet)
___gaiters: one pair of high gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots
___tennis shoes: to wear in camp after a day of hiking

Personal Health and Comfort
___toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, footpowder, handcream, etc. Bring enough for the entire trip as few are available in Tanzania.
___sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.
___lip balm: must have SPF rating of 15 or more
___ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
___flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries
___adjustable ski poles: required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain
___pocket knife: simple Swiss Army type with scissors
___personal first aid and drug kit: see Health and Medical Information ___towel: for wash up in camp
___Towelettes: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene
___spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set
___umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; most guides use one
___portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs. Stools are provided in camp for dining.
___snacks: (optional): bring a supply of your favorite snacks to eat on the climb. It is a nice treat for the porters to receive a small snack on the climb.
___fingernail brush (optional): for removing dust from your nails, clothes or boots
___plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry

Water
___water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition. These can be used in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag (example: Nalgene ).
___water treatment tablets: two bottles of Potable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use
___water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler's lemonade make treated water taste better.

Carrying Gear
___large day pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 2500-3500 cu. in. (40-50 liters) severs most people needs well.
___large duffel bag: with a lock; mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel will weigh between 25-30 lbs.
___medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.
___baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels
___plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.

M