Northern Tanzania - Tanzania - page 307

Guides & Porters
Guides, and at least one porter (for the guide), are obligatory and are provided by your
trekking company. You can carry your own gear on the Marangu Route, although porters
are generally used, but one or two porters per trekker are essential on all other routes.
All guides must be registered with the national park authorities. If in doubt, check that
your guide's permit is up to date. On Kili, the guide's job is to show you the way and that's
it. Only the best guides, working for reputable companies, will be able to tell you about
wildlife, flowers or other features on the mountain.
Porters will carry bags weighing up to 15kg (not including their own food and clothing,
which they strap to the outside of your bag), and your bags will be weighed before you set
off.
While most guides, including those working for the budget companies, are dedicated,
professional, properly trained and genuinely concerned with making your trip safe and suc-
cessful, there are exceptions. If you're a hardy traveller you might not worry about basic
meals and substandard tents, but you should be concerned about incompetent guides and
dishonest porters. Although it doesn't happen often, some guides leave the last hut delib-
erately late on the summit day to avoid going all the way to the top. Going with a reput-
able company, preferably one who hires full-time guides (most don't) is one way to prevent
bad experiences. Also, insist on meeting the guide before signing up for a trip, familiarise
yourself with all aspects of the route, and when on the mountain have morning and evening
briefings so you know what to expect each day. The night before summiting talk to oth-
er climbers to be sure your departure time seems realistic (Though note that not everyone
leaves at the same time.) and if not, get an explanation from your guide. Should problems
arise, be polite but firm with your guide.
Maps
Topographical maps include Map & Guide to Kilimanjaro by Andrew Wielochowski and
Kilimanjaro Map & Guide by Mark Savage.
TREKKING ROUTES
There are six main trekking routes to the summit. Of these, the Marangu Route is the
easiest and the most popular. A trek on this route is typically sold as a five-day, four-night
return package, although at least one extra night is highly recommended to help acclimat-
isation, especially if you've just flown in to Tanzania or arrived from the lowlands.
Other routes on Kili usually take six days (which costs more, but helps acclimatisation)
and pass through a wider range of scenic areas than the Marangu Route, although trekkers
must use tents. The increasingly popular Machame Route has a gradual ascent, including
a spectacular day contouring the southern slopes before approaching the summit via the top
section of the Mweka Route. The Umbwe Route is much steeper, with a more direct way