FAQ | Siddharth Patil

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my own experience, below is a list of questions I myself had, and the answers I got as my climb and journey to Mt. Kili went along and eventually ended as a success. Also have added a few pointers for City-Warriors who like myself might find my experiences helpful.

What is the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

The best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro is in its driest months. These are usually August, September and January. I myself did it in September and it was great. Not too cold, and dry. With a largely clear sky line, just some nice fluffy white clouds which make for some great photographs.

Other months, middle of year based, can get wet due to rains. And this is one mountain which you do not want to climb in that sort of weather. Taxing on both, the body and spirits.

What Agency should I go with? Is there a difference?

There are a couple of agencies you can go with, I went with a slightly smaller one called Tro-Peaks. They were absolutely great! An added advantage was the owners themselves were guides which made it a complete and great solution. Highly recommended.

Alternatively, most popular agencies are similar on the mountain. Only their costs vary. Tents are similar, food is similar. Just make sure you have a clear idea on guide to client ratio. Also try to make sure the group size is not extremely large.

Does the group size matter?

Yes, it does. A very basic and logical reason is, the bigger the group the slower it gets. Everybody has a different pace for different situations, and this is one point in time where you want your pace to be the pace that is followed.

So the suggestion is a small managable group is best (also helps to have some company), and to try and make sure that from a fitness and pace point of view, all of you are as similar as possible.

What should my first aid kit consist of? Any specific recommendations?

I'm apart from the regular band-aid, cotton balls and some antiseptic, it would be important to have possibly some ache relieving spray or ointment (Diclopar Activa Gel is brilliant for sprains, strains and soft tissue or ligament injuries basically a mix of Diclofenac Diethylamine, Methyl salicylates and Racementhol), also carry cloth based dressing tape (it is great to prevent blisters), a pair of scissors and a mix of body ache and head ache based tablets, like ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Should I take Diamox? Can I, just to be safe?

Diamox is largely used as a prophylactic for AMS (Acute mountain sickness). It is recommended for those who go from sea level to 3000m in a day or for those ascending over 600m in a day when climbing over 2500-3000m. Dosage and usage is best taken after consulting with a doctor, but this is available over the counter.

I personally did not use Diamox when I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and had minimal effects of mountain sickness, if any.

Also it is only recommended for those who may have a significant history of mountain sickness.

Also note Diamox (Acetazolamide) is not a cure for AMS but a tool to speed up the acclimatization process, best done otherwise with good rest, drinking lot of water, eating well and following the climb high and sleep low (and the rule of thumb is to sleep not more than 1000ft higher than the previous day)