Mountaineering Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance where you will be trekking to Mount Kilimanjaro Base Camp.

To get a quote by telephone or email, please call us on 0844 848 1500 or chris@jsinsurance.co.uk

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania and is the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest peak, Uhuru, rises to an altitude of 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level.

Consisting of three volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, Kilimanjaro is actually a volcano.

While Mawenzi and Shira are declared extinct, Kibo is dormant - though its last eruption was around 300,000 years ago, and the last seismic activity being 200 years ago.

The mountain is usually climbed during the dryest seasons in Tanzania, these being January to March and June to October.

January to March tends to be quieter on the mountain but it is much colder so may not be best for inexperienced climbers. June to October guarantees the safety of the presence of other climbs and slightly higher temperatures.

There are six climbing routes on the mountain. They are:

• Lemosho
• Machame
• Marangu
• Rongai
• Shira
• Umbwe

Macheme is the faster route and can be undertaken in about a week. Rongai is good for camping and Marangu is also a fairly easy route.

Although Kilimanjaro is not as challenging as some mountains in the Himilayas, there is still a wide range of injuries that can be sustained.

The high altitudes can induce altitude sickness. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Aching muscles

Regular rests should be taken during your climb. The Tanzanian authorities charge you on a per day basis to be on the mountain, so don't be tempted to rush your climb to keep costs low.

Keep in mind that Kilimanjaro is also much higher than the level where high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) can occur. Both of these can be fatal within 24 hours. The most common injuries include:

• Blisters
• Black toenails
• Strains
• Sprains
• Stress Fractures

Climbers on Kilimanjaro have been killed by slipping and falling, and also by rock slides and avalanches.

People wishing to climb Kilimanjaro should undertake appropriate research and training.

Equipment to take with you should include:

• Food
• Water
• Detailed maps
• Itinerary
• GPS satellite
• Snow clothing
• Duffel Bag
• Ski pole/walking stick
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Torch
• Eyedrops
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit

Please consult your guides on other essentials and information about weather formations around the time you wish to climb.

Vaccinations before you travel to Tanzania should include:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Cholera
• Tetanus (lockjaw)

Equipment Required: Tent, Sleeping bag and liner, Day pack, Camp shoes, Fleece or Down jacket and pants, Sunglasses, Gloves, Water bottle, Towel, Cooking set, First aid kit.

Useful Websites: Kilimanjaro - Peak Planet - Kilimanjaro Final Check List - Ultimate Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro Travel Guide - EWP.net - Africa Travel Resource - World Expeditions - The Mountain Company - Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - Adventure Alternative - Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing & Training Info - Team Kilimanjaro

To get a quote by telephone or email, please call us on 0844 848 1500 or chris@jsinsurance.co.uk

This Travel Insurance is provided by JS Insurance and the insurance has been arrange through Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority - No 471641, with Mapfre Assistance