ON THE MOUNTAIN

HygIene Basics

  • Personal hygiene is critical for your comfort, health, and overall performance on the mountain.

  • Following Leave No Trace principles (more information on this below) will help preserve Kilimanjaro’s environment. Bring only biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.

  • Remember that you will be camping outside without showers, heating, air conditioning, hair dryers, etc. Be prepared to do without the conveniences of home.

  • Washing your hands before every meal and using hand sanitizer while trekking are the absolute best ways to avoid transferring germs that could make you ill on the mountain.

  • Showers are not offered on Kilimanjaro. Instead, you will be provided with a basin of warm water at your tent in the mornings and afternoons, as well as upon request.

  • Warm soapy water will be provided outside the dining tent before each meal.

  • Use moist towelettes and hand sanitizer while trekking as alternatives to water, but make sure you pack out all trash in your day pack with biodegradable dog waste bags; throw these away in the trash at camp for proper disposal.

USING THE LATRINES

Thomson uses custom-designed toilet tents that house eco-friendly, portable, pump-flush toilets. These are available at designated campsites and are for the exclusive use of Thomson guests. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer is provided. PETT technology is utilized for toilets at Crater Camp in order to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

HUMAN WASTE

There is a growing health, aesthetic, and environmental problem associated with the disposal of human waste on Kilimanjaro’s climbing routes. Your mountain staff does its utmost to remove waste and trash on the mountain. All trash and solid waste is transported from campsites and disposed of properly. Porters are even paid bonuses to remove trash left by negligent companies.

Here are a few simple Leave No Trace rules you can follow to help preserve Kilimanjaro’s environment and set an example:

  • Use the toilet tents at camp as much as possible, including at night and just before leaving camp in the morning.

  • When you need to go while on the trail, please make sure that you are 200 feet away from all water sources, campsites, and trails.

  • All toilet paper must be packed out in plastic bags for disposal. Bring it with you to camp, and dispose of it properly in the provided receptacles.

  • For solid waste, you must dig a hole at least 6 inches deep with your collapsible trowel, and make sure you cover it up completely and pack it down tightly. This is critical as waste on Kilimanjaro is becoming a serious environmental issue.