Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - 6 - Weather & Clothing - what to expect

Before embarking on the feat to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I had read a lot about it, watched videos and listened to the experiences of other "Kilimanjaro Challenge" Participants who had done it before me. What I can conclude is that ever experience is different and mine was different from theirs too!

Here I will mention things which are generic situations and tips & tricks, which normally everyone will feel and experience, but for the rest it will be your personal experience when climbing that will make your adventure unique and completely yours.

I will start with the Weather and the clothing approach for the climb

The Weather. 
The mountain has its own weather system, so weather actually is kind of unpredictable, but there are some typical patterns including :

Start (jungle area)
Hot / Humid / Wet, but turns colder when reaching higher altitude (towards Machame Camp)

Mid Section camps
Still can be very warm (remember you will be walking), but turns nippy quickly and might even rain or hail - so always Layer up and have your waterproofs handy and easily accessible in your day sack - in our case it even snowed, so you get the idea 😃

Higher Camps
Here it starts getting colder indeed! But again the best strategy is to layer your clothing. Since you will be walking a great deal, you are going to be creating body warmth and you do not want to overheat, so having the ability to remove and/or add clothing easily is key.

Summit
Here you will be starting off at around midnight, so be prepared for cold, but yet again make sure that your summit clothing layers, give you the ability to open and vent. Also here have good head gear to keep your head warm and also good UV protect sunglasses or ski goggles, since when the sun goes up its bright, very bright!

At Night
In the tents, it can turn cold even with the sleeping bag, so best is to layer up also at night. If you are not using your own sleeping bag (you got a rental) get yourself a bag liner, this gives it a higher sense of hygiene plus it does add to warmth! Also have your jacket handy next to you just in case you have to get out to pee..... or if you're a bit lazy and its fine with your tent mate use a pee bottle! (Mind you the latter is easier for males!!)

In Summary

• Have different clothes you can layer up. (these include both uppers and pants - you can also opt for warmers underneath, but be careful you do not overheat!) 
• Get your self a good overall waterproof jacket and pants. 
• Sun block cream (or spray - its easier to apply). 
• Good UV protect Sun Glasses or Ski Goggles.
• Head gear - from running beanie to heavy wool beanie.
• Buffs - the more the merrier (plus they add colour) 
• Socks & liners - have spares in a waterproof bag - your feet are the most important thing you got here!
• Pack your Summit clothes (inc. Socks) in a waterproof bag and use ONLY on summit night! Better safe knowing you have dry summit clothes!

Sorting all the gear