LUXURY ITEMS FOR KILIMANJARO

Mobile phone - You should be able to get reception on much of the southern side of the mountain - including, so it is said, on the summit. What better place could there be from which to phone friends stuck behind their desks at work on a rainy day?

Walkman’s/CD/MP3 players and iPods - Undoubtedly unnecessary on Kilimanjaro, as you won’t want to listen to music during the day and you’ll probably be too tired to listen in the evening. Nevertheless, while most find the idea abhorrent, people do still bring their music on the trek with them, including many porters. There is nothing wrong with a little mountainside music of course, but do remember that while you may think you’ve found the perfect soundtrack for climbing up Kilimanjaro, others on the mountain may disagree.  Bring headphones, so as not to disturb.

Hot water bottle - A number of trekking companies now supply them as standard. Get your crew to fill it with hot water before bedtime, and use the water in the morning to drink or wash with.

Pillow - Bulky and a pain to carry, of course – but so much nicer than resting one’s weary head on a scrunched-up fleece at the end of the day.

Diary/reading material - Though you’ll probably be too tired to read or write much.

Champagne - For celebrating, of course, though don’t try to take it up and open it at the summit - the combination of champagne and altitude sickness could lead to tragedy and, besides, the glass could well crack with the cold.