Kilimanjaro or Tanzania - satellite or cell phone service

Even that I'm sure, there are competent travellers, who can also help, I like to give some information. First of all, you don't get the SIM at the airport, but outside everywhere. I know, that on the mountain there is coverage up to Gilman's point (I got once a call from there), but for me I would advise that you use your home SIM and choose roaming. My idea is, that maybe there are different providers at different points of the climb, then maybe just the one you have is there not avlable. But with roaming, the SIM connects then to another available provider. When you think about a satellite phone, then this option is for sure cheaper. Ask your home provider about the possibility. Otherwise I would buy SIMs from Airtel and Vodacom and put in a double SIM mobile.
But to make phone calls during the climb is for me not imaginable. You really need to concentrate and not to think, which problems the folks at home have to solve.

Johannes

It's difficult to believe that anyone could be so incredibly vital to the smooth running of a business that it couldn't manage 4 days without you, but if they really think this is the case, then you are surely due a great big pay rise!

If you are taking these 4 days from your annual entitlement of leave for this trip, you should not be bothered by work queries - especially when you are half way up a dangerous mountain.... I would suggest you just 'forget' to take the phone with you while on the climb.

IF you are that vital to your company then it has to be a SAT phone. I have trekked the mountain 3 times - all the major routes and whilst there is "limited" mobile/cell phone coverage its not guaranteed. From memory it worked find on day 1 on both Marangu and Machame routs and was reasonable at Horombu on Marangu but almost zero on Machame until we reached Barafu (where there is line of sight coverage back to Moshi). At Stella and/or Gillmans Point its often a bit hit and miss - depends on whether you managed to keep your phone warm and the battery did not freeze. At Uhuru Peak (the summit) it is again a question of location and temperature (it can do down to minus 20C). Even with the SAT phone you will need to keep in with you, inside pocket to ensure it does not freeze - also its an extra 500 grams to carry and at 5800 meters every gram counts. One very small question - how did you intend to keep the battery charged?? There are virtually no re-charge points unless your guide has a very good relationship with head ranger at each hut on the Machame Route (you should be able to recharge on days 1 and 2 on Marangu). Even if you leave Moshi/Arusha with a fully charged battery (on stand-by) the affect of turning it on/off and temperature will drain it more quickly than usual.
My real advice - tell them you are taking a phone - but turn the bloody thing off and leave it in your day pack until you are at your last overnight stop. If they have left messages - well the simple response "this is Africa" usually covers all situations. Go and climb this fantastic free standing mountain and forget the world outside. If its a clear night the stars will dazzle you with their brilliance.

Depends which side of the mountain you are trekking. I went Rongai route and the guides had cellphone reception basically the whole time. I can't recall which operator they used so perhaps ask your guide service which they'd recommend.

Cody

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