Logistics
The support staff for the climb includes two guides and 25 porters. The porters are responsible for carrying gear, setting up camp and preparing meals. Images and diary entries will be sent at the end of each day's hike. This will most likely be around 4 or 5 p.m. Tanzania time, or 8 or 9 a.m. Central Time. The times may vary depending on weather conditions and the length of the day's hike.

Food and Sleep
Meals are eaten outdoors or in a dining tent around a large table. At lower altitudes the cooking is done on wood fires. Above 14,000 feet kerosene stoves are used. Breakfast includes fruit, pancakes, porridge, toast, coffee and tea. Lunch includes fruit, soup, sandwiches and cookies. Evening meals include soup, salad, pasta and bread. Three-person Mountain Hardware tents are used for sleeping, with two people assigned to each tent.

The Equipment
During the climb photos will be shot with a Sony Mavica FD91 digital camera. The images will be downloaded to a Sony laptop computer and then attached to an e-mail that summarizes the day's events. The Internet connection is established using a Thrane & Thrane WorldPhone satellite telephone, which can connect at speeds upto 2,400 bps.

Preparation
The climbers exercised at least three days a week to prepare for the climb. Their training program included running 3-5 miles, exercising on stair-climbing machines and walking with a 15 pound pack.

The climbers needed an extensive number of immunizations before making the trip to Tanzania. Immunizations include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typoid, Polio, Yellow Fever and Measles.