Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience that many people crave. Mount Kilimanjaro is a free-standing, snow-covered dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Africa, located in the Northern part of Tanzania in the Kilimanjaro region. Here are our top 10 tips for climbing Kilimanjaro/ Tips for climbing mount Kilimanjaro.
1. DO THE REQUIRED TRAINING TO STAY PHYSICALLY FIT
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t need an athlete or someone who is so much into exercise. Only a few pieces of training are needed to conquer this extraordinary mountain. Some people will run marathons up mountains; some will take long cycling, spend their time in gyms, and more, but that is not what this journey is about. Hit a few training sessions following the actual planned hiking dates to prepare your lungs for the low oxygen without actually being at the Kilimanjaro altitude.
2. SELECT THE RIGHT ROUTE
Selecting the right route is one of the Tips for climbing mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. If you want to be safe, successful and have the best experience possible, then you need to research the best/right route. There are seven routes to hike up Kilimanjaro Mountain. One of the biggest mistakes people make on climbing Kilimanjaro is trying to go up the mountain way too quickly, not allowing themselves the required time to acclimatize to the low oxygen levels. Kilimanjaro is at a high level of altitude and one not to be underrated.
People choose a shorter trek on Kilimanjaro because of the costs associated with it. However, when you sign up for an adventure of a lifetime like trekking Kilimanjaro, you would want to do everything possible to succeed and fully enjoy your time. So, in our opinion, take your trip up the Shira Route. The route will give you a safer and more enjoyable experience at the high Kilimanjaro altitude. Click the link below for a guide on the top Kilimanjaro hiking routes
3. SELECT A GOOD COMPANY
Despite what looks like an infinity list of proposed Kilimanjaro trekking companies, there are only a handful of world-class operators on the mountain. While it is always good to ask people with Kilimanjaro experience for their recommendations, you need to research. Several companies out there do not have systematic procedures, which could mean that the service they provide can be a joy or tribulation.
Therefore, established companies with a long-standing legacy of brilliance are the only service providers you should opt for. A well-established company understands how to increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully and safely. And perhaps most importantly, they can summon a rescue team in emergency incidents because they have been trained in safety protocols. It is often tempting to choose the lowest price when making a booking inquiry decision. Resist this longing when it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro.
4. YOU WILL NEED TO GET THE RIGHT GEAR
Having the required and right tools is essential for climbing Kilimanjaro. Here are some items that we feel need to be highlighted. First of all, your feet are one of the most important parts of the body to take care of when trekking. Never cut back on footwear when you walk multiple hours a day for seven days or so. Buy a well-built and waterproof pair of trekking boots, and make sure that you break them in before your adventure starts. It would help if you got a down jacket; a good down jacket needs more down in it to make it warm and therefore best for the freezing highlands of Kilimanjaro.
The jacket will be worn in the mornings and evenings throughout the hike and on the summit night as it is always below freezing during this long summit night. Drinking water is essential in the mountains, hence having both a water bladder and extra water plastic bottles is very important. You can use this during cold nights to have it filled with boiling water to help heat your sleeping bag. The bottle will also be useful going up to the summit, where your bladder will freeze.
5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
This is one of the Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tips that may seem weird, but a positive mental attitude can take you far more than you could ever imagine, especially when fatigue and doubts hit. Believe in yourself. Remember, you don’t walk the path all at once, you walk it one step at a time, and as long as you take the next step, you will reach the summit. It is easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted, but remember, you are on vacation. Kick back and relax with your fellow climbers during the evenings and have fun.
Summit day may seem intimidating, but your mindset can be everything you need. If you find yourself troubled with doubt, remind yourself that you are tougher than you think and that you can achieve anything. Remember, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging, but you can surely make it to the top if you believe in yourself.
6. TAKE IT SLOW
Remember to take it slow and steady; it can mean the difference between successfully reaching the top and turning back early before you get there. When taking on a challenge like Kilimanjaro, acclimatizing to the low levels of oxygen takes time.
It is essential to be gentle with your body to get used to the lack of oxygen easily and perfectly. Don’t race to the next campsite; take your time and enjoy the scenery, for the entire Kilimanjaro Mountain is just so adventurous, and so it’s fun to be anywhere around the mountain.
7. STAY HYDRATED
Keeping yourself hydrated at altitude is extremely vital. Your body dehydrates much quicker at altitude. Consequently, it would be best if you topped up your fluid level by drinking a lot more water than you may do in your normal life routine.
We recommend drinking nowhere less than 4 liters a day when at altitude. If you follow this rule, you will resist altitude sickness and keep yourself safe throughout the hike. The process of drinking not less than 4 liters of water a day can be discouraging to many, but it is one of the essential climbing mount Kilimanjaro tips to people’s success on the summit of Kilimanjaro.
8. KNOW BETTER ABOUT THE SIGNS OF THE ALTITUDE SICKNESS
There are signs that you need to beware of when taking on Kilimanjaro Mountain. However, there are a few main signs of altitude sickness; keep in mind that they vary depending on the person. Signs like headaches, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, lack of appetite, and shortness of breath could be experienced at the altitude.
Normally, if you have more than three signs of altitude sickness, you should immediately descend to lower altitude levels. Taking adequate time to go to high altitudes is crucial. However, you can take some medications in the morning and afternoon to help you through the acclimatization process. However, you should seek medical advice before taking any medication and make sure your doctor is confident about it. Most importantly, we commend you observe all the mentioned tips to assist you in getting through the acclimatization process.
Climbing mount Kilimanjaro tips like choosing the right company, taking it slow, and staying hydrated are essential as it is almost inevitable that you will get some headache or any other body reaction at some stage on the trip. Therefore, learning how to manage these headaches without letting them get worse, or ruining your trip, should always be the key.
9. SNACKS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE TREK
You’ll receive plenty of nutritious food and drinks from the cook for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but to most companies, snacks are on you. Nutrition is extra important in high-altitude trekking as it helps to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness. While your porters will carry all the water needed for the trek up the mountain, what you need for each day must be carried by you. So ensure your snacks pack allows you to carry around high-energy snacks. Be cautious not to bring anything that will mess your trip up.
10. TREAT YOURSELF BEST FROM A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
After acquiring your certificate of success, enjoy your shower, and take a well-deserved nap. You have accomplished something incredible that will linger with you forever. This marks the end of our Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro
You can choose to treat yourself to a wildlife safari at your favorite destination in Tanzania. Check out our guide on Top wildlife destinations in Tanzania
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