Climb Kilimanjaro: Tips for Success!

This guide is dedicated to helping you become one of the many climbers that reaches the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro successfully. We have plenty of important information that you can really use, to help fully prepare you for the challenging but exciting trip ahead. Here are your tips for success:

image author: Pius Mahimbi on Flickr

Before The Climb

Make Sure You're Equipped

Before you begin the climb you need to make sure that you’re well equipped. You should have with you all of your travel documents, essential items like your sleeping bag, a ski pole, water bottles, high altitude gear, first aid supplies, and optional items like cameras. While making sure you have everything you need, you should also try to travel as light as possible.

Prepare Yourself Physically

To prepare your body for climbing this mountain, a suitable training program is required. A regular gym program to stimulate muscle development, along with some practice hikes and walks should do the trick.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

Many people have succeeded climbing this mountain before you, so you know that it’s possible. Always remain positive, but know that you will have to overcome some mental challenges.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel and medical insurance will make sure you have adequate cover for this Kilimanjaro climb, giving you peace of mind.

During The Climb

Go Slowly

The people leading you will constantly be telling you, ‘pole, pole’, which is ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili! Even if you feel ok, you should slow down and enjoy the scenery around you. You could give yourself terrible altitude sickness if you climb too fast.

Drink Lots of Water

3-4 waters per day is highly recommended, as it’s the best medicine to fight off sickness and keep you energised. Buy water from the hotel on the first day so you have bottles to collect water from the mountain in on the rest of your trip.

Packing

You’ll be on the mountain for 5-6 days, so it’s essential that you bring everything you need. You’ll need lots of clothing, and especially socks to last you through this. Pack your items individually in plastic bags, as you’ll come across numerous streams and probably experience lots of rainfall.

What to Wear

What you wear is very important. You’ll need:

●     Correct underwear.

●     Thermal hiking socks.

●     Gloves.

●     Head protection.

●     A raincoat.

●     Sunglasses.

●     Sun protection cream.

●     Hiking boots.

●     Running shoes.

●     A ski pole.

●     Shorts.

●     Tshirts.

Beware of Acute Mountain Sickness

AMS affects people who are not used to climbing at high altitudes. If not treated immediately, this illness can be lethal. Around 70% of people will suffer from this in one form or another so make sure you learn about what to expect and how to treat it for the best results.

Above all else, you should make sure that you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. By following the tips above you’ll be well prepared mentally and physically, feeling confident to take on the huge mountain and tick this experience off your bucket list. You can do it!