The majestic height of Kilimanjaro often gets compared with Mt. Everest. While for the aspiring trekkers climbing Kilimanjaro can be one of the best experiences of life, it can also be one of the dangerous mission. This prime summit of the world throws fairly high challenges according to its scenic routes and majestic height. Here are a few tips that will cover up with information about the much-needed Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
The right Season While Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
“The perfect time to start….creates the perfect effect on your success”.
While Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to choose the right season as it contributes a huge role in your successful summiting. Due to the proximity of this majestic mountain to the equator, the climate varies a lot and the sudden changes in weather aren’t surprised at all. It is possible to climb the mountain all year round, however, the dry seasons are the best with less rainfall. Here is the information about the best, good and not preferred weather list;
Choose the longer route For Better acclimatization
The best safety precaution to take while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is “proper Acclimatization”. It’s more preferable to choose a route that is long and provides a great acclimatizing opportunity by letting the trekkers follow the walk high and sleep low trick. Longer routes allow the body to get familiar with the lowering oxygen level, thus the climbers shouldn’t feel high symptoms of altitude sickness. Here are the best Kilimanjaro Routes that are the longest and provides a great acclimatization opportunity;
- Lemosho Route; offers an 8 to 9 days trekking itinerary and highly appreciated for the great acclimatizing opportunity
- Machame Route; offers extraordinary Walk High, Sleep Low profile which helps acclimatization with 7 to 8 days itinerary
- Northern Circuit Route; offers extraordinary Walk High, Sleep Low profile which helps acclimatization with 9 days itinerary.
Work on your strength & Endurance level
If you are an experienced trekker and you know where you are lacking while climbing a high altitude, it’s recommended to work on it. Like if you belong to a country where the temperature is quite high then it might be a problem for you to cope with the coldness in the arctic zone of the mountain. So it’s advisable to spend some time in colder places to let your body get acquainted with changing temperature. Also, if you are a new climber it’s better to judge your capabilities on how you can cope with lower oxygen, how much and how long you can walk etc. Before planning for Climbing Kilimanjaro, test your strength level and prepare yourself well.
Through the Right Exercise Programme
In the list of Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, practicing the right exercise tops the list. Here are a few tips for perfect exercises;
- Aerobic training; includes long-distance jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking.
- Strength Training; do light strength training, particularly for your legs, core, and upper body that includes lunges, squats, front and reverse leg-curls, step aerobics, sit-ups, shoulder presses, etc.
- Practice short hiking; it’s better to take short hiking before climbing such a high peak for practice.
Right gear while Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro acquiring 5,895m height is the highest peak of Africa unarguably acquiring the title of “Roof of Africa”. The majestic mountain throws various challenges and coping with the changing climates is the toughest one. Going through 5 climatic zones the mountain is quite tough and the trekkers need to well-equipped with the right gear to beat all the challenges. The Kilimanjaro Gear List divided into 3 parts; hiking gear, camping gear, and clothing gear.
Aware & be ready with Medication for Altitude sickness
Another important part of getting prepared is by taking care of health issues before climbing Kilimanjaro (if you have any kind of allergies or other health issues you are getting treated for). Altitude Sickness is something that is the hardest challenge Kilimanjaro throws with its increased height. It’s widely advisable to meet your physician before flying to Tanzania, and especially while Climbing Kilimanjaro it is needed to keep some Acetazolamide to deal with Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is another key to keep you acclimatize. Dehydration leads to altitude sickness and may increase symptoms like headaches and tiredness, as the body sweat a lot while walking continuously for 5-6 hours every day. Drinking plenty of water will make you stay energetic as a well-hydrated body can help you well for coping with altitude sickness. It’s recommended to drink at least 3 liters of water every day.
Learn & Practice right Breathing Technique
Do try breathing exercises, as that would be the key to deal with breathing shortness and low oxygen level. Here are certain exercises you may try to get control over your breathing;
- Relax your neck and shoulders
- Keep your mouth closed, inhale slowly
- Exhale slowly by blowing air through your pursed lips
- You can try some yoga forms to control your breathing
Stay Motivated While Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mental strength is something that is another important key to have a successful climbing to the roof of Africa. Mental strength is equally needed as physical strength. Due to strong will power and mental strength, many records have been established on this world’s highest free-standing mountain. From 7-year-old Boyd to the oldest 86 years and 267 days old, Russian Angela Vorobeva has summit Kilimanjaro and established a record due to their mental willpower.
Stay away from Alcohol
It’s highly advisable to stay away from alcohol to have good acclimatization. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and also you can bring some of your favorite drinks while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Here are a few things that you need to take care of while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to have a successful trek. Apart from the tips, every climber needs to choose a perfect trekking partner. For having a successful Kilimanjaro Climb, choose “Jerry Tanzania Tours”; a ruling trekking brand of Tanzania.
