Fitness cannot be defined as a generic term, however, it can be defined based on the requirement to perform a particular task. Now, focusing on Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcanic mountain, the fitness quotient that we need to develop is not sort of developing special climbing skills, rather we need to be fit enough to be able to sustain and instantly adapt to certain climatic conditions, body reactions, and resource utilization to stay fit. So you must take care of your physical fitness six to eight months before Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
TRAINING FOR KILIMANJARO
- Training for Kilimanjaro is not a checklist that we need to check rather it’s a basic body fitness that we need to develop to climb or trek. This is not a race, so an average person can climb and summit Kilimanjaro successfully but for that, we need to train our body every day for at least 4-6months before the ascent.
- The Training For Kilimanjaro doesn’t include rigorous gym training or exercise machine but it does require enough aerobic fitness for the trek and for that a daily walk of 5-10kms or more is recommended for better adaptability, as the climb is a slow walk to the summit.
- Apart from walking certain other training that can be considered are certain breathing exercises as well as uphill walks.
PREPARING TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Well! Almost everything that we do in our life needs preparation, so it also requires some preparation for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Some Basic requirements worth keeping in mind while preparing:
- Carry food and other clothing essentials for every climatic situation as you will be facing four different climatic zones there.
- A complete Health checkup is needed before leaving for Kilimanjaro Trek.
- Preferable time selection for the climb I.e the best time to visit Kilimanjaro.
- Train and be aware to check for symptoms and signs of acute mountain sickness and its immediate possible remedies.
- Carry as much as water and other liquid supplements to keep yourself hydrated on the Kilimanjaro Trails. Because keeping yourself hydrated is the only way to avoid High Altitude Sickness which is the biggest problem while climbing Kilimanjaro.
- With the progress in the climb, try to adapt to the surroundings and the conditions and react accordingly (drink whenever needed, eat which helps in providing maximum possible energy with least possible heaviness post eating)
- To minimize any kind of sickness as well as unhealthy situation you need to eat well, sleep well and relax
POSSIBLE KILIMANJARO ROUTES TO HIKE MOUNT KILIMANJARO
When it comes to Kilimanjaro Routes selection, we know that for each one of them, the best route was the route that gave them the best chance to stand on the top of this awesome mountain. So there are just four routes up Kilimanjaro that we would recommend: the Machame Route, Lemosho route, Rongai route, and the Northern Circuit.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO (THINGS WORTH ACKNOWLEDGING)
Here comes the part where all the action happens and one needs to carefully plan for the climb and here we are to provide you with all the basic checks and guidance for a successful Kilimanjaro Summit.
- First of all, it is going to be a week’s hike so get yourself geared up. This might put immense strain on your body, especially your leg muscles and joints.
- Second of all, as you climb, with an increase in altitude the oxygen level decreases and this is when you start feeling dizziness and other symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Be well prepared for the same.
- Thirdly, it is going to be rough sometimes with significant temperature drops and with long 18-20km continuous walks at times.
- The breaks at regular intervals should be precise and calculative so that you don’t stress yourself as well as you don’t waste your energy with unwanted halts. During the climbs, you will burn calories within a range of 4000-6000 calories. So to keep yourself fit, you need to eat at regular intervals even if you don’t have an appetite.
- The equipment that you carry for your climb should be perfect without any flaws or damages.
After learning about all the pros and cons as well as the minimum requirements for the hike. Here comes the most important part which every hiker wants to keep an idea about, i.e. Kilimanjaro Climb Cost.
EXPENSES/COST TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
- A full breakdown of Kilimanjaro Trip inclusions and exclusions is on each route page but as an average, the Machame route cost is around $1500 per person for a fully guided trip. Except for Machame, other routes are a little more expensive because of the transportation factor.
- Additionally, you will need a flight to Kilimanjaro airport near Arusha in Tanzania, a visa that you can buy on arrival, travel insurance, and personal expenses like meals in hotels, the kit cost for rent, and tips.
- You need to carry your essentials for wearing and for sleeping but you will also find stores nearby, that have the most items for rent which include Sleeping bags, poles, waterproofs, flasks, duffle bags, etc.
- Tips generally come to 5000-7000 per visitor and this is given in local currency to Castro at the end of the climb. In total for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you will be needing around $2000 to $4000 in all.
Going for a Kilimanjaro hike is an enjoyable thing to do, however, you need to be well prepared mentally as well physically to have a safe and successful Kilimanjaro Summit. Make sure to be in your best physical conditions as well as mental stability during the trek. Double-check to make sure you have sufficient monetary assistance to cope up with any kind of situations, conditions, scenarios, and requirements. Lastly, do not forget to carry the required essentials (clothing, sleeping, food, and medicine, and first aid kits). We, at Jerry Tanzania Tours, are here to welcome you with our great hospitality.
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