Now you know a bit more about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro alongside the difficulty and expected time to embark on this trek, we’ll now provide you with some top tips before you set off on your adventure. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best things to consider when preparing for this true bucket list voyage.
Taking the Right Gear
A Kilimanjaro gear guide is a key part of your journey, as there are plenty of essentials you’ll want to consider before setting off on your adventure.
The first part of your kit is hiking boots. You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet so comfortable, waterproof and fit-for-purpose footwear is a must.
Next, you’ll need a good quality down jacket. This will keep you warm during the cold evenings and will also help protect you against some of the harsh elements. There are different types of warm jackets, so you must do your research to find the best one for you.
Camelbacks and water bottles are also super important when hiking Kilimanjaro as you must remain hydrated during the climb. Nalgene bottles are a much better option than regular plastic bottles as the closer you get to the summit, the higher the chance of your water freezing.
You must pack light when climbing Kilimanjaro as you’ll need to carry your gear on your back during your trek. Other hiking essentials include:
- Trekking poles
- Base layers
- Waterproofs
- Hats and gloves
- Insulated trekking trousers
- Hiking shirts
- Fleece jacket
- Hardshell jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Day rucksack
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Sunglasses
- Outer and liner socks
- Gaiters
- Leggings
- Personal snacks
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Power adapter
- Biodegradable wipes
- Medication
- First aid kit
We hope that this list will help get you started when planning your Kilimanjaro packing list. However, we recommend speaking with your chosen tour operator before your journey to ensure you have everything you need for your trip.
Dealing with Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a common problem for a lot of climbers tackling Mount Kilimanjaro. It is caused by a lack of oxygen in the air at higher altitudes. The body is unable to adjust quickly enough causing climbers to display symptoms of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and irregular breathing during sleep.
Luckily enough, there are ways to help prevent altitude sickness. Be sure to acclimatise during your climb, hike slowly and gradually, allowing your body to adjust and stay hydrated. You will also need to make sure you are eating well, getting a good night’s sleep, listening to your guide and avoiding overexertion.
When following these recommendations, your chances of getting altitude sickness will lessen, helping you enjoy your climb. However, if you do start to feel any of the symptoms, it’s important to let your guide know as soon as possible.
Taking it Slow
When thinking about how to climb Kilimanjaro, one of the most important parts of this trek is to take it slow. A steadier pace will not only help avoid altitude sickness but it will also prevent overexertion and increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully. Know your limits and be sure to stick to them.
It’s also important to constantly communicate with your guide and remember that the climb up Kilimanjaro is not a race. You should enjoy this incredible experience without pushing yourself too hard.
Staying Hydrated and Fueled
Upon your ascent to the Kilimanjaro summit, one of the most important things to remember is that you must stay both hydrated and fueled throughout the journey. This type of hike will burn a lot of calories and will take its toll on your body both mentally and physically.
Ensuring that you stay hydrated and replenish your lost calories will help you feel strong and healthy for reaching the summit. You can find some great snacks on the market that will help provide you with enough energy to push through the challenges of this hike. Plus, when you rest for the evening, be sure to take this time to fill yourself with the necessary nutrients to tackle this once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
Preparing Mentally
By this point, we’re all aware of the physical challenges when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. However, there often isn’t enough emphasis on the mental resilience needed for this type of excursion.
Preparing for this hike mentally is just as important as training physically as you will need to be in a strong mindset to overcome some of the obstacles along the way. You’ll need a positive attitude which will help you stay motivated to keep going, even when your body tells you otherwise.
Mental fatigue is also another thing to take into consideration when climbing Kilimanjaro. The challenging weather and the lack of comfortable sleeping conditions may all play a part in draining your energy. With this in mind, you’ll need to be fully prepared mentally for what this excursion has in store, allowing you to power through when it feels tough.
Remind yourself of why you set out on this journey and imagine the feeling of reaching the summit. That sense of achievement is like no other, allowing you to have the mental resilience to face all of Kilimanjaro’s challenges head-on.
Preparing Physically
Training to climb Kilimanjaro is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The physical demands of this hike provide an obstacle to even the most experienced climbers, so prior preparation is a must.
There are different training methods that you can do to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro and it might be worth working alongside an experienced trainer who can help guide you through this regime.
You’ll want to consider incorporating aerobic training, strength training, stretching, mental preparation, and acclimatisation into your programme. These exercises will help your body adjust to the challenges associated with this hike and make the overall experience easier to tackle.