How to be Perfectly Prepared for the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and hiking to the peak is a challenge that should not be under estimated. With all the information you could possibly gather, added to being physically prepared, one’s chances of reaching the summit is substantially increased. Stamina and mental determination to a great extent, will determine whether or not you will be successful in you quest to conquer the Roof of Africa. Being physically prepared for the trek will also greatly contribute to the level of your perseverance, confidence and personal enjoyment!

Unsure of how to prepare for for an active trip? Below are the most effective ways preparing to climb Kilimanjaro.

How do I prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and does not require any technical climbing! All you need is walk slow but steady. For the summit to be reached, your body must sufficiently acclimatize itself. It is important to be physically, emotional and spiritual prepared for the Kilimanjaro trekking. Another important part of the preparation is having the proper equipment before you depart to Tanzania.

Physical preparation

It is very important that your body is properly prepared for the physical challenge of the Kilimanjaro. The better prepared you are, the better you plan to conquer the highest point of Africa. Good preparation will make a significant contribution to your own confidence and your mental strength.

Mental preparation

Mt kilimanjaro is an amazing experience and anyone is able to reach its summit(Uhuru peak). Think about this when you prepare yourself for the expedition. You will not be alone as Tanzania Expeditions kilimanjaro Dream Team will make you feel welcome and will be there with you all the way. Always think positively and you WILL enjoy the climb! Remember to make it a journey and not a destination.

How will i get fit?

The type of condition is more important than the degree of fitness.Kilimanjaro is a walk and the interesting part of it is you take your time, no rush , so the best preparation you can have is to walk, preferably under simulated conditions. Although to some extent it helps to go running/jogging, your muscles are still not preparing for seven days of quiet but heavy walking. I suggest that you will regularly walk long distances. Ignore the elevator and take the stairs or even take your dog for a walk, Go walk, for example, in addition to regular fitness to let your muscles develop more. And try to opt for regular walks with altitude, so you can practice walking up and down at different incline levels.

If you can walk 80 kilometres (50 miles) in one week, you have done the Kilimanjaro Machame Route. Train your body for extra resistance for your muscles, because on the mountain the inclination varies.

In a period of eight weeks, using the gym and the many hikes, you can become fit enough for Mt Kilimanjaro climb.

Medical check-up

Before starting a physical training program, it’s always wise to get the approval of a doctor. Also knowing your health conditions from the doctor is avery essential key as you will be hiking at a high altitude and its very risky if by a mistake you didn’t consult a doctor and found out you have heart or lung problems and you need evacuation from kilimanjaro.

What to know about Altitude Sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro

If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro we highly recommend reading our altitude sickness (Acute mountain sickness) guide to be familiar what it is, its cause and prevention.

The definition of altitude Sickness (Acute mountain sickness)

Is an illness that ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain at high altitudes. Acute altitude sickness is the mildest and most common form. Because more people are traveling to areas of high elevation like climbing kilimanjaro.

High Altitude: 1500 – 3500 m (5000 – 11500 ft)

Very High Altitude: 3500 – 5500 m (11500 – 18000 ft)

Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m (18000 ft)

What to do to Acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro

Acclimatization is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a gradual change in its environment . So while you`re climbing kilimanjaro your body undergoes a process of trying to adapt the altitude transformation.

So, physiologically, what happens during acclimatization is, As you ascend higher into the atmosphere, there is less atmospheric pressure pushing all the air molecules together, so oxygen molecules become few and far between.