Climbing Kilimanjaro

 

Climbing Kilimanjaro, often known as the ‘Roof of Africa’, is a splendid mountain that holds a great fascination to anyone thrill seeking and in love with mother nature. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on African continent, as well as the tallest free standing mountain in the world and it rises to a height of 5,895 meters/19,341 feet above sea level.

It is situated in the northern part of the region, at the border with Kenya, and belongs to the group of Kilimanjaro National Park, which has the status of UNESCO world heritage site. Kilimanjaro is the part of Seven summits.

Things to know before Kilimanjaro Expedition

 

1. Physical Preparation (Climbing Kilimanjaro)

Fitness Level

Popular for tourists, climbing Kilimanjaro can only be done by those who have proper fitness because the trekking exercise is rather challenging. Cardio exercises like running, cycling, swimming, etc will assist build the needed stamina, and will also help in beating this condition.

Make sure to include strength training movements to build your lower body, your abdomen, and upper limbs. A good workout session can put your body through the rigors that are expected on the eve of the climb.

Acclimatization

A climber is faced with this challenge when he or she is ascending to high altitude. The probability of getting altitude sickness is high in a case of ascending quickly, and that is why proper acclimatization should be done. Taking extra days on the mountain helps in acclimatizing to the altitude effectively.

This is known as the “climb high, sleep low” technique, which must be employed in order to allow your body to acclimatize and thereby reduce the chances of serious altitude sickness.

Suggested Tour: Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition

2. Choosing the Right Route

Routes

Tenz’s has recommended five major routes with different aspects on Mount Kilimanjaro. The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola” route due to the advertising associated with the soft drink on signs along the path, has the most hut accommodations of all the routes.

The Machame Route is sometimes referred to as the “Whiskey” route because it is somewhat longer and more difficult than the Marangu Route but has a similar stunning view. To climbing Kilimanjaro lemosho Route is relatively new and is less busy and is also scenically fascinating.

Duration

Treks range from short one or two day treks to longer 14-day treks depending on the actual route chosen. These treks normally take between 5 to 9 days, however, the can also last shorter or longer than this depending on one’s itinerary.

Circuits like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit routes are longer treks, which certainly offer a better shot at reaching the top for climbing Kilimanjaro.

3. Gear and Equipment (Climbing Kilimanjaro)

Clothing

Proper layering is important when climb the Kilimanjaro. Beginner layering should begin with moisture control base layers so as not to let sweat penetrate your skin. This will require wearing additional insulating layers like the fleece or down jackets to provide warmth.

Lastly, add water and windproof clothing to keep off rain and wind, which are mostly associated with winter. Before you go out make sure you have a hat, gloves, and a scarf since it is very cold.

Footwear

Proper footwear is also important when hiking, and one should ensure that they wear good quality hiking boots. Make sure that your boots will not cause blisters when worn when walking, so try to break them in as early as possible. Comfortable and moisture-absorbing socks are also essential but they must be warm ones.

Gaiters can also assist in preventing dust, mud and water from penetrating your boots, especially in conditions such as when trekking through snow.

Sleeping Bag

A four-season sleeping bag is required because nights on the mountain may get cold especially during winter since the temperature is expected to be below freezing point. Camp sleeping bag liners can be bought to add insulation and also keep you clean.

Other Essentials

While trekking, you may consider using a walking stick to help you with balance as well as to ease pressure on your knees especially when going up the steep incline or coming back. An additional battery for the headlamp is very useful when you attempt to rise early in the morning to climbing Kilimanjaro.

The ones that can fit perfectly with rain covers will keep your gear safe. You should also carry fluids in a hydration system such as CamelBak or water bottles and water purification tablets or filters.

4. Health and Safety

Vaccinations

Sometimes it is mandatory to get some vaccinations before entering Tanzania; therefore it is good to consult on the same before your travel time nears.

Recommended vaccines for MCA include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and B. If time permits consult a travel health specialist to determine the latest on immunization requirements.

First Aid Kit

Bring a personal kit that will consist of anti-altitude sickness drugs like Diamox, analgesics, blister prevention and treatment items, and any other necessary non-prescription drugs.

Insurance

When purchasing travel insurance the policy should include Acute Mountain Sickness and emergency evacuations. It is advised to have travel insurance which should comprise of medical coverage, trip cancellation, lost of gear and damages.

5. Altitude Sickness (Climbing Kilimanjaro)

Symptoms

The symptoms that are most frequently associated with altitude sickness are usually headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Milder manifestations of the high altitude illnesses include ACLAM and HACE and while these are debilitating and cause a lot of discomfort they are not lethal as the severe forms of high altitude sicknesses like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) which need immediate evacuation.

Prevention

Avoid altitude sickness by taking smaller steps in climbing and avoiding rush when climbing higher grounds. Some basic tips are: Do not skip meals, take small meals at regular intervals, stay well-hydrated and carry water with you at all times. Shun alcohol and caffeine as they are dehydrating agents that should not be taken during such times.

Another way used to prevent fatigue includes taking balanced diet especially with a lot of carbohydrates. However, if that is advisable by the doctor, then it might be important to take some medication like Diamox.

Acclimatization

Best practices in hiking include following the ‘climb high, sleep low’ philosophy to ensure that the body is able to adapt to the altitude. This entails engaging in physical activity such as walking or climbing to a region of greater elevation during the day and then descending back to a lower region at night.

This strategy provides better adaptation to the altitude and helps to minimize the possibility of getting an altitude sickness.

6. Environmental Considerations

Leave No Trace

Always be considerate to the environment around you and practice what is referred to as the Leave No Trace standards. Always take every trash with you and get rid of them properly. No one should be seen to be littering on the mountain or any other natural area of tourism.

Other rules include: Avoid approaching wildlife and local flora without first staying at least ten meters away from set trails.

Water

Most of the water sources on the mountain are safe but it is recommended that hikers treat the water before drinking it to avoid getting a water-borne illness. You should always bring a water purification system inclusive of a portable filter or purification tablets.

Carry enough water to avoid dehydration during the trek because water is needed for digestion and removal of wastes.

7. Financial Planning (Climbing Kilimanjaro)

Costs

Trekking Kilimanjaro may also turn out to be expensive because of park fees, the guide and the porter’s cost, equipment and tipping among other costs. The expenses such as transportation, accommodation, meals, etc should be planned for in advance.

The cost is composed of park fees and other fees depending on the route and the time taken while in the park.

Tips

Gratuities are the cultural norm in the US and many other countries. Tipping guidelines are about 15-20% of the cost of the tour for guides, porters and cooks; set aside $250 to $300 for this.

This amount may vary depending on how many people will be served as well as the quality of service.

Suggested Tour: Kilimanjaro Expedition In Budget

8. Cultural and Local Considerations

Guides and Porters

Kilimanjaro has strict rules for employing local people as guides and porters to the peak. They know their area of operations, are professional, and have a serious impact on the local economy. I have learned that one should accept them and recognize the effort they put in their work.

Make certain that your trekking company is paying porters fairly and the company is exercising proper treatment of the porters.

Respect Local Customs

Keep an open mind when it comes to local cultures and customs. Find it easy to learn a few basic phrases in Swahili that will help to compliment the local language. There is always importance in dressing appropriately and following the culture of the people of the place that one is visiting in order to respect their cultural values.

9. Weather Conditions (Climbing Kilimanjaro)

Climate

Kilimanjaro is geographically located in Tanzania and features highly diverse climate ranging from tropical at the base to arctic on the top. Weather shifts quickly here and sometimes a sunny sky can be followed shortly by a thunderstorm.

Rain and snow may occur regardless the season but during dry season the amount is certainly much lesser. Carry along clothes for all types of climates and weather that the visitor might encounter.

Best Time to Trek

However, the appropriate time to climb is from January middle of March and from the middle of June to October since they are the dry seasons. These periods also present more reliable climatic conditions and good setting for trekking. However, do expect to find yourself surrounded by people during these times of year.

10. Mental Preparation

Mindset

Any journey to the roof of Africa especially for the first timers is more a test of the mind than the body. It was observed that the climbers need to be positive, focused, and persistent to reach the top.

It is advisable to mentally expect to walk for long hours during the trekking and sometimes having to deal with certain inconveniences. Always have a picture of yourself on the wall and do not let it be something that discourages you.

Group Dynamics

When you go trekking with friends, make sure you all communicate and also help one another. After the initiation, ensure that you encourage and support each other throughout your journey.

It is advisable to go in a group as this will make the entire experience more interesting and there are high chances that everyone will be able to get to the top.

Conclusion

Therefore, if one can take time and consider these factors, he or she will be well prepared to have a successful and enjoyable through trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro. Preparation, healthwise, both physically and mentally, the proper equipment and regard for the environment and local traditions means that the adventure will be thrilling and worthwhile.