PREPARING FOR TREKKING KILIMANJARO (OR MT KENYA)
Selecting your Route:
There are 7 main routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and choosing the best route is often one of the hardest parts about trekking. Expect to spend a minimum of 6 days trekking, though some routes can take a minimum of 9 days to complete. Selecting what route to take can be determined by many factors, including the level of difficulty, the sights and scenery along the way and the amount of traffic along the route. Some of the most popular and well trodden paths are the following: Lemosho, Machame, Marangu and Umbwe.
Here are four areas on how to prepare for a successful Kilimanjaro summit:
1. Mental and physical preparation.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is no small task and ensuring that you are mentally and physically prepared prior to hiking is instrumental your success. We recommend that you train in the gym 3-4 months before you start the endurance. Try walking or running on a treadmill for an hour each time, make sure this has a decent incline so the exercise simulates the walking you will be doing up the mountain. If you could do this 4 times per week in the lead up that would be great. Contact us if you would like to sign up for a more detailed exercise regimen with weekly goals and targets geared toward you and your group!
2. Gearing up for Kilimanjaro.
This is one of the most important things to do before you even begin anything else, as the wrong gear will leave you uncomfortable and miserable. First, it is important to remember that you will be hitting a number of different climates on your trek, so bringing the right clothing is a must. Most trekkers find that layering up is best, wearing light clothes to start and bringing along thermals and a fleece jumper for the trek up the summit.
The right hiking boots are also critical, and no one should even attempt to do this trek before working their boots in. Blistered feet will be a major disappointment. Insoles are a good idea, as are the proper socks. Most hikers also bring along a trekking pole, which is especially great during the descent. Gaiters to keep mud and dirt out of your boots and hats to protect you from the sun are also recommended and will make the trek a much more comfortable one. A sleeping bag, pillow and torch are also musts when gearing up for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.
Sunset at Arrow Glacier Camp
Sunset or sunrise you will be always smiling at the sun if you prepare!
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser
Forewarned is Forearmed
3. Dealing with acclimatization.
Altitude sickness is quite common, and preparation is a must. The first thing to remember is to always keep yourself hydrated, as water is a trekker’s best friend. Not to mention the soup we often serve with dinner! Many people find that this alone is enough to steer away altitude sickness, though for others, pills in addition to fluids are the way to go. Altitude sickness often appears on day 3, regardless of the route chosen, so be sure to take your Diamox that morning before heading out.
4. Enjoy yourself.
Trekking is never easy and really takes a beating on some, both physically and mentally. Pace yourself to avoid any unnecessary anxiety about not being able to make it or getting ill. Stop a few times to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the stunning scenery around you. Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro with a group can make it easier to enjoy yourself, especially in the evening when you stop to rest and sleep. At ICE ROCK TREKKING TOURS we offer a variety of guided treks up Mount Kilimanjaro/Mt Kenya and doing the trek with a group or individually with other fun loving adventurists will truly add to the experience.