Preparations

The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring way too much un-necessary gear.

Be selective on what you take with you. Please note that our porters are limited to carrying 35 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter. You will need to bring 2 duffel bags and a day pack that you will carry during the climb.

All items that you will not use on your climb can be safely stored at the hotel in one duffel bag. The second duffel bag (without any wheels) with all your climbing gear goes to your porter. Since things might get wet on the mountain we recommend that you pack your climbing gear in either a water proof duffle bag or big Zip-Lock bags to prevent the gear from getting wet. In your day pack (45-50 liter capacity will suffice) you will carry personal items such as clothing layers, water for the day and your lunch box.

Although you are expected to bring everything you need, most gear and equipment may be rented, subject to availability. Climber should avoid renting boots, since wearing a new (to you) pair of boots on your climb will likely cause blisters. A very important item is your sleeping bag. It should be rated to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

How should I train for the Climb?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical undertaking. The best exercise that you can do to prepare for this trek is hiking uphill. Ideally, you should try to hike as much as possible on hills or mountains to simulate ascension on Mount Kilimanjaro. Doing day hikes carrying 20 lbs in your day pack is superb training. For those who do not have access to trails, but have membership to a gym, you can train very effectively on a stair master machine. For more information on how to train for your climb please contact us at any time.

It is imperative that during your training - hiking, you wear the boots that you intend to climb with, so that they are sufficiently broken-in. Additionally, you should train with the same day pack you intend to carry on the mountain. Your shoulders/ back /hips will get used to the points of contact and weight and minimize chafing and soreness on the mountain.

Should I get medical check-up?

All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting to climb the mountain. Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition. Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization.

The Tanzania National Park’s minimum age for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old. There is no maximum age. However, the climb is strenuous and presents health risks, especially to people in high risk medical categories. The climbers on the extreme ends of the age spectrum should consult their doctor.

What should I know about altitude sickness?

There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness (AMS)” is very common but is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally symptoms fade away after few hours but if they do not, the climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.

A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called “Oedema.” This is a build-up of fluid in the body. When the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain - a serious condition develops, which requires immediate action in the form of descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.

 In most cases AMS can be avoided by following guidelines: drink lots of water, walk slowly, stay warm and eat well. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it. Many hikers experience positive results to battle the high altitude sickness with taking drug DIAMOX. Ask your physician for appropriate dosage and whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines.

In most cases AMS can be avoided by following guidelines: drink lots of water, walk slowly, stay warm and eat well. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it. Many hikers experience positive results to battle the high altitude sickness with taking drug DIAMOX. Ask your physician for appropriate dosage and whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines.