What to do to Have a Successful Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world standing at 19,336 feet. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the easiest high mountains to climb in the world. A walk through Mount Kilimanjaro takes you through 5 different climatic zones before one reaches the summit. For a proffesional mountaneer, an average of 5 days is enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. For those who would like to try climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 7 to 10 days will be satisfactory.
Planning to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro might be a tough task and proper planning should be taken to ensure that you will be able to get to Uhuru, Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak as that is the goal.
How do you plan to for a successful Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
1. Tour Operator
For one to climb mount Kilimanjaro, you will need an organized trek that goes through the established Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. There are 5 routes up the Kilimanjaro which you will come across as you research on the destination. A good operator is needed not only to give proper advice on the route, climbing time, acclimatization issues and above all organize the trek. Tour operators vary and you might settle on one from your home country or a ground operator. While a tour operator from your country would give you security, you might actually be paying more. Advantages of using a local tour operator is its knowledge and the fact that you would get the same at a comparatively cheaper rate. You can inquire on those who have done so using local tour operators to determine which one to use.
2. When to Book
The best time to enjoy Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is between January and March and the months of September and October. The weather conditions during the period is favourable and you will be safe to climb without the wether scare. However, the traffic of Mt. Kilimanjaro climbers on Tanzania safari during that period is at its peak. It is therefore important to have your booking in advance not only to be assured of your booking but also early booking might give you some discount.
3. Physical and Psychological Preparedness
Even though we have mentioned somewhere in this article that Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is one easy activity, your ability to achieve this challenge will depend on your physical and psychological state. You have chosen your operator and booked your safari, its time to take walk, jog or have some workout to set your body ready to conquer the highest peak in Africa.
4. What to Carry
Time is near and you got a few days to jump on a plane for your journey to Africa, you ought to start your packing. When packing, consider the change in altitude and the change in temperatures as you go up and down the Kilimanjaro. Make sure you carry something warm to protect yourself from the cold. You will have a porter to carry upto 15 kg of your luggage. If you dont have climbing equipments, worry not for you can hire some at the equipment shops before you begin the climb.
5. Acclimatization and Starting the Climb
You are not a mountain deer ‘Hakuna Matata’ you got a day or two to get used to the climate. They call it acclimatization. Pap, you take that first step that will take you up the Kili and after some good walk, you will hear the term ‘pole pole’ pulling you back from the rush you were on. Dont worry about that, they just dont want you to burn yourself out and probably not mak ot to the summit. What you need to do along the way:
i. Drinking water – take an average of between 4-5 liters a day. Mount Kilimanjaro has some good mountain streams after the first day that you can have safe naturally chilled water to drink.
ii. Dont Rush – During the day, challenge the high elevations and get down to sleep at night.
6. Reaching Freedom.
Getting to freedom literally is your ultimate objective. Uhuru is a kiswahili word for freedom and reaching this point is the hardest part of the trek. With sheer determination, focus and the will power you will get to freedom literally. Getting to the peak is timed for you to watch the sun rise. You will start this last ascent as early as 0200hrs in the morning..
7. Appreciation
Coming down will take a day unless you want to do it in two days. Appreciate yourself by celebrating your achievement. Take a good rest before getting back home as you have achieved your objective.
Thinking of attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Start your preparations now.
