Physical Fitness Requirements
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physically challenging endeavor. Depending on your route and the type of tour you go on, it can range from five to nine days of challenging trekking. The steepness of the terrain and the high altitude puts a great deal of strain on the body.
This is why it’s important to be in good physical condition when considering a Kilimanjaro climb. Usually, it is advised that climbers be at least 12 years of age and in reasonably good health with no medical problems. Children under 12 may be able to climb, but this should be discussed with your doctor and guide beforehand.
Climbers should also be aware of the hazards that come with high altitude and take great care to ensure they have time to acclimatize. High Altitude Sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, so it is essential to take your time ascending the mountain, ensuring plenty of rests and drinking regular water to stay well hydrated.
Mental Preparedness
Mental preparedness is just as important as physical fitness when it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro. It is a long haul and requires a great deal of focus and tenacity. The terrain and climate can be harsh, and low points are to be expected. It is an emotional journey as well as a physical one.
Climbers should come mentally prepared for the challenge of the trek, and to stay motivated and focused throughout. This can be done in a variety of ways, form learning about the mountain and the people who call it home, to doing solitary mountain treks, to attending fitness boot camps or even enlisting the help of a psychologist or mentor.
Logistics and Support
When it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there is a great deal of preparation required. It is important to select a tour operator who can guide you safely to summit and provide support when needed throughout the journey.
The chosen tour group should also provide you with all the necessary gear for the trek. This includes appropriate clothing, gloves, boots, tents, sleeping bags and warm layers for the colder elevations. They will also be able to provide porters and cooks to help with the heavy, difficult and mundane aspects of the trip.
Most importantly, your tour operator should have knowledge and experience of the mountain, and inform you of all the risks associated with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Time of year, Weather and Climate considerations
The Northern Hemisphere is generally the best time to climb the mountain, as this is when one benefits the most from the dry season, which runs from June to October. This is considered the safest and most ideal time to climb, with clear days and minimal chances of rain and snowfall.
It is also important to be aware of the different altitudes and climates at each stage of the trek. The lower parts of the mountain will be much warmer with temperatures rising to 25°C during the day. The highest levels of the mountain, (Uhuru Peak), will be very cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as -20°C.
Your tour operator should provide you with all the necessary clothing you will need on the trek, and knowledge of any risk associated with the weather and altitude.
Considering Your Age
As previously mentioned, it is important for potential climbers to be over the age of 12 before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro. That said, age is not always a major factor when it comes to scaling the mountain. In fact, some younger climbers have been known to be successful in reaching the peak, proving that age is not an absolute limitation.
Ultimately, if you are considering a Kilimanjaro Climb, it is essential to do your own research and to discuss it thoroughly with your guide and doctor. Being well informed and in good physical and mental condition before attempting the climb is the best strategy for success, regardless of age.
Altitude and Its Effects on the Body
Due to its lofty height, Kilimanjaro poses many different altitude-related risks to its climbers. High Altitude Sickness (HAS) is a very real risk and one that should be taken seriously. The symptoms of HAS include dizziness, headaches, nausea, difficulty sleeping and general fatigue.
Your tour operator should provide you with the knowledge and support you need to climb safely and prepare for any altitude related sickness. Climbing slowly and acclimatizing is essential, as the body takes time to adjust to the changing altitude.
It is also important to stay well-hydrated, eating regularly and get plenty of rest. If your body is feeling the strain, it is important to listen to it and take a rest, perhaps even spending an extra night at a nearby rest camp.
Preparing for The Journey
Train your body before embarking on your journey by gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts. This should include a mix of cardiovascular, strength and stretching exercises, to ensure that your body is in peak condition for the ascent.
These should include running with increased inclines and weighted walks, as well as squats, lunges, leg lifts and lateral pulldowns. Gentle stretching exercises such as yoga and pilates should be included, as well as gentle strengthening exercises, such as using resistance bands.
It is also important to build up your resistance to fatigue both mentally and physically. This is best done by gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your workouts, to get your body used to managing fatigue and long periods of exertion.
Nutrition and Hydration During The Trip
Nutrition and hydration are essential to a successful trip up Kilimanjaro. Your body will need a regular supply of energy to keep going, and the key here is to keep your calorie intake balanced.
Climbers should focus on sources of complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole grains, as well as sources of lean proteins such as fish and legumes. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables should be consumed whenever possible too.
It is best to also avoid processed and fatty foods, as these may be difficult to digest at higher altitudes. Instead, opt for light snacks that are packed full of energy.
It is also important to stay well hydrated by drinking three to four litres of water per day. It is best to avoid drinking water from the mountain, and instead bring purifying tablets with you.
Geographical and Ecological Considerations
The great heights of Kilimanjaro have created an unusual eco-system, with some of the world’s rarest, most diverse and threatened wildlife living near the peak. Due to the cold temperatures and pressure, the air near the peak is often very thin and difficult to breathe. This can be dangerous and cause medical issues in some climbers.
Therefore, it is advised that climbers respect the background and ecological history of the mountain, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves and the environment. This means that they should not litter, or attempt to disturb or harm any of the wildlife that inhabits the mountain. They should also refrain from cutting any vegetation or interfering with the habitat in any way.
Climbers should also be aware of their own impact on the environment, and try to minimize their own waste and resources wherever possible.
Unexpected Dangers and Risks
The journey up Kilimanjaro is full of unexpected dangers and risks. Most of these can be mitigated with preparation and the right tour group. It is necessary to be aware of the potential risks you are likely to face, including changes in weather, altitude sickness, exhaustion, mental burn out and other dangers.
These can often be reduced by planning ahead, staying aware of your own health and fitness levels, and trusting in the knowledge and experience of your guide. When it comes to the great heights of Kilimanjaro, it is essential to err on the side of caution, rather than recklessness.
Tourism and Local Communities
Kilimanjaro is a great source of revenue for many of the small communities that live in its shadow. These communities benefit greatly from the tourism industry, with revenue generated from the numerous tour groups and lodges scattered near the base of the mountain.
In many ways, tourism is an important part of the local community’s livelihood. It is important, therefore, that climbers respect the local customs and culture, and to always behave in a respectful and culturally aware way.
By supporting local businesses, attending camps run by locals, and buying souvenirs from artisan vendors, climbers can help create a positive relationship between tourist and local community.
Competition on Kilimanjaro
The towering heights of Kilimanjaro lure many brave adventurers, and often this means competing with other climbers for the acclaim of conquering the peak. This can cause extra hazards, as the urge to win can often lead to rash decisions, such as attempting the summit faster than recommended.
It is important to remember that Kilimanjaro is not a race, and that there is no prize for beating other climbers to the top. It is also important to remember to respect the mountain and the regulations of the tour company, in order to ensure your own safety as well as that of other climbers.
Managing Time On The Mountain
The journey to the peak of Kilimanjaro usually takes five to nine days, depending on the route chosen. It is important to factor in rest days during this time, to ensure the body has had time to fully acclimatize and recover. This should also be done in conjunction with your tour operator.
It is also important to not rush the journey, as the higher altitudes can be deceiving and it is easy to become overconfident. If you feel fatigued, listen to your body, take a rest and even consider an extra night at a camp if needed.
Make sure to enjoy your journey and take time to appreciate the sights and sounds of the mountain, as well as the local people who live near its base. These are experiences that will be remembered long after the climb is over.
