Climbing Kili
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent, reaching a height of 5,895 metres above sea level. It is well known for its iconic snow-capped peak, drawing thousands of thrill-seeking adventurers looking to summit its summit every year. But this glorious peak comes at a hefty climbing price; is it hard to hike Kilimanjaro?
The answer is complicated. Even experienced mountaineers cannot definitively answer that question. It’s true that climbing Kili requires a great deal of physical and mental energy, mixed with lots of patience and resilience. Kilimanjaro is definitely no easy task. You’ll need to climb through jungles, alpine deserts, semi-icy glacial fields, and extreme altitude.
When planning your Kilimanjaro journey, you may want to heed the advice of experts. For instance, Howard Wamae, who has summitted the mountain more times than anybody else and has guided climbers during their ascent, suggests that anyone looking to climb Kilimanjaro should have some basic mountaineering training, as well as some knowledge of mountain safety techniques. He further points out that you must understand the concept of altitude sickness and come prepared for the extreme conditions that can be encountered on the mountain, including strong winds, unpredictable weather, and uneven terrain.
When it comes to acclimatization, of course, different people respond differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Still, most experienced climbers recommend that you assess your strengths and weaknesses and plan your hike according to your abilities. For instance, if you’re an experienced trekker and you’re confident in your physical fitness and mental focus, then you should be able to attempt a more difficult climb with a shorter acclimatization period. However, if you’re a rookie, then it’s wise to choose a longer, easier route, with plenty of time to rest up and prevent altitude sickness.
Regardless of your experience or fitness level, the most important aspect of any successful Kilimanjaro hike is always to stay hydrated and eat plenty of nutrient-rich food, like bananas, apples, oranges and energy bars. However, as the air becomes thinner and temperatures drop towards the peak, it’s best to focus on foods high in fat and protein, as these will provide you with sustained energy. Additionally, if you don’t pack enough food for the entire hike, you may need to supplement your supplies with purchases from local vendors and markets.
It’s also recommended that, prior to beginning your climb, you buy some basic mountaineering gear. Equip yourself with trekking poles and gaiters, lightweight down jackets and fluff jackets, good-quality hiking boots, and a headlamp, as well as a good dose of sunscreen, as the UV rays in this part of the world are more intense than you may expect.
Altitude Sickness
One of the most sobering and potentially dangerous aspects of hiking Kilimanjaro is the risk of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is an unpredictable reaction to the changes in oxygen levels that occur when climbing mountainous terrain. It is most common at heights of 2000-3000 metres, where the body struggles to get enough oxygen, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and even digestive issues.
If you experience any of these symptoms while on the mountain, it’s important to take action quickly, as they can worsen with increasing altitude. You should stop and take a rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat some food, and take any medication prescribed by your doctor (such as acetazolamide or dexamethasone) if necessary. If this doesn’t help, then you may need to retreat to a lower altitude for 24-48 hours.
Leadership and Teamwork
Another aspect of hiking Kilimanjaro that’s crucial for success is getting the right leadership and support from a skilled and experienced team. Your highest priority should be to ensure that your group includes experienced climbers who can teach you the basics and offer guidance while on the mountain. Additionally, they should be able to choose the right gear and support one another, both physically and emotionally, during the hike.
Together, working as a team, you should be able to tackle the toughest parts of the climb, such as completing long climbs and managing the mental fatigue and physical exhaustion that often set in. Plus, it’s always great to have an experienced medic or doctor on the team, since any altitude related incidents must be dealt with immediately.
Staying Motivated
Climbing Kilimanjaro is no doubt a challenging adventure. It’s physically and mentally demanding, and it’s essential to stay motivated throughout your climb. Keep your spirits up and aim to reach the summit with a strong team, working together towards the shared goal of reaching the summit.
One way to stay motivated is to set mini-goals along the way. Give yourself small challenges to complete on each day of your climb. Of course, the major challenges will come when you reach the higher altitudes, but staying focused on the smaller milestones will make the overall journey more manageable and rewarding.
Safety
While Kilimanjaro offers countless unforgettable views, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions throughout your trek. There are many potential pitfalls that can lead to injury or a disruption of the journey, so staying aware and alert at all times is essential.
Pack appropriate safety gear for the trip, such as headlamps and flashlights, a first-aid kit, and possible spare items such as a stove, sleeping bag, and warm clothes. Put together a good group of people with a variety of skills and traits. Choose a reputable guide service and inspect their equipment carefully and ask about their safety protocols and the support contacts for any emergency.
Moreover, research the risks of altitude sickness and the types of medical aid that can be administered in an emergency. Ensure that you’re psychologically prepared to handle isolation and the thrills of challenging yourself.
Final Essentials
Once you’ve researched proper safety measures and gathered the supplies you need, make sure to do a physical check-in before you start your climb. This should include plenty of stretching and a full physical assessment by a doctor or trainer. Hydration is paramount, and drinking plenty of water before and during the hike will help you to stay healthy and resist fatigue.
Finally, make sure to build a good sleep routine before and during the climb; getting plenty of rest is key for a successful and enjoyable climb. Have a plan prepared for each day, but be prepared to change it if necessary. And remember to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the mountain and its views; you’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
The Descent
When it comes to the descent, it’s important to take it slow and be conscious of your limits. Even experienced climbers often find that their bodies feel much heavier after reaching the summit; take your time and be cautious when heading back. Remember that the fatigue gained during the climb will last much longer than the summit elation.
Once you make it back, you may think that you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro, but the truth is that the mountain will always be there. The feeling you’ll have upon completing your climb is one that will stay with you forever.
Sharpening Your Skills
Even the most prepared and experienced climbers can benefit from sharpening their skills before attempting Kilimanjaro. Attending courses, workshops and trips that focus on mountaineering can help you to prepare physically and mentally for an upcoming adventure. Even something as simple as regularly walking in terrain similar to that found on Kilimanjaro can help you build stamina and strength.
It would also be helpful to gain an understanding of how to navigate and read maps, topographic profiles and orienteering to ensure a safe and successful climb. And it’s always a smart idea to practice and perfect a few climbing techniques, such as hoisting and rappelling.
Mental Preparation
Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation when climbing Kilimanjaro. Developing an understanding of the mountain, its climate and its terrain is essential. Learn about what to expect, both physically and mentally, in order to properly prepare yourself.
Find ways to relax and practice breathing and mindfulness exercises while on the mountain. The importance of a positive attitude and surrounding yourself with encouraging people cannot be understated. Lastly, focus on the journey and the experience, not just the summit. Enjoying the little moments and milestones along the way can help make your experience that much more rewarding.
