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Essential Hiking Tips for Conquering Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, rising at an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t require any technical skills or experience like mountains of the same height.

Kilimanjaro Hiking Tips

Although climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not challenging compared to most mountains in the world, tourists will need some tips before embarking on the climb in order to help have a successful climb. Some of these tips can be explained below:

  1. Choose the Best Route: One of the most important tips you will need for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is choosing the best and correct route for your climb. There are seven routes used for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and some have been proved to be easy, others long, steep, while others are short. Do research about Mount Kilimanjaro routes and select the one you think is suitable for you before embarking on the climb.
  2. Physical Preparation: No matter how fit and experienced you are, you will still need some physical preparation to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Try to acclimatize months or weeks before the actual climb; this helps your body prepare for the long climb that usually takes between 5 to 9 days.
  3. Don’t Rush: You will definitely come across the word “Pole pole” during your climb on Mount Kilimanjaro. The word “Pole pole” is translated to mean “slowly, slowly.” No matter how fit you are, if your group is leaving you behind or whatever happens, never be in a rush while climbing the mountain. This is very important in avoiding altitude sickness.
  4. Carry Medication: Altitude sickness is the main challenge for people climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and since you cannot predict or avoid altitude sickness, it’s better to be well-prepared in case of any emergency. Watch out for some symptoms of altitude sickness which may be treated, and if it gets worse, your guide will advise you to stop the ascent. It’s advisable you talk to your doctor before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro so that they can prescribe the right medication for you to carry.
  5. Pack the Right Outfits: You will need to thoroughly cross-check your packing list before you travel for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing. Having the wrong pair of hiking boots can totally ruin your climb; it’s important that you try your new boots and exercise with them before carrying them for Mount Kilimanjaro climb. The other things you must carry include sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellents, hats, plenty of drinking water, energy-giving snacks, raincoats, and other essential things you might need.
  6. Give Tips: Your climb to Mount Kilimanjaro is usually a success with the help of guides, rangers, porters, and cooks who support you during the entire climb. Tipping your crew is not compulsory but is a form of appreciation. Tipping is usually done after descending, and the crew sings and dances to the Kilimanjaro song before everyone departs their own way. The amount you give for tipping is not limited or fixed but you give according to what you have.
  7. Look Out for the Best Guides: One of the factors that contribute to a successful summit on Mount Kilimanjaro is the guide you will use. It’s good to get an experienced knowledgeable guide to trek with you on Mount Kilimanjaro.
  8. Choose the Right Tents: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involves sleeping in tents most nights except if you’re using other routes. You need to choose the correct outdoor tent. You will need to be comfortable and have enough rest, which is good for acclimatization.
  9. Carry Oxygen Bottles: It’s advisable for every group climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to carry oxygen bottles because oxygen at the summit is 49% lower compared to normal levels. The higher you climb, the thinner the oxygen, and this is one of the main causes of altitude sickness. Carrying oxygen bottles can help in case someone gets severe altitude sickness caused by low oxygen.
  10. Frequently Hydrate: It’s very important to carry plenty of water to help you stay hydrated while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. You’re likely to take over 3 liters of water in a day, but you will need to get yourself used to taking such amounts of water per day, so you can start hydrating some weeks before you start the climb.
  11. Carry Extra Batteries or Bring a Power Bank: Mount Kilimanjaro is one of those beautiful mountains you will climb in a lifetime. Every day opens up to outstanding beauty and lots of surprises. You wouldn’t want to miss capturing every moment while on the climb; photographers should bring extra batteries or power banks to keep their cameras running.
  12. Know the Best Time to Climb: Knowing the best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can save you from unnecessary disappointments. Although Mount Kilimanjaro can be accessed all year round, the best time for climbing, if you want to have a comfortable and memorable experience, is during the drier months of June to August and December to February when the hiking trails are favorable.


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