MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO HIKING TIPS.

Before the climb:

Be properly equipped:

An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit

attempt. Print our checklist and mark it off to ensure that you have not missed anything. to get important steps in your preparation for the climb please: Click here Checklist.

Be physically prepared:
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro summit expedition.

Mental preparation:
This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remain in a positive state of mind. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the checklist, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from this guide, you will be mentally confident for the physical part of trek.

Adequate travel insurance:
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.

ON THE MOUNTAIN:

Go slowly:
Go slowly - "Pole Pole" as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Drink enough water:
Make sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 litters of liquid a day - preferably water. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be supplied to you before your climb. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. Remember

A functioning "body water balance" is one of the keys to a successful climb.

Walk high - sleep low:
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day "walk high - sleep low" Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.

Climb light:
Climb as lightly as possible, this becomes even more important on your summit night. Extra weight will slow you down and will also make breathing more difficult.
 
Packing:
Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to pack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or of being accidentally dropped in a stream.

Clothing:
You will require the correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably mittens), warm head protection, rain coat, sunglasses and sun protection cream. Also remember your hiking boots, hiking/running shoes (it is not necessary to walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks are encountered), and very importantly, a walking stick / ski-pole. One of the most critical items of clothing is outer jacket. You want it to perform the functions of keeping you warm, protect you at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out and yet still "breath". Try to avoid tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are strongly recommended, especially during hiking on the lower slopes, when the day temperatures are still high.

Take a ski - pole:
A ski - pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended. Equipments can be hired at the base hotel or at the gate at a reasonable price.

New batteries:
Replace your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarize yourself with this condition and take preventative care.

Malaria:
Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Currently, there are various preventative medication products available which will be effective against the malaria strains currently found in Tanzania. Women using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.

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