The 5 Thing You Must Do to Make it up Kilimanjaro

The greatest playwright in history, William Shakespeare said, “To climb steep hills requires slow pace at first.” And he was right! If you’re a climbing enthusiast, and love the feeling of finally reaching a mountain peak, the thrill of knowing that you’re standing on the highest point of a mountain, the adrenaline rushing through your veins, then we get you! If you’ve been wanting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and really want to stand on the top of Africa, then read on to find out the five things you must know before you decide to embark on your journey.

5 Things you should know before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

You might think this is obvious, but one cannot really stress this enough, especially when you’re about to begin a climb on one of the highest peaks in the world. To begin with, the trek to Kilimanjaro begins in a humid jungle, and generally people tend to sweat a lot. By the time this humidity reduces, the altitude increases, and the dry air is again a cause that your body will require more water for. People facing altitude sickness or taking frequent bathroom breaks also need more water to stay hydrated enough.

At times, even if you think you’re hydrated, keep in mind that you may require some extra amount of water than usual, because you’re doing an activity that is physically more exacting, and on a higher altitude. Make sure you carry enough water, and it is insulated from the cold so it doesn’t freeze in the ice cold temperatures. So stay hydrated and look out for any symptoms of dehydration.

• Taking Anti Altitude Medication

One does not realize that living in higher altitudes is a lot more difficult than it appears to be. Even the healthiest of people must ask their general physician to prescribe anti altitude medication because you need all the help you can to allow your blood to soak in more and more oxygen. In any case, it is advisable that you take proper rest post your climb, and if you’re planning on going for a scuba diving activity right after, then it may also affect  the medication your general physician prescribes to you.

• Eat, Eat, Eat!

Everyone knows that proper nutrition is essential for a healthy body. It becomes all the more important when you are involved in a task that requires a lot of physical as well as mental strength. People tend to lose appetite, or if they’re used to eating warm food, they might not fancy the cold food they may get  on the hike, but it is crucial to remind yourself that you need this energy now more than ever, and the hike would not be possible if you’re weak or don’t eat enough.

Remember to pack a few ready to eat snacks: for yourself- like nuts, biscuits, dried fruits, pringles, beef jerky, also consider a mix of cashews, peanuts and raisins.

• Mentally Prepare Yourself

Almost as much as you need your physical strength, you also need to be mentally strong. It is no secret that a hike up the highest peak of Africa is no walk in a park, and you must be prepared for some tough situations. No showers, no hot water, snoring roommates, lack of proper elegant meals and some more, it actually takes a lot more than just physical strength to climb the Kilimanjaro- it takes will power, determination and perseverance.

Mental fitness, the determination to reach the top, the decision that you will not let the difficult circumstances stop you, all of these are just as necessary as physical strength for you to climb up the Kilimanjaro.

• Pair Up with a Partner

Like many other things in the world, even the climb up to Kilimanjaro becomes manageable and easier when done with someone and not alone. It is in fact a rare phenomenon for people to climb the mountain on their own, usually you will see group of people, if not pairs, who climb the highest peak in Africa together.

Moreover, it is important to look out for yourself and the people you’re climbing with. Whether you’re friends with them or simply hiking partners, be sure to look out for everybody who’s on board, as much as you can. Also ask your guide for help if you need it, if you force yourself too much, you might end up hurting yourself or someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Kilimanjaro

• What are five facts of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Answer:

1. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s seven summits.
2. It is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. 
3. Mount Kilimanjaro stands on the equator.
4. Kilimanjaro is also a dormant volcano. 
5. The first ascent up to the mountain was almost a century ago.

• How do you prepare for the Kilimanjaro Climb?

Answer: Make sure you’re in your best physical and mental health. Take some ready to eat food with you, enough water, and all other essential materials. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated and nourished as you climb, there is nothing more important for the Kilimanjaro climb than the sheer will of the climber and their fitness.

• What is the easiest way up to Kilimanjaro?

Though there are several routes you can take to climb the Kilimanjaro, the Marangu route is generally considered the easiest one.

In conclusion:

The climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro isn’t the easiest of them all, but it is achievable and has been done before several times. All you have to do is prepare the right way for it, and make sure your physical and mental health are in the best state. Keep your eyes on the prize (the peak) and climb on.