Factors To Consider Before And During Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

By Dennis Thompson


Making to the top of the few high altitude mountains is a challenge that many pride yourselves as notable achievements in life. It is an extraneous activity that requires a lot of determination and perseverance owing to the harsh conditions you may have to go through to make it to the top. You are exposed to various dangers that may even cost your life. Once you do it you qualify to withstand most f the life challenges that are considered to be unbearable in life. This is not an easy feat to achieve and that is why you need to ensure you lay down an effective plan for the feat. There are however some factors that one should consider before and during climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

One of the major mistakes that most mountain climbers make in climbing this mountain is choosing to take the short route. The main reason why they choose this is to get to the summit faster. The shortfall of this decision is that they end up never making to the summit. They are faced with challenges of acclimatization which result to their calling it off midway. It is advisable to take a route that will take you at least 6-7 days.

Avoid backpacking during the rainy season. If you do not want to risk suffering from Hypothermia, then consider having your hike during the dry season. Again you are going to enjoy more as your clothes will dry faster once you wash them during the exercise.

Physical training prior to the hike is inevitable if you want to succeed and get to the summit. Mount Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain, therefore, it is not easily accessible. In addition to having a good body shape, you will require a lot of physical effort to get to the summit. Ensure that you hiking in your physical training. If you are not able to do a hike you may consider training on a stair machine.

Avoid having the wrong gear for your hike. This is an active activity and that being so, it is crucial to have the right wear for the exercise. You should be aware that this expedition will expose you to extraordinary weather conditions. Make sure that you have at least a pair of boots, a raincoat, and insulated jacket.

You do not need to pack a lot of items for the hike. Just ensure that you pack only the essentials. Most of the other necessary accessories such as sleeping bags will be provided by the tour operator. This will make it easy for you to navigate. It will also ease the work of porters who are tasked with moving your camp to the next site.

Operators that are not members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project are highly discouraged. They will end up overcharging you and fail to give you the required service. Some of them in addition to having incompetent tour guides will also provide you with poor quality food and substandard accessories.

Your body will burn a huge amount of calories during this feat. The funniest thing is that the expedition may not get you feeling hungry. This is mostly experienced when you rise in altitude. Do not assume this to be normal. Make an effort of having a meal regardless of how full you feel. To keep your body hydrated and flexible ensure you consume at least 4 liters of water daily.




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