As the highest peak in Africa and one of the world’s most iconic summits, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an incredible bucket list adventure. Yet as a challenging high-altitude trek, it requires diligent preparation to reach the summit successfully.
Follow these key tips to get yourself ready, both physically and logistically, for your upcoming Kilimanjaro climb:
The best way to prepare your body for the physical rigor of Kilimanjaro is through cardiovascular conditioning. Go on regular hikes, join spin classes, swim laps – whatever gets your heart rate up. Work your way up to exercising 1-2 hours daily, 5-6 days a week. Push yourself well outside your comfort zone.
Kilimanjaro requires immense leg endurance to trek dozens of miles up and down steep terrain. Squats, lunges, and calf raises with weights will strengthen your quads, hamstrings and calves. Mix in low resistance, high rep exercises to build muscular stamina.
Trekking for hours with a 15-20 lb backpack requires strength and stamina. Get used to weighted packs by hiking, climbing stairs or walking with weights. Slowly increase weight carried to mirror your pack weight. This prepares your joints and muscles.
Kilimanjaro traverses all kinds of tricky terrain from loose gravel to uneven steps hewn into rock. Improve balance and stability through yoga poses like Warrior III or single leg deadlifts. Agility drills like ladder footwork also help.
Spending time at moderate elevations primes your body to adjust to thinner air. Traveling to elevations above 8,000 feet for even a few days right before your trek helps boost red blood cell production critical for oxygen circulation.
All gear and footwear must be fully broken in long before your trek. This prevents painful blisters and chafing on the trail. Thoroughly test out your boots, backpacks, trekking poles and all layers by replicating hikes wearing the equipment fully loaded.
Book all your flights, hotels and local transportation for the dates of your Kilimanjaro climb. Most tours include airport pick-up and drop-off. Have all visas, passports, permits and insurance coverage ready. Inform banks and cell providers of travel.
Understanding the specifics of the route you’ll take and what pacing to expect each day helps with readiness. Review distance covered, terrain, gradient and acclimatization days. Pack familiar foods and snacks to keep energized each day.
Visit your doctor and travel clinic to get all recommended vaccinations and medications well in advance. These help protect against diseases like typhoid and hepatitis A. Bring prescriptions for altitude sickness, pain relief and antibiotics. Know if you can fly right after taking malaria pills.
Compile all required clothing, equipment, supplies and documents long before departure. Break in boots and gear to test functionality. Pack supplies for hydration, nutrition, first aid, hygiene and entertainment. Print out permits and insurance info.
Most summit attempts start around midnight, so practice hiking trails at night with a headlamp to get comfortable. Choose routes with varied terrain and hills. Acclimate to colder night temperatures and assessing terrain by moonlight.
Don’t let a cold, flu or sudden injury ruin your climb. Eat nutritious foods, wash hands frequently and get enough sleep leading up to departure. Some tour operators may delay or deny you if you show up ill.
With strategic preparation and training, you’ll be ready to take on the physical challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro and the logistical details of international mountain travel. Invest in yourself and your success!
P.O Box 2112,
Arusha, Tanzania
T. +255 767 874 733
+255 764 874743
E. info@jackaladventures.com
