If you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, congratulations! You’re about to embark on an adventure like no other. At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.

As daunting as it may be, all you need is determination and will to get to the summit. The trickiest part of climbing Kilimanjaro is the rate of ascent and altitude, but with the right tips, you’ll be able to reach your mountain climbing goal with ease.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

1. Prepare Physically

It’s no secret that preparing to climb a mountain is strenuous. You’ll need to take your workouts to the next level, and it needs to be in a focused way, focusing on leg strength and stamina.

You don’t need to be a fitness guru when you’re summitting a mountain. There are plenty of people who can rock up without any training beforehand, but then they struggle with all of the physical demands of the climb.

The climb will be more doable and enjoyable if you put in the effort and time to prepare months in advance. Start training at least two months before your climb, even if you’re already fit. Incorporate some trekking time beforehand to get your body accustomed to this type of exercise.

2. Choose the Right Route

You’ll want to give yourself a minimum of 8 days on the Kilimanjaro mountain. If you’re looking for the best experience possible without sacrificing climbing safety, you’ll want an 8-day climb. One of the best routes up the mountain is using the Lemosho Route for over eight days.

Many people try to go up the mountain too quickly and don’t give themselves the time to acclimate to the low oxygen levels. With that said, there are seven routes up the mountain. Two of the routes are ideal for climbing safely; the other five are more challenging.

Plenty of people choose a shorter trek to save money but if you’re going on an adventure like this, do everything possible to enjoy your stay on the mountain. That’s why the 8-day Lemosho Route route is ideal.

3. Water Is Crucial

As you reach impressive levels of altitude, you’ll dehydrate much quicker, which will increase your chances of headaches, fatigue, and overall crankiness, so be sure to drink plenty of water. For many climbers, it’s common to get a slight headache because of the change in altitude, and drinking sufficient amounts of water can help curb those added discomforts.

Water is collected from nearby mountain streams and treated with water purification tablets. You’ll only find these at the campsites, so be sure to carry at least 3 liters of water to stay hydrated while you hike. Be sure to drink at least a liter of water before and after each climbing day on the mountain.

4. Have the Right Gear and Clothing

Having the right gear and clothing is essential for your Kilimanjaro climb. You need to consider that your feet are the most important parts of your body to take care of during your trek. Don’t skimp out on footwear; you’ll be walking for multiple hours a day, so you need sturdy and waterproof trekking boots.

You’ll also want to invest in a good jacket that will keep you warm. You’ll be wearing this jacket in the mornings and evenings, so make sure you invest properly. If you’re overwhelmed by options, get advice from a professional so you can stay comfortable during your trip.

Finally, you’ll want both a water bladder and two large water bottle containers. As mentioned previously, drinking significant water is important, so you’ll need to have the right gear to stay hydrated.

These are only the essentials; you’ll need to research ahead of time and create an extensive packing list for everything necessary to climb safely and effectively.

5. Take It Slow

Something you might hear while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is pole, pole. In Swahili, this means gently and slowly. When taking on something as strenuous as climbing Kilimanjaro, taking it slow and steady can make the difference between turning back early or reaching the summit.

Acclimating your body to the low levels of oxygen in the mountain takes time, and you’ll need to be gentle with yourself; getting used to the lack of oxygen is essential. There’s no point in racing to the next campsite; take the time to enjoy the journey.

During most of the trek, try to keep a pace where you can converse with others. In the evenings, adopt a slower pace so you can conserve your energy.

6. Watch for Altitude Sickness

On day two or three of your trek, you might start feeling symptoms of altitude sickness. With Kilimanjaro, you’re looking at climbing up to 19,340 feet above sea levels to reach the summit, so it’s very likely you’ll experience at least mild altitude symptoms during your trek.

The symptoms associated with altitude sickness include dizziness, headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, and headaches. You can’t prevent this sickness, but you can alleviate some symptoms through proper hydration, nutrition, and medication. Try Diamox to help treat altitude sickness.

7. Bring Enough Snacks

You’re likely to lose your appetite when you reach a high altitude, but even with the amount of exertion you’re doing, you need to continue to consume enough calories. After all, you don’t want to run out of fuel as you’re making your way to the top. Be sure to bring some of your favorite high-calorie snacks to munch on during the climb.

Top Mountain Climbing Tips

It is estimated that around 35,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro every year. Only two-thirds of that group is successful, which could be because they weren’t prepared. With the right mountain climbing tips, you’re sure to take on this exciting challenge with complete confidence.

Remember to pack correctly and stay hydrated. You’re about to enter an environment that is entirely different from what you’re used to. Remember to bring tips to support the mountain crew once you make it to the end.

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