Culminating at 5895, Mt Kilimanjaro is by far Africa's highest & most majestic mountain. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a memorable experience, and anyone who's physically fit can mount this snow-covered mountain on one of the several routes accessible. However, there are quite a few things you should keep in mind before attempting Kilimanjaro climbing. Let's have a look at them:
Know Kilimanjaro weather condition:
Because of its nearness to the equator, Tanzania doesn't experience substantial transformations in temperatures, but rather wet & dry seasons. Therefore, it's feasible to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing throughout the year.
The rainy season usually take place from February to May, whereas the region experience short precipitations from November to December.
June & July are probably the most popular climbing months with clear blue skies, though it's colder than August-October when the climate is temperate. January is possibly the warmest of months to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, which's why many people prefer to climb Mt Kilimanjaro on the New Year's Eve.
Training required for Kilimanjaro climbing:
Kilimanjaro climbing isn't technically demanding and it doesn't need any specialized mountain training or equipment, but it makes wisdom to encompass some physical preparation into your routine to make the most of your climbing experience.
The best training you can do for Kilimanjaro climbing is trekking hills. Apart from that, swimming, cycling and running are great means of workouts that'll develop your muscle potency and enhance your overall fitness level.
Don't ignore the importance of Guides and Porters:
Kilimanjaro porters, guides and cooks play a crucial part in assisting you attain the summit. You want to focus on your climb rather than carrying your loads. Having a porter by the side of you, you don't need to worry about the extra weight.
Have knowledge about altitude sickness:
The main difficulty encountered when trekking Kilimanjaro is the altitude, which in extreme cases can upshot in AMS (acute mountain sickness). Majority of the trekkers experience some sort of discomfort over 3,500m, such as nausea, headache or appetite loss, but this can be cured by consuming adequate water.
Temperatures drop throughout the night, and hypothermia is a genuine possibility if you're not prepared properly. A warm sleeping bag, thermal underwear, thick socks, hats and gloves will all help maintain your body temperature stable.
As soon as you reach over 5000 meters, the earth's defensive atmosphere reduces by an astounding 55 percent so the sun's rays are very stronger. Sun protection of factor 50+ is advised, along with a wide-brimmed hat & quality sunglasses.
Nevertheless, you can combine Kenya and Tanzania safari together to make the most out of your adventure trip Africa.
Martin Wynn
