Physical Preparation for Kilimanjaro
- Actually no technics needed to conquer the mighty Kili but due to its high altitude safety is very crucial. Our crews are trained to deal with altitude issues and are well equipped with required medical equipment.
- In order to have a successful climb, there are certain things that you can do in advance that will ensure safety and comfort during the hiking.
- Make sure you are in good shape to walk uphill and downhill for a prolonged period.
- Get enough at altitude training to avoid malaise and a positive mental attitude can easy the fatigue
- Get medical checkups and talk to your physician about your desire to climb the Kilimanjaro regarding the state of your health. All past and current medical issues, allergies should be shared with us prior to booking
if you are below 18 and above 60 get Doctor’s approval
- Hiking is very stressful for the body; make sure you get enough cardio and aerobic training 2-3 months prior to departure; this will train your body to fully working with less oxygen. Daily hiking, running or uses of stair master machine and the long walk around your neighborhood are the keys; start slowly and make them intense in the last 3 weeks.
- Train in the same boots and trouser that you plan to use at actual hiking; so that you get used to them to avoid blisters and scratches. Carry your backpack during training and add weight gradually to reach the amount of 20lb/10kg which is the maximum amount of your daypack when climbing Kilimanjaro.
Acclimatization Advice
- Train in high altitudes
- It takes time to acclimatize, hike slowly
- Take slow deep breaths
- Hydrate enough 3-4 liters of fluid a day, eat a diet with high calories
- To avoid and treat altitude sickness the use of Diamox is advised
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and tranquilizers or sleeping pills
- Our itineraries are designed to offer enough acclimatization by climbing higher in the day sleeping lower at night so that your body can adjust with the condition.
- In case of any sign of altitude sickness you will be asked to stay at a lower point and monitored until they decrease. In severe cases, you will be forced to abandon the trip
Materials &Safety on Kili
- Pulse Ox meter: is used to measure oxygen level in your blood and pulse rate by placing it on a fingertip
- Altitude sickness checklist: data collecting to determine the severity of altitude sickness
- Full stocked first aid Kit: for minor injuries
- Custom evacuation stretcher: to evacuate climbers who are unable to walk. Our guides are highly experienced and certified Wilderness First Responders, they can easily noticy and identify altitude issues and make medical decision.
- Oxygen tank/cylinder: easily and quickly administered to treat altitude sickness.
- Portable altitude chamber: To relieve altitude sickness by stimulating descent up to 7000 feet(only for people who do the western breach or sleeping in the crater camp).
- Short wave Radio and cellphones: for daily updates and in case of emergence
Full trip and safely briefing
- Toilet tents: for hygienic reasons
- Gears
Trekking in Kilimanjaro is one in a lifetime thing and our goal is to make sure it’s done with amusement and quality, that’s why we pay attention to every detail on what kind of tents we use, gears we provide, menus we serve and safety devices we use in order to fulfill your dream. We believe in quality that’s why we have managed to stay at the top as one of the trusted companies for trekking.
The Gears we provide: (feel free to bring yours)
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping Mattress.
- Walking sticks, 1 head lump, and spare batteries.
- Drinking water bottle (NALGENE) or camel pack. We provide daily filtered water but you may bring the like of Potable Aqua for you.
- Getters.
- Energy bars.
Your suggested packing list
FOR FEET:
1 pair Mt. Boots: Large enough to wear with thick socks with causing blisters
Socks: at least 4-5 pairs in synthetic or wool, 2 thin ones to prevent blisters and 3 thick ones for warmth.
1 pair of gaiters: to keep dirt and snow out of your boots
Sandal/sneakers (optional): to wear at the camp in the evenings
Lower Body:
1 thermal(warm) trousers: Loosely one for comfortability
1 thermal (warm) long underwear: preferably in synthetic or wool
1 wind/waterproof trousers.
1 hiking short
Lycra tights: provides warmth, dry fast, prevent sunburn
Undergarments: Enough for trek’s duration
Upper body:
- 3-4 long-sleeved warm layers, made from wool and synthetic. Avoid cotton
- 2-3 thermal T-shirts in synthetic
- 1 thermal jacket or sweater
- Rain Parka: waterproof
Gloves: 1 pair heavy mittens and 1 pair light
HEAD & FACE
- 1 pair of sunglasses or ice goggles, Sunscreen 30spf, Lip bam
- Wool hat: that covers ears
- Bandanas: to protect neck against sun
- Camera + films with its spare batteries, passport book, a day pack with waterproof cover, a rucksack or safari bag.
