Preparation for an epic Kilimanjaro Hike
A Kilimanjaro climb is a very special type of adventure, beyond a traditional vacation. Unlike popular beach vacations or simple hiking tours, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires certain preparations. After all, this adventure takes hikers to the highest point of Africa at 5,895 m/19,340 f. This is often the highest altitude many climbers to ever achieve, making this trip a true adventure of a lifetime. In this way, Kilimanjaro adventures are dangerous and unless the trekking party is staffed by the professional guides and equipped with proper equipment, the hikers are exposed to certain high altitude-related risks.
Kilimanjaro Gear
There are five ecological zones on Mount Kilimanjaro, each with its own climate and weather characteristics. Climbers are required to have the right gear to stay warm, dry and comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions.
Typically, it is warm and humid in the rainforest, at the start of your trek. Then as you climb higher, it becomes colder and drier in the moorland and alpine desert zone. The summit can be extremely cold and windy, as being in artic zone would suggest.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is like hiking from summer to winter in a matter of days. Your apparel will reflect this as well. You will need technical clothing such as a waterproof jacket, fleece jacket and several base layers. Cold weather gear such as hats, gloves, down jacket, and a warm sleeping bag are essential.
You are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment while communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.) is provided.
For clients who have hiking and backpacking experience, you will already have most if not all of the gear on the list. If you are starting from scratch, then it will take some time and money to assemble the items. Also consider renting gear from shops or borrowing gear from friends if possible to reduce the cost.
Physical Training
For most people, having an adequate fitness level for the climb is their biggest concern.
We completely understand. You are venturing into the unknown and aren’t sure how much effort is required to climb Kilimanjaro.
Our best advice is to train seriously and come to Tanzania in the best hiking shape possible. If you do this, you will know that you gave yourself the greatest chance of a safe and successful climb.
We recommend training for at least two months prior to your departure. For those who are new to hiking, it would be smart to train longer. For those who are regular hikers, you will likely perform fine just keeping your regular routine. Doing day hikes is a great way to prepare though it’s entirely possible to train exclusively on a stair master machine if you don’t have access to trails.
Altitude Training
Acclimatizing to the high altitude is the key to climbing Kilimanjaro.
In fact, a person who is in phenomenal shape but can’t acclimatize will perform worse than a person who is in poor shape but acclimatizes well.
There are things you can do to pre-acclimatize, or prepare for high altitude, before your climb. For instance, you can spend some time at high altitude immediately before your trip. If that is impractical due to timing, you can take a trip or two to high elevation destinations and hike – just to test your body’s response. You can also use an altitude training system and pre-acclimatize in your own home.
Most of our clients do not pre-acclimatize and still do very well on the mountain. So don’t worry if you can’t get high altitude training or exposure during your preparation.
However, we strongly recommend longer routes like the 8 day Lemosho or 9 day Northern Circuit for nearly everyone. Adding days to your climb will almost always improve your probability of summiting because it allows for more time to acclimatize.
Tanzania Entry Requirements
A valid passport and visa are required for most nationalities to enter Tanzania, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders.
Medical Check
We do NOT require a medical check to participate on our climbs.
But, it is a good idea to be medically cleared for climbing by your doctor. Your age, fitness level, health, and pre-existing medical conditions may preclude you from high altitude trekking.
Our minimum fitness requirements are that each climber must have a resting heart rate of under 100 beats per minute.
Vaccinations & Medications
There are NO mandatory vaccinations, immunizations or medications to enter Tanzania.
However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends many vaccines for travel to East Africa. We encourage you to discuss your travel plans with a medical professional to determine which vaccinations and medications you should get.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to participate on our trips.
Standard travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay; lost, stolen and damaged baggage; medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation; and luggage delay.
Your travel insurance must also cover high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters. This insurance will make you eligible for rescue by helicopter from Kilimanjaro MedAir, a private company.
Clients must be able to provide proof of insurance to staff upon request or they will not be allowed to participate.
Travel to Tanzania
Our climbs begin and end in Moshi which is readily accessible via Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Moshi is a coffee-producing town in northern Tanzania that is known as a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park. What makes Moshi an ideal home base for Kilimanjaro climbs is its convenient location near the base of the mountain and close distance (25 miles) to the airport.
There are regular flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO), serviced by KLM/Delta, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and more.
All our tours includes pick up and drop off at the Kilimanjaro Airport
