Before you climb and experience mount Kilimanjaro: Know these things
If you plan to climb the highest mountain in Africa, you must be in good health and have strong stamina. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t for the faint-hearted and weak, so you must prepare for this endeavor.
Also, equip yourself with the right equipment and wear the appropriate clothing. This will make the climb less complex and memorable.
However, never let these odds stop you from reaching the top and experiencing the beauty you’ll only witness from the summit! If there are things I wish I had known before hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, these are the following:
Climbing mount Kilimanjaro is not as complex as you think
Many people are now venturing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Although the term “highest mountain” can be daunting, it’s not as technical or complex as the other summits, requiring much training and preparation.
With a few months of thorough training for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hikers ages 12 to 70 can be prepared to reach Africa’s highest summit. However, one must have the stamina and strength to reach the top.
Prepare to be cold and wet in mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is settled near the Equator. Thus, it experiences wet and dry seasons rather than summer and winter. There could be rain along the way and extra cold when you’re close to 20,000 feet.
Thus, wear extra layers of clothes (preferably a fleece top for extra warmth), socks, and thermals would be best. A warm hat would also help keep you warm.
Given the weather conditions, the best times to climb Kilimanjaro are January to March and June to October. Remember to pack the right gear to stay warm and dry when rain and cold arrive.
Pack the right gear & other essentials before heading to mount Kilimanjaro
Pack the right gear before heading out on your Kilimanjaro adventure. The camp lacks electricity, so it’s best to come prepared for low-light situations.
Bring a headlamp with you to help light up the path in front, as well as the following things:
Insulated Trekking Pants
Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
Pairs of Hiking Trousers
Top Base Layer
Bottom Base Layer
Pairs of Underwear
Short Sleeve
Insulated Winter Jacket
Polartec Fleece Jacket
For equipment and other essentials, it would be helpful to have the following:
Gloves
Daypack bag
Waterproof duffle bag
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Water bladder
Neck-gaiter or scarf
Warm hat
Sun hat
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Lightweight gloves
Warm gloves or mittens
Trekking boats
Trekking shoes
Socks
Gaiters
Extra batteries
Put your water, binoculars, sunglasses, camera, rain pants, and jackets in your daypack bag. Wear lightweight and quick-dry clothing, and avoid cotton, as it absorbs wet and doesn’t allow moisture to escape.
Expect sponge baths, squat toilets, and huts on mount Kilimanjaro
When embarking on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, be prepared for a rugged and immersive experience amidst Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes. Accommodations on the mountain typically involve staying in tents or basic huts along the trekking routes.
Bathroom facilities often consist of squat toilets, and amenities may include sponge baths to freshen up during the journey. Embracing these rustic conditions adds to the sense of adventure and allows climbers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Kilimanjaro environment.
Go slow and make sure you stay hydrated on mount Kilimanjaro
