The well acclaimed ‘Roof of Africa’ dominates over the enchanting African plains and is a hot favorite on several bucket lists. With innumerable mind boggling spectacles to bestow upon you , it is surely a peak to pick. Needless to say, approximately 40,000 adventure enthusiasts chase this sought-after peak every year, of which around one-third give up before they go all the way up. We’ve listed a few top tips for you to have a better shot at getting to the top of the tip. Here’s hoping you go all the way!
The right way up
There’s no right way or wrong way, but there’s always a best way. Your choice of route can be the root cause that defines your success rate. There are seven routes to the sought after Uhuru peak at a whopping 5,895 meters/19,340 feet above sea level : Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe, and the Northern route. Each route promises a different length, difficulty level, facility for accommodation, topography and cost. Pick the wisest route that fits your bill and set off on your trail. If you’d like a breezy, light-hearted and pleasurable journey, then choose likewise. It’s indispensable to choose your route wisely, because the way you go says almost everything about whether or not you’ll go all the way.
Packing right for the peak
Equip yourself with all the essentials, mark your checklist and take all you need before you take off. Your clothing needs to be well-planned because what’s on you decides what’s in store for you. Invest on some good quality base layers and adequate, reliable gear. Some absolute must haves are comfortable pants, shirts, underwear, fleece jacket, hiking shoes with ankle support, headlamp, long johns or silk underwear, hats, sleeping bags, waterproof pants, walking stick,s etc. Carrying light will carry you to the finish line. Always carry fabric that keeps you warm and dry. (PS: Cotton is not one of them.)
Preparing yourself
Kilimanjaro is known to be the easiest mountain to climb at such an elevation and yes, it is warmly addressed as the layman’s Everest. But though it has become a major crowd pleaser by alluring people with different capabilities, it must not be misconceived. Although it is easier to scale on a relative scale, the climb requires every ounce of your physical and mental strength. So, brace yourself to ace the trek. Set a 3-6 month training schedule prior to the adventure. Your workout can include jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics, lunges, muscle presses, shoulder presses, sit-ups, practice hikes and so on, to build the core strength of your muscles.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is not overrated. Your body dehydrates at a much higher pace at high altitudes. You’ll need to consume a daunting volume of up to five litres everyday. Drink it all up to let yourself drink in the Kilimanjaro experience! The stream water on the mountain heights have been tested and found to be potable. But to steer clear of trouble, we recommend that you use water purification tablets.
With these tips in mind, you are all set for climbing Kilimanjaro. Go ahead and conquer the peak!