Preparation to Climb Kilimanjaro

In order to climb Kilimanjaro and enjoy your experience on the mountain it is worth making the effort to prepare yourself to a reasonable level of fitness. No amount of preparation will make it a certainty that you will make it to the top, but you will have a better chance and find the climb more rewarding if you are physically prepared.

Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb - you do not need to learn to use ropes or to rock climb.

You do not have to have a six-pac or perfect figure to climb Kilimanjaro in fact a few pounds of extra insulation helps with the extreme cold and energy demand placed upon the body whilst on the mountain.

Buy yourself a good pare of hiking boots, preferably several months before you climb Kilimanjaro and walk them in. If you buy your boots just before get them soaking wet and walk around in them - wear them to work etc. We recommend a pair of stout leather boots over Gortex as they can rip.

In terms of physical preparation if possible walk in mountains or hills with steep gradients. Failing that go to the gym and use the step machine, take the stairs rather than the lift etc. Many people find the decent harder than the ascent so practice walking down as wel1!

If you do smoke Climbing Kilimanjaro is a very good incentive to quit - smokers can make it but they have a harder time on the mountain

In climbing Kilimanjaro, there a few simple steps to follow to give yourself the best chance to stand at Uruhu peek.

1) Select a climbing route that best suits your ability and fitness level. Consult your tour company about which route is best for you.

2) Add acclimatization days to the itinerary. Taking an extra day increases your chances of getting to the top by up to 30%.

3) The phrase 'Climb high, sleep low' is well worth sticking to where possible - climb to a higher altitude during the day, then sleep lower at night. This helps a lot with acclimatization.

4) Plan your climb so there is the best chance of nice weather. Bad weather conditions makes any climb much more harder. Hiking through rain and snow with no visibility is stressful and demoralizing.

5) Book a private trip not a large shared trip. Private trips mean more individual attention and an itinerary based on your abilities. Your guide will do everything he can to help you summit, including adjustments in pace, rest stops and camps, while you have few other climbers else to contend with.

6) Train for your climb. By training properly for your climb, your body is less likely to struggle with the demands of the mountain being placed on your legs, and only has to focus on acclimatization.

7) Ascend gradually. The body needs time to acclimate to the altitude. The slower you ascend, the better.

8) Eat lots of food and drink loads of water while on your climb. It is recommended that you should drink four to five liters of fluid per day. Also, you need to eat a high calorie diet while at altitude, even if your appetite is diminished - force yourself to eat - food is fuel!

9) Try to avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs. These can decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in acute altitude sickness.

10) Think about using Diamox for acclimatization - ask your doctor about it.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains contact Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.