Mount Kilimanjaro has remained a popular hiking destination for many years. At a height of 5,895 meters, the mountain presents a major challenge to mountaineers. There is a need to adequately prepare both physically and mentally so as to increase the chance of conquering the mountain. It is recommended that one starts training for Kilimanjaro two months prior to the date scheduled for the hike.
The intensity and duration of training usually varies from one person to another. Those that are more physically fit typically require less intensity and less duration than those that do not exercise regularly. Beginners are advised to start slowly by taking regular walks outdoors and increasing the distance walked and the speed of walking gradually. They should strive to carry backpacks with them when they go for these walks.
The physical exercise that you are engaged in should help build your muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. By taking part in weight training, you will improve your performance and at the same time, protect the parts of the body that are most strained when hiking such as the knee joint, ankles and the spine. If you can comfortably carry a 20 pound backpack as you climb 30 steps a minute, you will be ready for the hike.
Make sure that you are in constant communication with your doctor even as you continue with your preparation. You should undergo a full medical checkup to screen for any chronic conditions that may be worsened by the challenge. Examples of such conditions include asthma (and other chronic respiratory conditions), metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) among others.
Apart from being physically fit you need to also prepare your body physiologically. At high altitude the air is thinner and oxygen supply is markedly reduced. High altitude training helps your body to pre-acclimatize so that you can cope with such strenuous conditions. The best way of achieving this is to be involved in several shorter hiking exercises regularly. This can be easily done within Tanzania where there are a number of smaller mountains near Kilimanjaro to be used for practice.
Strive to arrive at the area of the hike as early as possible. Some of the benefits of early arrival include being able to get adequate rest before the exercise and getting used to the climate, the food and the culture of the locals. Persons that arrive early have a 5% higher chance of making it to the summit of the mountain compared to those who have just a few hours to spare.
You need to carry with you a number of essential items. The technical clothing will typically include hiking pants, a long sleeved shirt, a waterproof jacket (with a hood), a pair of gloves and sports bra (for women). Important equipment specific to the exercise include a map, a compass (or GPS), sleeping bags and headlamps among others. Other accessories include a towel, toilet paper, soap and so on.
If you are coming from outside of Tanzania then travel arrangements are an integral part of the whole expedition. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents before you book your flight. There is no point in training so hard and missing out on the opportunity to participate in the hike. It is wise to take insurance cover against trip cancellations and other unseen events.
The intensity and duration of training usually varies from one person to another. Those that are more physically fit typically require less intensity and less duration than those that do not exercise regularly. Beginners are advised to start slowly by taking regular walks outdoors and increasing the distance walked and the speed of walking gradually. They should strive to carry backpacks with them when they go for these walks.
The physical exercise that you are engaged in should help build your muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. By taking part in weight training, you will improve your performance and at the same time, protect the parts of the body that are most strained when hiking such as the knee joint, ankles and the spine. If you can comfortably carry a 20 pound backpack as you climb 30 steps a minute, you will be ready for the hike.
Make sure that you are in constant communication with your doctor even as you continue with your preparation. You should undergo a full medical checkup to screen for any chronic conditions that may be worsened by the challenge. Examples of such conditions include asthma (and other chronic respiratory conditions), metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) among others.
Apart from being physically fit you need to also prepare your body physiologically. At high altitude the air is thinner and oxygen supply is markedly reduced. High altitude training helps your body to pre-acclimatize so that you can cope with such strenuous conditions. The best way of achieving this is to be involved in several shorter hiking exercises regularly. This can be easily done within Tanzania where there are a number of smaller mountains near Kilimanjaro to be used for practice.
Strive to arrive at the area of the hike as early as possible. Some of the benefits of early arrival include being able to get adequate rest before the exercise and getting used to the climate, the food and the culture of the locals. Persons that arrive early have a 5% higher chance of making it to the summit of the mountain compared to those who have just a few hours to spare.
You need to carry with you a number of essential items. The technical clothing will typically include hiking pants, a long sleeved shirt, a waterproof jacket (with a hood), a pair of gloves and sports bra (for women). Important equipment specific to the exercise include a map, a compass (or GPS), sleeping bags and headlamps among others. Other accessories include a towel, toilet paper, soap and so on.
If you are coming from outside of Tanzania then travel arrangements are an integral part of the whole expedition. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents before you book your flight. There is no point in training so hard and missing out on the opportunity to participate in the hike. It is wise to take insurance cover against trip cancellations and other unseen events.
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