PHYSICAL APTNESS SUCCESS GUIDE FOR KILIMANJARO

To climb Kilimanjaro is not a serious mountaineering challenge. Children and elderly have succeeded in reaching the summit whilst superbly fit athletes have failed. This is because there are two problems. The major problem is rapid gain in altitude, which has little to do with your own fitness, but can be overcome by careful route planning.

Uhuru Trails by AfricanMecca will help you optimize your summit chances. The second problem is the misconception that because Mt. Kilimanjaro presents a steady uphill trek, it does not require stamina and endurance. It does. You are looking at seven days or more of hard walking on varied surfaces in rapidly changing temperatures.

To enjoy the experience, you need to be as fit as possible – both physically and cerebrally. If you are earnestly bulky in weight, a Kilimanjaro summit trip is probably not for you. Always have a thorough medical checkup before embarking on strenuous physical activity. Your legs and feet need to be well-prepared. Firm up your muscles by exercise, preferably weight-bearing.



But work up to it slowly and steadily over a period of months, so that it is an enjoyable experience. Walking, especially hill-walking, is an excellent preparation, as is cycling. But where this is not an option, stair-climbing is a good alternative. Gym workouts are not necessary unless you prefer them. Dancing is also an excellent way to build up suppleness and stamina.

Your feet deserve careful preparation. A pedicure is wonderful, while rubbing with surgical spirit will toughen them against blisters, but soaking and paring hard skin, taking advice for corns and bunions and getting used to wearing your hiking boots will prevent or lessen the misery of sore feet on your Tanzanian hiking tour. If you are older, physically challenged or seriously out of condition, then a gentle start with yoga is good for all aspects of fitness, both physical and mental.

Leg lunges and squats, core-building planks and arches, and arm-strengthening push-ups can all be increased slowly from gentle, supported routines to weight-bearing, muscle-building sets. Just take them as far as you are comfortable. You are not training for the Olympics, but working towards your own everyday optimum. Yoga breathing, stretching and joint mobility exercises also help to prepare both mind and body.

Your mental attitude is important, because no matter how fit you are, there will be added pressure from searing and freezing temperatures, muddy forest paths, unstable mountain scree slopes and camping on windy, rocky ridges. It is advisable to try wearing the warmer clothing you will need at altitude and carrying your pack, loaded with few liters of water and extra weight, so there will be no unpleasant surprises when you have to do it for real.

Test yourself over a seven miles (ten kilometers) hill route, walking fast or even running. If you can do it in less than 105 minutes (15 minutes every mile), you are ready to enjoy every aspect of your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expedition, as long as you do not tempt altitude sickness by trying to climb too high, too fast. “Pole-pole”, is the motto on the mountain in Kiswahili, “Slowly, slowly”. Take it easy and take time to look around and really appreciate what you have achieved.

Review Below Primary Strategies For A Successful Summit Of Kilimanjaro

TANZANIA TRIP IDEAS

Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Trip Ideas

AFRICA SAFARI PRICES

Check Our Africa Travel Guide