1. Be Vigilant About Acclimatization
One of the Most Important task on Kilimanjaro, from the first day to the last, is to acclimatize. If you can’t acclimatize enough, then chances of getting to the summit becomes very low.
High altitude is the risk factor that can affect anyone, no matter how young, or fit you are. you have to abide by acclimatization guidelines.
I wish you known more about altitude sickness and how to prevent it before coming to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. . You can experience mild symptoms, including headaches and nausea, and sometimes severe if you rushed the ascent, It recommended to take minimal breaks, and listen to your body. After knowing thinks, and follow all procedures about Acclimatization , suffering will be avoided. So better take the time to learn the best practices for acclimatization and then follow these guidelines while you plan your climb to Kilimanjaro mountain.
2. Carefully Choose the best route of you
Kilimanjaro have total of 6 ascending routes, and 2 descending routes. These routes designed differently from different angles of the mountain. Some are less steep, some are more steep, some are long route some are short routes and this make the different also on Number of days to take on whole journey for Summit the mount Kilimanjaro.
Short routes with few days , of course have low budget that long routes with more days itinerary. Never make this main factor on choosing your route to climb Kilimanjaro mountain. The following few points can help you to know exactly which route is ok for you…..
- Short routes are From minimum 5 – 6 days __ These are itineraries that mostly recommended for the experienced hikers. It is aggressive itineraries for the people who are able to hike up to 10 km or more per one day, for most of their days on the mountain. Also the big difference of new elevation gain in one day , plus less time to acclimatize, it is recommended for hikers with high altitude experience, who don’t need much time for their body to acclimatize and adapt to the new height.
- Long route from 7 – 9 days __ These are the itineraries that gives you more time to acclimatize and rest enough at the camps every day, before summit day and all these increasing your success rate. Also with more days on the mountain, even the hiking distance per day will be less hence less fatigue. read more here — How to choose best route for climb Kilimanjaro
3. Get the Gear List of What you needs and what you don’t
Each item considered on the list is Very Important. Some climbers stray from the list, believing certain items aren’t really necessary. Others pack too much stuff, thinking this enhances comfort on the mountain. Both approaches can lead to problems. On the ,mountain the bags you bring need to be less than 20kg, that is the maximum for one porter to Carry. So bringing too much gears is not recommended , you just bring only what you need. Also very important to have everything recommended on the list because after getting on the mountain its difficult to get extra gears. Also some climbers have been failed to summit because of improper climbing gears while on Kilimanjaro
After having All you need, the you have to know how and when to wear it. As Kilimanjaro’s climate varies dramatically between the base and the summit. A proper layering system begins with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers such as fleece, topped with a waterproof and windproof shell, and finished with a heavy down jacket for added warmth. This is the standard sequence for layering on alpine climbs,, the heavy down jacket is the outermost layer. Many people get this wrong.
4. Bring Extra Money for Tips
As we all knows tipping is thanks that given after the customer satisfied. But in Kilimanjaro is a bit different. Your guides, porters, and cook are the backbone of your climb, and rewarding them is both appropriate and appreciated. Having money for tips is often an afterthought when booking a climb. As a result, many people don’t budget for tips beforehand or know how much to set aside for tips.
The recommended standard tipping is.,,,, 10$ per porter per day ,, 15$ per cook per day ,,, and 20$ per guide per day, you here you can calculate according the the crew you will have on the mountain. In big groups from 8 clients and above, they can donate about 250$ per client per trip
It have happened several time on Kilimanjaro mountain that After clients witnessing how hard the crew worked, they wanted to give these recommended tipping or more than but they didn’t have information hence not prepared. So make sure you factor tips into your overall budget and bring more cash just in case you want to tip more.
5. Know Four Key Point to Your Successful Summit
Summiting Kilimanjaro is not harder like how many people says. Its not easy either. All depends on how you prepared and how you will be lining there on the mountain. Following these three key point will helps you on maximize you summit chances….
- Drink Enough water. __ It recommended to drink not less than 3 liters per day for best body hydration
- Walk Slowly __ Pole pole is very popular word on Kilimanjaro means go slowly, no matter how strong you feel its better too slowly so you can adopt more efficiently and serve energy for more next days that you will be on more higher altitude.
- Eat and Rest enough__ As you use lot of calories everyday you need to eat as passible comfortable as you can.
- Positive attitude __ Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. There are moments when the climb becomes tough—whether it’s dealing with altitude, cold temperatures, or fatigue. When things get tough, breaking the climb into smaller, manageable sections can help keep you going. Remind yourself why you started the climb and focus on each step while Staying positive, learning on your guide or fellow climbers for support, and knowing that others are feeling the same struggles can help you push through.
6. Learn How to choose the Best Tour Agency to Organize you trip
You can be very good hiker, and very well prepared for your trip to Kilimanjaro, but if you choose wrong company, falls on wrong team all your dreams can end before your see the Kilimanjaro true summit. Or you can summit in very hard way of your own struggle than team support that is very important too. Some companies are way too cheap than even netto cost of the trip, that’s wonder how they manage to operate that trip and pay all the bills. Or some operators are not faithful and use clients money on other way and unmanage to full fill your trip. Try to choose company with really good reputation or direct recommended from person you know and trust or from trusted sites like trip advisor, see some example here….