Ready to reach to top? From Atlas and Boots, here are a few tips to prepare you for your hike to the Roof of Africa:
1. Climb High, Sleep Low. You’ll hear this advice quite a few times during the climb. In Kilimanjaro, the success rate is about 60 percent. It’s not that people have to turn back because they’re not fit—it’s the altitude sickness that beats them.
2. Less is Better. You know how important hydration is during a climb, anywhere, on any mountain. But don’t overdo it. So don’t carry too much water. It’s heavy and adds to the weight you’ve got to carry to the summit. Also, go for thin water bottles that don’t add to much weight to your day pack. You’ll thank yourself later when you find yourself on that long, seemingly endless summit climb.
3. Take It Slow. It’s not a race to the top. Don’t wear yourself out too early on. Pace yourself. The trek should work around your physical limitations. If you start to feel headaches, nausea and some shortness of breath, among many other symptoms, you could be coming down with Altitude Sickness. The best way to combat the symptoms is to get back to a lower altitude. When the symptoms abate within the next few hours, you might be able to make arrangements to catch up with your group. However, some take as long as several days to recover. To keep this from happening, climb slowly. Give your body time to adjust. You’ll enjoy the experience better this way.
4. Train for the Climb. Hiking Kilimanjaro is like hiking any other mountain—you’ve got to go in prepared. So train for it. Make sure you do a little cardio with daily jogs or runs. Do this for at least 10 weeks before your climb. Also, make sure to consult your doctor over what training plan is right for you.
These are just four tips to help you survive your hike to the top. Don’t forget to enjoy every minute of hiking Kilimanjaro. Good luck!
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