Top 5 helpful hints for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing and reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people and it is fair to say it should not to be taken likely. At an altitude of 5896meter or 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and should not be underestimated. Preparing well will give you a better chance of having a successful trip. If you are like me, you can look back in years to come with a smile on your face and think, ‘Wow! I did that!’

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Roughly  30,000 people attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year and, unfortunately, not all of them are able to reach the summit. This is due to various factors such as poor preparation, altitude sickness or simply not choosing the right route. With this in mind, I thought I would share some of my top tips to make sure you get the most out of your climb!
Choosing the right route for you: There are 7 routes to the summit and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. These routes are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe.  When selecting a route, make sure it is the appropriate route for your physical ability, time frame and comfort needs. Some routes only take a few days and others can take over a week. I took the Machame route which is considered to be the most popular.
Keep fresh: There are no showers on the trails and it’s best to come prepared. I would recommend taking wet wipes and hand sanitiser – small things can make a huge difference after a long day of trekking!
Take water purifying tablets: Staying hydrated and refreshed is vital during any intense exercise. You will go through a lot of water throughout your excursion and it’s extremely important to come prepared. Water will be boiled for you as frequently as possible by your guides but supplies will be limited. To ensure that you’re not left wanting, it’s best to have some water purifying tablets in your pack. You can get purifying tablets before you leave from your local outdoor store or pharmacy.
Take an extra camera battery: Generally speaking, there is no power supply en route to Kilimanjaro. Spending the night on mountainsides and encountering awe-inspiring views at every turn, you definitely don’t want to be left with a dead battery! Bringing a second power pack means that you won’t miss out on any picture perfect moments.
Do not rush, take your time and acclimatise I think we are all guilty of wanting to get somewhere quickly. Remember, your aim is to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, so acclimatisation is very important for your safety and success.  Most trekking programmes will include acclimatisation days but it’s always best to specify this with your chosen operator.
Don’t take too much: In a world of Go-Pros and SLRs, it can be easy weigh yourself down with technology! As previously mentioned, there are no power sources and you are likely to be trekking for around a week, so you don’t want to be carrying excess weight! Try and limit yourself to the essentials and, if you are staying on for longer, many Tanzania hotels have holding lockers.