Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – 6 to 10 days. At 19,336 feet, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is Africa’s highest peak. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 Metres above Sea Level.

It is the world’s tallest walkable mountain, and what a walk it is. You will go through 5 different climatic zones to reach the summit. Follow the advice and tips from Green Ranger Safaris and you should reach the “Roof of Africa” in good health.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – 6 to 10 days – Here’s How:

Find a good tour operator. You can only climb Kilimanjaro with an organized trek and along established routes, so you have to go with a good operator. The operators vary from excellent to downright negligent so be selective and do not to be too cheap.

Book in advance

This will enable you to go in high season, which is January – March and September – October. High Season is a good time to go simply because the weather conditions are safest for climbing.

Get fit

Break in your hiking boots and walk the dog; climb stairs; hike some hills with a pack on – walking is the best way to prepare yourself for the long hike up Kilimanjaro. You need to build up stamina. It’s a good idea to get a basic medical check-up before you go. You don’t want to be dealing with an ingrown toenail or worse at 18,000 feet. Travel insurance that includes medical is also a must.

Pack well

Pack light but make sure you have everything you need to deal with altitude and variation in temperatures. Don’t worry about carrying it yourself as a porter will take up to 30 lbs (15 kg) of your personal gear in a duffel bag. You can rent some equipment and clothing locally: Green Ranger Safaris will help you on that.

Choose your route

Make sure your hike is at least 6-7 days for maximum success. Any shorter and you will not be properly acclimatized. Routes vary in degree of difficulty, traffic and scenic beauty. The least difficult routes are Marangu and Rongai; the more difficult routes are Machame, Shira and Lemosho.

The longer routes may have more difficult hiking but you’ll be more acclimatized and your chances of reaching the summit are therefore higher. The longer western routes also allow you to start your summit day at a more reasonable hour.

Dealing with the altitude

Pace yourself; you will hear the Swahili phrase “Pole Pole” – Slowly Slowly, heed it well. Drink lots of water about 4-5 liters a day is recommended. Luckily the mountain streams after the first day are good to drink and naturally cooled. Walk high and sleep low.

Take a walk to a higher elevation during the day and come back down to sleep. Consult a doctor before you go and get some medication to prevent altitude sickness. Green Ranger Safaris guides will carry the proper medical equipment such as oxygen, radios and a re-compression bag to deal with altitude sickness if it arises.

Reaching the summit

The hardest part of the trek. Pace yourself, be determined, and you will reach the Uhuru Peak. The final ascent is usually timed so you can watch the Sunrise over the crater and distant plains. Enjoy the view take Lovely Photos and get back down before you get too affected by the High Altitude. Definitely… It’s time for Celebrations!

Proceed for a wonderful Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar Beach Holiday or to Maasai Mara – Kenya.

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