Tanzania Tours

It is very important to be aware if it is suitable for you to climb Kilimanjaro or not. Apart from any hardness you will discover, it is our expectation that it wont bother you! For any information and our Mt Kilimanjaro packages click HERE to choose and book to Tanzania Best safari trekking operator Most of the time, climbing Kilimanjaro is not tough because the routes are not steep; instead, the difficulty comes from adjusting to the altitude. However, the summit night is incredibly challenging because it is the coldest and windiest part of your journey. a 4,084-foot ascent with 49% less oxygen and a roughly 6,870-foot drop. Up to 12 to 14 hours of walking may be required.

How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro? is a question we frequently get asked and one we frequently see in the various forums. The answer to this question is rather ambiguous because it is highly individualized and dependent on a variety of variables.

After all, what one person finds "hard" may come naturally to another. And doesn't the difficulty of anything increase its satisfaction? Kilimanjaro is the toughest thing I've ever done, especially the summit night, according to many people who have then gone on to climb it again. Although we haven't yet encountered someone who believes it to be "simple," it always depends on what you're comparing it to.

Kilimanjaro is "easy" in comparison to Everest. It's "challenging" in comparison to a leisurely stroll down the beach. Let's examine some of the key elements that influence Kilimanjaro's difficulty and what you may do to mitigate them.

Technical Difficulty of Climbing Kilimanjaro

If there are any technical difficulties involved in climbing Kilimanjaro, it is one of the first things that novice and aspiring mountain climbers want the answer to. There's none. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak that may be ascended without the need of an ice axe, ropes, or harnesses, or a "walk-up." Technical mountaineering expertise is not at all required.

Kilimanjaro Altitude Adjustment

The hardest part of climbing Kilimanjaro is actually this. Kilimanjaro differs from a typical long day of trekking in that it requires you to adjust to the low oxygen in the air while yet covering vast distances. One of the preparations you can make to increase your likelihood of being able to manage the altitude is Kilimanjaro altitude training, however it can be somewhat unpredictable.

As you won't be in a rush to make up the mileage, taking a long routeâ€”6+ daysâ€”will give your body more time to adjust and allow time for proper rest and recovery. Always move forward at a slow pace. If it seems a little counterintuitive, you'll notice that your guide will frequently say "Pole pole," which is Swahili for "slowly slowly." You'll preserve energy, avoid exhaustion, and increase your chances of a successful acclimation by maintaining a very modest speed! Folks, it's not a race. With order to aid in acclimatization, you can also think about taking Diamox. For it, you'll require a prescription from your doctor.

Your Health

It goes without saying that the walk would be considerably more difficult if you are very physically unprepared and unfit. There is frequently a lot of uncertainty around how fit you should be. Although you don't have to be an ultra-marathon runner, you must be physically fit enough to walk for several hours while carrying a heavy rucksack. then repeat the process the next day.

How effectively or how poorly you recover from each day's trekking will depend on your level of fitness. As was already indicated, you'll be moving so slowly that, if it weren't for the altitude, you'd probably become weary of the pace!

How fit can you get? is always our recommendation (after you've seen your doctor). To that aim, we have put together a thorough guide on how to prepare for the Kilimanjaro climb. Make an attempt to be as fit as you can; nevertheless, don't imagine that you need to be an outstanding athlete. This will just make your preparation more difficult.

On-Trail Camping and Sleeping

You could initially find camping and sleeping on Kilimanjaro challenging if you're used to only being able to sleep in your own bed with fluffy white sheets. Even though we offer cozy sleeping bags and soft sleeping mats, it could take some getting used to if you've never slept in a tent before.

Camping will feel nearly luxurious for people who spend their weekends sleeping on the ground in the wilderness because you don't have to prepare your own meals or set up your own tent!

Your ability to sleep well is crucial to your rehabilitation. Consider choosing the Marangu route, where you stay in huts, if you believe you might find this aspect of climbing Kilimanjaro difficult. Better yet, borrow a tent and spend a night or two in your garden to practice. We've spoken to people who were extremely concerned about how challenging sleeping in a tent and camping would be. By the time they reach the top, they frequently express how much they will miss it when they return home.

Weather and Temperature

Adverse weather conditions might also make climbing Kilimanjaro challenging. Although the weather in the mountains is famously variable, some seasons are preferable to others in terms of rain. (see Month and Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro)

It's chilly. very chilly The temperature decreases dramatically at night as you ascend. If you are aware that you are sensitive to the cold, you must be ready and carry the appropriate equipment. Your life on the mountain could become quite difficult if you bring the wrong equipment. Check out our Kilimanjaro packing list.

Your Health

Obviously, if you have ore-existing medical conditions or an injury that makes walking or carrying a pack difficult, you may find it harder than others. Your doctor will be able to advise whether or not you are in good enough health to tackle Kilimanjaro. But, take inspiration from some of the people that have climbed Kili with the odds stacked against them! In addition to this, keeping yourself healthy on the trail is important. Making sure you maintain good hygiene â€“ especially before meals â€“ to ensure you donâ€™t get any tummy trouble. And, of course, ensuring that the company you climb with is meticulous in their food preparation hygiene! you can read more on Food and water on Kilimanjaro

Your Tutor

The difference between a successful, risk-free summit and an early descent due to altitude sickness can be determined by the guide you are with, so make sure they are qualified, experienced, and trained in high-altitude medicine.

It is crucial to have faith in your guide since it can ease some of the stress that comes from wondering about how you are adjusting to the altitude. You may feel more confidence about moving forward, even on days when it seems a little "too hard," if you are able to communicate any symptoms you experience to your guide and receive daily medical checks. Additionally, going in a group can be a great way to share the experience and, while it won't make the journey any less physically challenging, it can make it more enjoyable.

Mental Stamina

Be optimistic at all times!

A lot has been said about Kilimanjaro climbers' physical preparedness. Your mental toughness, though, is arguably even more crucial than your physical toughness. Some people don't fully understand their mental toughness until they are faced with a problem.

Long days on the trail, being far from home, sleeping in tents, and hiking in arduous, chilly weather are all factors that might increase the climb's emotional or mental challenge. The long, difficult, uphill slog can seem endless, especially on summit night; it is only your mental fortitude that keeps you going.

You might be tougher than you believe! But it's important to keep in mind that Kilimanjaro may be just as difficult mentally and emotionally.

Never forget your "why." What motivated you to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro? Why did you travel to Africa to climb this massive mountain? When times are tough, remembering your own personal motivations for doing this trip may be a fantastic source of inspiration.

Maintain your optimistic attitude and be aware of the mountain's beauty. You'll always remember how difficult it was to reach the summit.

Gear

We've already discussed this. There are detailed packing lists available; it's not just about the equipment you bring with you.

The equipment your tour operator brings is equally crucial. Make sure the climbing organization you choose employs equipment designed for mountainous terrain. Even if you have all the necessary equipment, it won't help if you're sitting on broken chairs and sleeping in a wet tent. Choose your business carefully to ensure that everything is kept in good working order. For more information, read our post on how to choose the best Kilimanjaro trip provider. It's vital to break in your footwear. Don't wait to start until you reach Africa. Wear them whenever you have the chance to go hiking, walk about the house in them, or utilize the treadmill. Ensure that you carry your weighted pack and become familiar with its adjustments and how it works with various layering arrangements. Make stacking a habit by doing it until it comes naturally.

Eats & Drinks

This ascent will be exceedingly challenging if you're dehydrated. Your capacity to acclimatize and recover from a demanding day on the trail will be impacted. You should drink a lot of water; if you find this difficult, you can add flavorings in the form of electrolyte powders or liquids, or if you'd rather, just some basic squash. You will expend a lot of calories, so you must replenish them. You'll have more energy throughout the day and will be better able to recuperate from the demanding activity if you eat enough.Since altitude might impact your appetite, bring some of your favorite energy bars or snacks from home. These sweet treats may encourage you to eat even though you're not very hungry. Do you have any concerns regarding the difficulty of climbing Kilimanjaro? Our staff is prepared to respond to them for you! Have you climbed Kilimanjaro? If so, how difficult was it? Do you have any tips? Comment below and let us know!