Ultimate Kilimanjaro Information & Preparation Guide

 Mt. Kilimanjaro:

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the largest free-standing mountain in the world.  At 19,341 feet, it is one of the seven summits, and the highest peak in Africa.  It is estimated over 50,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year.  As a “non-technical” mountain, it attracts both novice and experienced hikers.  For me, the initial thought of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was not appealing, even for a self-proclaimed adventurous traveler like myself! I had zero hiking experienced and I’m a native of Florida.  I was first approached by a friend who had successfully summited on International Women’s Day.  After nearly 2 years, I decided I would attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro for International Women’s Day 2019.

Deciding to climb Kilimanjaro was no small feat by any means.  This is exceptionally true for a non-experienced hiker. I chose the Machame route, which is a 7-day trek designed to assist with acclimatization. Known as the “whiskey” route, the Machame route is the most popular largely due to its scenic views. This route is steep and very challenging, but it has the most successful summit rate of any other route. I spent hours, days and weeks researching the mountain, safety precautions and finding a responsible tour company.  The most important task before me was deciding on a tour company. 

Eco Africa Climbing:

After careful research, I chose Eco Africa Climbing and Safari (EACF) As a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Association Project (KPAP), EACF has pledged to assure their porters are provided with humane treatment and livable conditions.  Eco Africa Climbing and Safari provided me with a comprehensive guide that included equipment required, route and projected weather conditions. The owner, Cedric was extremely helpful and friendly throughout the process, and answered my questions promptly.  I committed to this trip about 6 months in advanced, so it was great to see how help and responsive this company was to my needs. 

Mental Preparation: 

Mental preparation is the most important aspect for anyone embarking on this journey.  Preparing your mind for “mental challenges” and developing “survival mechanisms” in the event of unexpected obstacles is key for a successful summit. I had never hiked before in my life when I decided to climb Kilimanjaro, but I knew I would be successful. I had trained my mind to meet all challenges and succeed those I am not in control of.  As I embarked started the hike, I received one last text from a friend that read,  “You have everything you need to do this.  Be strong, be courageous!”  I honestly didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew I would be successful. As with anything that’s not the norm, people will doubt you.  The mere fact I had never climbed before gave pause for criticism and sceptics. But in the end, I believe my mental preparation is what carried me through this journey.  I did meditation and daily devotion.  I calmed by thoughts when I became stressed or anxious.  Mental preparation is, in my opinion, the MOST important aspect of the climb.

 Physical Preparation:

I didn’t follow a routine fitness plan when preparing for this hike.  In fact, I didn’t hire a personal trainer.  I did 3 – 4 cardio sessions a week for about 12 weeks.  Looking back, I should’ve enlisted a personal trainer.  I think the fact I didn’t know how to train impacted my journey. Preparing for the journey wasn’t difficult as I have a fitness background.  Although I hadn’t been competed in years, I do maintain a normal regimen of physical fitness. However, enlisting a trainer would have held me accountable and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.  

Essential equipment list

Our tour company provided a VERY comprehensive list of equipment needed for the hike, that included pictures. I purchased most of the items from Amazon or outlet stores in my area.  I actually found a pair of snow pants in the Columbia outlet for $13! Please, please, please get the equipment your tour company recommends.  The procrastinator in me forgot to purchase sunscreen, or the right pair of sunglasses.  I paid dearly for this!  I also had a first aid kit, tourniquet, medicines, including a sleep aid. 

I have provided a list below of everything I purchased.

Medications and Supplements

As with any physical activity, please consult with your physician. Although, it was a non-technical hike, it is very challenging.  In fact, I had a physical prior to starting my training and just before I left for Tanzania.  Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE preached about Diamox for acclimatization. Diamox is a supplement used to assist in reducing the symptoms of altitude sickness.  I purchased it in Arusha and it didn’t work for me as I discontinued use after 2 days.  A good friend gifted me an herbal supplement that consisted of Vitamin B- 12, Ginseng and a few other ingredients.  I had (4) injections of Vitamin B- 12 in the month leading up to the hike.  I believe the injections and the supplement were truly instrumental in my success. Also, you will be told to drink about a gallon of water a day.  DO IT! Not only did I drink my water, but when the other hikers didn’t finish their water, I would drink it! 😊  Some of the hikers had issues as a direct result of not drinking enough water.

Vaccinations:  I have visited Africa about 4 times and I have never gotten any vaccines. I did purchase the Malaria medication the first time I visited and discontinued about 3 days later. 

 BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Be kind to yourself and others.  Throughout the hike, everyone will be tired, sore and at times testy.  Don’t take it personal, just stay in your own head.  Tell yourself “you are enough” and you “are going to do it!” I was the only person in my group who had never hiked before.  Some of my group members were not as accepting when I wanted to go at a slower pace, hence my personal guide.  Don’t be discouraged and DON’T let the opinions or attitudes of other impact your journey.  You are not in a competition with anyone BUT yourself!