Are you going to join the 35,000 people who attempt to climb Kilimanjaro each year? Congratulations are in order. We’re here to support you by arming you with the knowledge you need for a successful climb.
In order to successfully complete the climb that many people only dream of, there are many considerations you need to be aware of—before, during and after your climb. Today’s article will provide you with a few handy dos and don’ts of climbing Kilimanjaro.
Before Your Climb: Do Pack Properly
As you probably guessed, there are a number of clothing items you should pack for your expedition. As tempting as it may be to only pack the bare minimum, you need to double up on certain items. Imagine finding out you’ve run out of underwear while you’re literally atop a mountain.
You’ll need various items of clothing, head and hand gear as well as different kinds of footwear. Why? Because what you wear on your feet is of the utmost importance as it could make or break your climb. Be sure to check out our comprehensive packing list for a full breakdown of what needs to be in your backpack and what should be left at home.
When shopping for Kilimanjaro worthy clothing, DO stick to well-known brands like Kryptek to make sure that you’re getting clothing of the highest quality. DON’T opt for inferior products—no matter how tempting the price tag may be. You don’t want an item wearing out after a few miles and ruining the experience for you.
During Your Climb: Don’t Forget the Diamox
AMS can affect even the most seasoned climbers amongst us. While there is no guarantee that you’ll experience AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), it’s always better to be prepared to deal with it. AMS can present itself in the form of nausea, dizziness, headaches, muscle aches and a handful of other symptoms you definitely don’t want to experience while climbing a literal mountain.
Because of the likelihood of experiencing one or more AMS symptoms, which can really put a damper on your climb, don’t forget to pack Diamox. Diamox (Acetazolamide) is a form of medication that essentially helps the body to acclimatize to the reduced level of oxygen. As is the case with all types of medication, clear it for usage by your doctor before taking it and make sure you’re aware of its side effects.
After Your Climb: Do Keep the Adventure Going
Via state.gov/countries-areas/tanzania
After spending so long working toward your goal of climbing Kilimanjaro, finally achieving it is an indescribable feeling. But once you’re back on lower ground and that feeling fades away, it’s totally normal to feel a sense of “well, what now?”
Our advice? Don’t get caught up in feeling blue and aimless but rather make the most of your surroundings. Tanzania is a truly stunning place with so much to see, do and explore that calling your adventure quits after your descent would be a total waste.
Final Thoughts
Always remember that undertaking an adventure of this magnitude requires proper planning and research. This article is by no means exhaustive but it does shed some light on a handful of important dos and don’ts to make sure you’re prepared for all aspects of your adventure.
