I CLIMBED MOUNT KILIMANJARO OVER 60 TIMES AND SO CAN YOU!
As a child, I would climb anything and everything, which drove my parents crazy. Tables, chairs, trees, fences, walls, whatever, I just enjoyed the challenge of climbing and the view when I finally got to the top of whatever I decided to scale. The direction of my climbs wasn’t always up, as occasionally I would miscalculate and gravity would send me in a sudden downward motion, however I was lucky enough to always be able to get back up and try again. No matter how much I hurt myself, the joy of climbing would always lure me back to new heights.
So, it will come as no surprise when I tell you that it has always been my dream to climb some of the world’s most famous mountains. Sadly, I haven’t yet visited any of the world’s top mountains, but I was able to recently chat on Clubhouse with Yesaya Jackson, Executive Director of Tanzania-based Alkebulan Travel who generously joined our room to answer questions about traveling to Africa, but in this post and in the podcast episode below, I’ll be focusing on his insights about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and experiencing the climb through the eyes of someone who has completed the trek 62 times (that number is probably higher now).
For those who dream of climbing mountains, or perhaps you only have your eyes set on Mount Kilimanjaro, I’ve summarized some of the important points that Yesaya covered during his Q&A session. I do recommend listening to the podcast to hear specific insights about how to prepare, what to expect, and how to ensure that you successfully climb to the top of Africa’s highest point.
Highlights:
Avoid the rainy season, it’s cheaper but it’s definitely harder to climb when you’re wet the whole time. There is also no way to dry your clothes on the mountain, other than to ask your cook to try to dry them without setting them on fire. Try to plan your climbs during the dry season from June - October, and from December - February.
Start preparing three months before by doing some walking, running, stair climbing, anything you can do to gradually increase your physical endurance so that you can complete the daily hikes. One doesn’t have to become Ironman fit to climb, you just have to be a mobile and stable walker. However, two weeks before you leave for your trip, take it easy and conserve your strength for the trip.
The oxygen levels will continue to drop as you climb the mountain, so be prepared that you will experience the discomforts of altitude sickness such as: headaches, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.
Prepare your mindset for the challenge. The majority of the people who fail to reach the summit failed because they had prepared for a physical challenge, but not for the psychological challenge that sets in with fatigue, and especially altitude sickness. While hiking the mountain, everyone will have moments when they will want to give up, but you can mentally prepare yourself to push through and maintain a positive mindset and remind yourself that you can do anything.
Finally, check to see if you can receive your travel visa to Tanzania when you arrive or if you have to apply in advance. And of course confirm any vaccinations or other health-related requirements that you may need to enter the country.
Have fun and happy climbing!