Kilimanjaro hiking tips

Kilimanjaro hiking tips
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a great achievement to thousands of tourists who attempt to climb the mountain every year, however; you need proper planning in order to make your climb to the summit successful and some of the tips to help you achieve your dream of reaching Africa’s roof top can be seen below:
Kilimanjaro hiking tips
Choose the right route
One of the first things you should do even before hiking mount Kilimanjaro is choosing the right route for hiking. There seven well established trails for summiting mount Kilimanjaro and each of these offer different experiences in terms of acclimatization, difficulty and views. The best route however is not the one with the most spectacular views but one with good acclimatization. Although climbing Kilimanjaro can be done by beginners and unexperienced hikers, the main challenge on the mountain is altitude sickness which can affect any one and ruin your trip. Some routes have high success summit rates over the others so you need to choose the best route.
Take it slow
While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro you will always hear the word “pole pole” translated to mean “slowly slowly”. It’s very important for you to go slow while hiking so that your body can have enough time to adjust and adapt to thin oxygen levels from higher altitudes. Going faster and quicker will subject you to altitude sickness.
Watch out for signs of altitude sickness
Altitude sickness also known as mountain sickness occurs when the body fails to adapt to oxygen levels on higher altitudes. The mild symptoms can be treated but it can get severe and pause a threat to your health and even lead to death if the right action is not taken. Always pay attention to your body and listen to your guide incase you develop signs and symptoms of altitude sickness.
Pack the right gear
Hiking mount Kilimanjaro will require you to pack some necessities like water prove hiking boots, warm clothes, sun glasses, insect repellents, head lumps, garden gloves and others things you might need. Make sure you have packed all the requirements and always try to use your hiking boots for hiking before the major Kilimanjaro trek to make sure they fit well. Carrying the right gear will make your journey more comfortable.
Hydrate often before and during the hike
Hydration is a very important aspect before and during your mount Kilimanjaro climb, your body will Dehydrate quicker at higher altitudes so its important for you to dink at least 4 to 5 liters of water per day in order to keep hydrated. You can also carry some Hydration salts.
Have the best acclimatization
Having the best acclimatization highly contributes to a successful summit hike in Kilimanjaro. Spend more days on the mountain for good acclimatization, safe, easy and unforgettable experience.
Prepare physically
Although mount Kilimanjaro has been considered a walk up mountain and easy to climb compared to other seven summits, you still need to prepare yourself mentally and physically before embarking on Kilimanjaro hike. Preparing earlier will ease your hiking mount Kilimanjaro.
Get trekking poles
Endeavor to use trekking poles especially on your way down the mountain. Trekking pole will help you to support your knees and shift the stress to the upper section of the body. Adjustable poles are highly recommended.