Preparation - Kilimanjaro Training Programme
Preparation > More in this Category > First Layer Clothing > Outer Layer Clothing > Equipment > Food & Rations > Fitness Programme > Acclimatisation > Mild to Severe Altitude Sickness > Edema > Medication
Preparation is a vital step when it comes to any trip, especially one that is renowned for being physically demanding. While it is a well know fact that no technical mountaineering experience is needed by those wishing to climb Kilimanjaro, the importance of preparing sufficiently for the journey should nevertheless not be undermined. More than 80% of those who scale the mountain every year fail to reach its summit. In most cases those that do succeed in conquering the Great White Mountain do so because they are adequately prepared.
Embarking on a Fitness Regime far in advance to the expedition will ensure that ones heart and lungs are in prime condition for the climb. Cardio Vascular fitness plays an important role, particularly at higher Altitudes where the body will be placed under enormous pressure due to reduced oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
The effects of altitude are felt differently from person to person. For some, Acclimatisation is an incredibly difficult process, whilst for others it is a walk in the park. Oddly enough, the one thing that increased fitness will not do is prevent the onset of altitude sickness.
If an individual is prone to AMS, there is nothing that an increased level of fitness can do to prevent symptoms of the condition from appearing. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and in very rare cases if not treated immediately may become life threatening. Although medication such as Diamox has been known to reduce the symptoms of AMS, it still cannot entirely prevent the condition from occurring. Its actual benefits are also still widely debated amongst members of the medical fraternity.
Keeping both energy and hydration levels high will make strenuous portions of the climb far easier on the body. Food provided by staff on the mountains is typically both tasty and nutritious. It is advisable to eat sufficient quantities even if not feeling particularly hungry as stamina depletes quickly during the climb, especially at higher altitudes.
The first step towards a pleasant climb is to ensure that one has a comfortable pair of hiking boots that have been broken in far in advance to the trip. Equipment such as trekking poles and gaiters can make both ascending and descending notably less strenuous. Other essentials include suitable clothing, a kit bag and rucksack, toiletries, sunscreen and good quality sunglasses.
The Kilimanjaro Experience
