These 6 important tips can significantly help increase your chances of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as ensuring you have a safe and pleasant trip. If you're considering tackling the mountain, or know anyone that is, please share this link with them.
Tip 1: Book a longer route such as the Lemosho Route or the Shira Route. These longer routes give you more time to acclimatise to the altitude on the mountain and increase your chances of success.
Tip 2: Visit a doctor at a travel clinic before your trip and tell them what you are doing. They may be able to prescribe Diamox for you which will also help your body to acclimatise, again, increasing your chances of success.
Tip 3: Take a book and/or deck of cards (I took this book and a game of Monopoly Deal) for entertainment. You will have more 'rest time' than you expect in the afternoons and evenings as your body is acclimatising. These will help keep you entertained!
Tip 4: Ensure you have scheduled in sufficient time to train. This helps to build your fitness, test your gear, prepare your body (including toughening your feet to prevent blisters) and gives you a better chance of success. Consider joining this event for some pre-trip training if you'd like to hike with others.
Tip 5: Look after the guides and porters that will be looking after you. Do this in two ways:
i) ensure your agent or tour operator is KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Association) approved; and
ii) build the cost of tipping your guides and porters into the cost of your trip - you should tip the team, it's not really discretionary as they depend on this income. For more guidance on tipping, consult this excellent guidebook.
Tip 6: Order the book mentioned above by Henry Stedman. It is a one-stop shop for planning your trip, including information on routes, tour operators, climate, costs and more.
I hope these important tips significantly increase the chances of your safely and successfully reaching the summit on this dream trip.
I also recommend watching our other video with more details on what to expect when you're on the mountain.
If you would like to discuss this further, consider joining the discussions on The Adventure Forum.
Chris
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