Mount Kilimanjaro - How to Climb the Roof of Africa

This is not your average hiking trail. Climbing Kili will take you at least a week, if done safely. You will experience drastic changes in vegetation and climate, amongst other factors. The high altitude can be hazardous even to physically fit climbers. While the ascent does not require actual climbing skills, fitness training and suitable equipment are mandatory to summit success and an enjoyable adventure.

Even though you ascend Kilimanjaro just by "walking" most people consider this one of the hardest things they have ever done. If you are unfit, your chances of summit success decrease considerably and you will suffer more than you have to on the way up. The good news is that almost anyone can get fit enough to attempt this climb. Here are a few things you can do to get in shape for this incredible challenge:
- Go for a hike. Do this at least once a month for 5-6 hours and increase time and add weight as you progress. This is a good simulation of the challenge your body will face during the expedition.
- Run, cycle or swim. The fitness required for the climb is mostly cardiovascular. It is a good idea to alternate between different forms of exercise to keep you mind and body stimulated. Aim to exercise 3 times a week for at least 30min per session.
- Track your progress and set goals. This will keep you focused and motivated. Time yourself once a month when running a specific distance. You might not improve every month, but eventually your body will be stronger, faster and more suited to the challenge.

One of the major challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro is acclimatising to the high altitude. As of 3000m, the majority of people can expect to deal with mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Factors contributing to this pathological condition are elevation, rate of ascent and susceptibility of the climber. Your guides will always aim to adjust the route and pace to the group, but each individual's susceptibility to altitude sickness is hard to predict. Mild discomfort during the first 2-4 days is not unusual and gives no reason for concern. Common symptoms include mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, disturbed sleep and shortness of breath. Mild cases of altitude sickness are similar to a hangover and will not deter you from continuing the ascent.

Altitude sickness is caused by the low pressure and hence a lack of oxygen at high altitude. The severity of the condition is influenced by the rate of ascent and the amount of physical exertion. The only remedies are acclimatisation or descent. Altitude sickness can be classed into four stages of severity:

Moderate AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): The symptoms of Moderate AMS include severe headache, fatigue, decreased coordination and physical weakness. A good test for AMS is to walk a straight line, similar to a sobriety test. A person affected by AMS will be unable to do this. If AMS is diagnosed the climber will return to a lower altitude or until the symptoms disappear.

Severe AMS: This condition is characterised by intensified symptoms of moderate AMS. Shortness of breath, inability to walk, fluid build-up in the lungs and decreasing mental status call for an immediate return to lower altitude.

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): Fluid build-up in the lungs hinders effective oxygen intake, which can lead cyanosis, impaired cerebral function and can ultimately be lethal.

HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): Fluid leakage causes the swelling of brain tissue which will lead to loss of memory, psychotic behaviour, weakness and loss of coordination. An immediate return to lower levels and evacuation to medical facilities are mandatory.

While altitude sickness is a real danger, it will only affect those who ascend too quickly without suitable preparation. Kilimanjaro guides are very aware of the symptoms of the above mentioned conditions, therefore they will not allow you to exceed your physical limits or jeopardise your health.

While the mountain is accessible all year round, there are two peak seasons. June to October is the busiest time on Kilimanjaro, which offers great views and warmer temperatures. If you like meeting other travellers this might be a good option. If you, however, wish for a more tranquil experience, the season from January to March will be a better bet. At this colder time of year you have the added benefit of finding more snow towards the summit.

While the rainy seasons around November and April to May are unpopular with the majority, the off season has its benefits. You will find little to no crowds on the mountain during the rainy season, giving you that feeling of a remote adventure. On the downside, the views might not be as good, but you can choose a route without having to consider overcrowding. The chances of finding the peak snow-capped are very good during the rainy season.

There are 6 main routes to the roof of Africa. Deciding what the best route to climb is depends very much on the individual climber. While you research your preferred route, you should consider which route gives you:

- A safe and thorough acclimatisation to high altitude
- The best chances of reaching the summit
- The best experience of the unique natural environment

The 6 routes are Machame, Marangu, Shira, Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe. Machame is at present the most popular route and offers some of the best scenery with five climatic zones along the way. Due to good opportunities for acclimatisation, Machame also has a great summit success rate. On the downside, this route is immensely popular and thus can take away from what should be the adventure of a lifetime. If you attempt to climb Machame during peak season, there will be little left of the remote adventure that you envisioned when you put Kili on your bucket list.

A great alternative to the traditional routes has now been provided by Team Kilimanjaro. The passionate crew of experienced mountaineers, athletes and adventure experts has developed an alteration of the Rongai route. It promises an even better success rate than Machame and is yet quiet and untouched. While Rongai was always considered the quietest route on the mountain, this came at the price of relatively low chances of a successful summit. However, Team Kilimanjaro's alterations have given the Rongai route the best climb-high, sleep-low differential on the mountain and the gentlest approach to high camp. The only northern route up Kilimanjaro offers climbers a pristine wilderness and guarantees the exclusive experience that the assault of Africa's tallest mountain should be.