How to prepare to climb Mt Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in north eastern Tanzania, Africa, and is the continent's tallest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro has three inactive volcanic cones. Tour agents have been arranging treks along Kilimanjaro routes for a number of years now. A Kilamanjaro climb can be quite challenging due to the terrain of the mountain and also its height. People who who are planning to climb the mountain should take certain steps to prepare.

Training for the climb

Being physically fit will make the ascent not so difficult and therefore, more enjoyable. A person should aim to build up the strength in their legs as this will make it easier to walk uphill. Aerobic exercise means the body can function with less oxygen and this will become increasingly important as climbers get closer to the summit. The trek is quite intense with not that much time to rest so, a reasonable level of fitness is required. What type of exercise is best?
Some people would advise that people should prepare for the climb with a strict regime of weight training, biking, swimming, cross training and running. This can be off putting to some potential trekkers as these complicated training schedules are unnecessary. The best exercise to prepare is simply hiking. Local hills or mountains can used to simulate the ascent of Kilimanjaro mountain. If it is not convenient for people to go to actual hills or mountains, a stepper type machine can be used in the gym for preparation.

When should people begin their training?

For those who have never hiked before, it is best to start off with shorter hikes, at a slower pace, without a backpack, and build from here. On a Kilimanjaro hike, people will walk at a slow pace for long periods of time. People should aim to train at least three times a week for about one hour. How do you know when you are ready?
If somebody can hike for four to six hours, at a medium elevation, whilst carrying a 20lbs backpack they are probably ready for the climb. Alternatively, somebody can use a stair master for one to two hours when they are prepared. The toughest workouts should be carried out two to four weeks before the actual ascent. In the final few days before the climb, people should not take any exercise and rest for the challenge. A positive mental attitude will also help.