Climbing Kilimanjaro trekking: The preparation

Actually everyone who tries it wants to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro - come down and recover. To prepare for the job belongs to the mountain as well as a proper physical training.

Enter times in Google the word "Kilimanjaro" field. You will receive around 4 million hits. At Amazon, there are still almost 200 hits. There are books, DVDs, maps and countless testimonials - and deals primarily - on the internet. Get an overview, browse through the stories, buy some books and / or movies and be inspired - but not unsettling. With the right preparation, it can really make almost anyone to achieve this goal.

Are critical to the success
First be in good shape (more on that),
Second the walking speed on the mountain,
Third Carrying the weight of your own backpack and
4th a good acclimatization.




Safe on holiday - a holiday without stress and obstacles
Fitness training
You must be an experienced mountaineer - and you do not need a climbing course. Mostly there are easiest ways through which you can easily walk "cozy". If only because the amount would not - because the steady reduction of the oxygen content in the air and the colder temperatures make it extremely stressful. At 5,000 meters to get out of breath after a few steps. So the most important thing is the Kilimanjaro trekking the condition.

As you fitmachen itself, does not really matter. The best is certainly a challenging running workout at least 3 to 4 months. Before traveling Best for a proper training plan, similar to a marathon. The number of mountain passes should be increased continuously to keep your muscles specifically used to the climb and descent. But cycling, long walks or gym make sense. When strength training, you should pay special attention to the back muscles if you are not accustomed to go with a backpack all day.

Walking speed in Kilimanjaro trekking
There are many theories and tips, I think it's just important to keep one thing: SLOWER. Especially in the first days it is extremely important not to go too fast - at the very end just before the summit takes revenge! If you have a good leader, you are the typical countless times every day "Pole Pole" get heard, which goes something like: slow, slow. Keep it simple - even if it is sometimes hard.

Altitude Training ...
... does not exist! This is a risk you have. Nobody can predict, test or know how his body reacts to the high altitude. Experienced climbers can already get to 4,000 meters, absolute beginners not even get a headache during the summit attempt. My tip to: Drink as much as you can. Water course (or tea) - nothing else. In fact even weeks before the trip, in order to optimize your hydration and during the trek to "dilute" your blood.

Also plays a role in the proper equipment, but I go out in more detail in a forthcoming article.