Prepare for a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Fitness, Gear, and Mindset
For many people looking for adventure, one of their dreams is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level (the highest point in Africa) and is one of the easiest "high" elevation climbs for non-experienced climbers. “Accessible” does not mean easy; it actually presents its own set of difficulties in areas of endurance, altitude sickness, training, and mental toughness. Too many climbers make the mistake of underestimating Mt. Kilimanjaro by thinking that they can get away with having only basic fitness or making last-minute plans to climb it.A climber’s chances of summiting or turning around early are based on the amount of time they invest in proper preparation—not just when they show up. A climber should train their body to acclimatize to the higher elevations of Mt. Kilimanjaro, buy the best gear possible to protect themselves from the drastic weather changes, and condition and prepare their minds to keep going from sunrise to sunset for 8 days of challenging hike. This guide breaks down preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb into three essential pillars: fitness, gear, and mindset.