Extreme temperature variations, high altitude, snow glare & proximity to sun are certain factors which necessitate the need to for proper mountaineering equipment. In order to enjoy your experience in the mountains, we have recommended that you carry the following with you.

Apparels

1. Trekking Boots / Shoes (Preferably up to ankle length & water resistant)
2. Multiple pairs of Cotton / Woollen socks (at least 4-5 pairs of each)
3. Track Pants for comfortable trekking, Denims to be avoided. (At least 2-3).
4. Thermal inners and Sweater/Warm sweat shirt (1 each)
5. Cotton or Dry fit T-shirts (5 to 6 minimum)
6. Water proof Jacket/ Wind-Cheater. (As a precaution against possible rain)
7. Warm thermal or Goose Down jacket.
8. 01 Peak Cap + at least 01 Woollen Cap
9. 01 pair of warm gloves with windproof outer layer.
10. 01 pair floaters

Accessories

1. Air bag / Duffel bag (No Suitcases)
2. Day Back Pack in case you do not want to carry your own rucksack
3. Sleeping Bag (Withstand temp of 0 to -10 Degrees)
4. Sleeping Mat (Either foam or inflatable)
5. Drinking Water Bottle 1 Litre (Atleast 2 bottles)
6. Torch + Batteries
7. Camera + Batteries
8. Knee / Ankle / Wrist Guards (if required)
9. Cold cream
10. Hand sanitizer
11. Bug / Insect repellent
12. Chap-stick / Vaseline
13. Personal toiletries (Tooth Paste / Toilet Paper / Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes etc.)
14. Medical kit (With basic medicines for headache, upset stomach, sour throat, band aids, painkillers & Moov / Iodex, Vics Vaporub, D-Cold)
15. Any personal medication (Individual specific)
16. One strip of DIAMOX (250mg) a.k.a Acetazolamide for Acute Mountaineering Sickness.
17. High energy snacks like Dry fruits, Bars of chocolate, Tang, Glucose etc.
18. Good Quality Sun shades.
19. Sun block. (SPF40+)

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical undertaking, so you should prepare yourself accordingly with a good 3 - 4 months training program. Being in good shape is important in many respects. Obviously, strong, conditioned legs make it easier to walk uphill and downhill for sustained periods of time. General aerobic fitness allows the body to function efficiently with less oxygen. And a fit body is more likely to withstand the stress of consecutive days of hiking and camping. Finally, a positive mental attitude can work wonders for you when fatigue and doubts arise. How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? That's a difficult question to answer because some people don't train much and fare very well, while others engage in a disciplined training program and succumb to the altitude in a few days. We've heard marathon runners tell us that climbing Kilimanjaro is the hardest thing they've ever done. The best advice we can give you is to train adequately, as described below, and get yourself in the best possible hiking shape. Our goal is to climb to the Summit at 19,340 feet and walk on broken glacial moraine all the way into Base Camp at 15,748 feet. You will spend 6-7 days in a land where life is simple, trails are steep and the air is thin. We recommend the following schedule to the participants.

We recommend the following schedule to the participants

1. Week One/Two: The participants should develop the habit of being able to get up in the morning and run/brisk walk for a minimum of 3-4 Km atleast 4-5 days a week. This would represent at least 20-25 minutes of cardio exercise. Though difficult at first, keep at it. You can stop and take breaks as well.  During the day, you should get into the habit of avoiding elevators and taking the steps. You should be able to climb at least 4/5 flights of steps daily. (Avoid going down steps too fast as this could result in some knee injuries). If you don’t enjoy running and are into some other sport like cycling or swimming, spend about 45 mins cycling or about 600 – 800 mts of swimming for atleast 4 days a week.
2. Week Three/Four: Assuming you have successfully survived week one and are consistent with your exercise, you can take up the pace a notch. Increase your distance to 5/6 kms per day and 5 times a week, you can additionally go to a gym.  Avoid heavy weight training.  Focus more on a core workout. These are your muscle groups that run along the length of your body and helps maintain your posture and sustains you during your long hours of working.
3. Week Five/Six: In addition to the previous week’s exercises, one additional feature you should add is walking for half an hour during the evenings with a backpack while carrying 3-4 kgs.  This could be 2lts of water, some snacks, a jacket etc.  This will help strengthen your back and shoulders thus preparing you for the long hours of trekking. If you don’t want to just simply walk, also try increasing your time on climbing flight of steps. As compared to week one, you should aim to be able to climb 10-12 flight of stairs comfortably.
4. Week Seven/Eight: Sustenance. Keep up the tempo, sustain the workout. Try avoiding doing anything very rigorous but be consistent with morning and evening walks / runs and climbing flight of stairs.
5. Week Nine: Sustain the workout. Increase only if you feel comfortable.  Start doing an additional 10-15 mins of climbing stairs in the morning /evening with a daypack of 2-3 Kg, about 30-35 floors once a day should help increase the stamina and Endurance considerably.

One of the best exercises that you can do to prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro is hiking. You should start with shorter time intervals, a slower pace, and no weight (in your day pack) and then gradually increase all of the above as your fitness level improves. Remember that on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will walk slowly for prolonged periods and carry probably no more than 2-3nkgs in your day pack. Therefore, in your training, it is better to increase the time interval/distance and keep a slow pace than to shorten the time interval/distance and increase the pace. Try to train three times a week, for at least one hour per session, at a minimum. Please remember, Consistency is the Key here. Do not do anything to exert yourself or something that will increase chances of Injury. Running / brisk walking 4-5 kms for 5 days in a week is far better than running a 20 km on one day of the week and injuring your Knee / Ligaments in the process . If you can be consistent with above mentioned schedule, The Kilimanjaro climb though physically challenging, will become a pleasant and enjoyable experience for you. Feel free to call us or mail us in case you want more details on how to prepare for this trek!

Contact: [email protected]