The Ultimate

Day 1 - Waterfall Hike

This is a pretty easy hike of around 45 minutes to the waterfall and another 45 minutes back again. Perfect for getting the legs moving again after long flights.

8 Day Lemosho Route

We chose the Lemosho Route as it has one of the highest success rates of all the routes on the mountain. 8 days allows more time for acclimatisation than some of the shorter routes and the route takes you up to higher altitudes and then back down again.

Physical Fitness

Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and while it's achievable for anyone with a 'reasonable' level of fitness, you will enjoy it more if you're well prepared.

The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the climb but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. That's where the benefits of the pre-trip coaching will give you a massive advantage.

Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length, as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises including cycling, running and swimming are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes is helpful but don’t over do it just before the climb.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The effects of altitude can't be ignored. Uhuru peak is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp, so it's a BIG deal.

Altitudes are generally defined as follows:-

High altitude 2,400m – 4,200m

Very high altitude 4,200m – 5,400m

Extreme altitude above 5,400m (Uhuru peak is 5,895m)

The pace of the ascent is 'pole pole' - Swahili for very slowly. This, along with the route that follows the 'hike high, sleep low' principle will help you to acclimatise. It's also essential to drink plenty of water - at least 3-4 litres per day.

During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swell of ankles and fingers.

If you have severe symptoms, go down 1,500 to 2,000 feet right away to see if your symptoms get better. Keep going down until your symptoms go away completely. Medicines that may be used to prevent or treat the symptoms of severe high-altitude illness include acetazolamide and nifedipine.

Don't ignore signs of altitude sickness. While it's normal to experience mild symptoms, more severe cases can be fatal. When you have signs of altitude sickness, speak to your guides and let them know. If your symptoms are severe, don't go higher until you feel better. You will have your oxygen levels monitored every evening and there is an oxygen cylinder available for safety in case of emergencies.

It's impossible to prepare for the effects of altitude - everyone is affected differently and it has nothing to do with how fit you are. Always follow the advice of your guides. If they tell you to descend, you must do as they say. There is no shame at all in turning back due to severe altitude sickness. You can hold your head high by simply taking the challenge.

The first objective is to stay safe and well. The second objective is to enjoy the journey. Reaching the summit is the last objective and an added bonus.