A Daily Routine for A Kilimanjaro Climb

A Daily Routine for A Kilimanjaro Climb : Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a thriving safari experience for many safari enthusiasts. The hike is not easy, but not as easy as pie. Sometimes, trekkers ask “Can you climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a single day?” yes, it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro in a day, but it requires much preparation and super-experienced hikers can achieve that.

The Kilimanjaro climb usually takes 5 days through the Marangu Route. It is usually recommended to include an extra day for acclimatization when hiking up Kilimanjaro. Each of such six days has a routine, which has to be followed to make the climb successful. Here is an ideal routine when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

A Daily Routine for A Kilimanjaro Climb : Morning

Morning preps

Before you wake up, the team prepares hot water for your washbasin, tea, and hot beverages. The team also prepares a hot breakfast. After the sun rises above the horizon, you a friendly wake-up call awakens you.

Soon after waking up, brush your teeth and wash your face with hot water. Boost your body with a hot beverage just before breakfast. Repack your duffle bag and daypack, making sure that you leave important items behind. Pack only items important for the hike of the day. Roll up your sleeping bag.

Breakfast

It is time for an energy-giving breakfast. Everyone will gather in the mess tent. Before you have it, your guide will give a short brief on the day’s hike. Enjoy the delicious hot breakfast while cracking some stories. Check your health and fitness on daily medical checks. You will also have to refill your bottles or hydration reservoirs.

After medical checks, you will start the hike of the day, usually at 8.00 a.m. The team will be left behind to break the camp but will overtake you on the way. Hold your trekking poles with your hands as you hike slowly. There are several rest stops on the way, all made to catch your breath. Fuel up your body with snacks and drinking water and enjoy the scenery when resting.

You will then proceed with the hike at a slow pace. Your guides will be there to ensure you are highly spirited and will be calming you down. If you have any health concerns, like nausea, headache, or any other, feel free to tell your guide. The hike will continue until the afternoon. Note that you will have numerous rest stops to avoid unnecessary fatigue and to acclimatize.

Lunch

After a long hike, you will stop for lunch. Depending on the weather of the day, you may have a hot lunch or a picnic lunch.

The lunch is followed by a short hike to the campsite. Most of the hiking is done in the morning. The rest of the day is spent resting at the camp.

Arrival at campsite

The camp will be ready for you. The team will have prepared a tent. You will also find your duffle bag in the tent. Take time to change any damp clothing due to perspiration or rain. Roll out your sleeping bag so it can fluff up air for good insulation.

Afterward, you can have tea, a snack, and/or a hot beverage. You will take a rest or have an acclimatization hike the so-called “hike high, sleep low.”

Dinner

After a medical check and briefing, dinner will be served. Dinners are always served early in the evening. You can crawl into your sleeping bag or spend your free time talking. If you want to read a diary, the mess tent is a good place. Sleep well and get ready for the next day’s hike.

Summiting day

The hike following the summiting day will be short. You will start the hike early in the morning and end it in the afternoons at Barafu Camp. You will wake up at 11:00 p.m. and make preparations, such as headlamps, water, snacks, and other items.

After a hot drink and snacks, the much-awaited hike, you will start the hike at midnight. This is the hardest part of the Kilimanjaro hike. It requires determination and endurance. You need plenty of water, numerous rest stops, and hiking slowly but not too slowly to reach the Uhuru Peak.

Layering is very important because the peak is very cold (-7 to -29 Celsius degrees). You will finally reach the summit. Congratulations, you are standing on the roof of Africa. Witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise rays before coming down.

Tips for a successful hike

Hike slowly to acclimatize yourself. Always try to hike within your fitness zone. Going faster puts much strain on your body. Your guide will be reminding you to hike ‘pole, pole,’ a Swahili for ‘slowly, slowly.’

Hydrating yourself is an essential tip. Always drink enough water at least two liters per day of hike. After breakfast, lunch, and dinner make sure you drink enough water.

Bring the right Kilimanjaro gear. Make sure you pack the right gear for your hike. Test it to make sure it works and functions well. Lacking importance will make your hike less efficient.

Be physically fit. Prepare well for the Kilimanjaro climb. Do not take it for granted. It requires preps and fitness to conquer Kilimanjaro.

If you want an intimate hiking experience on Mount Kilimanjaro, let us prepare your itinerary within a second. Focus East Africa Safaris has experienced mountain guides who will take you the way up the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our Kilimanjaro Safari packages are priced reasonably and we cater for both budget and luxury options with transfers to and from the airport.