Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by tawhid
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no small feat. The tallest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro stands at a whopping 19,341 feet. For many people, the thought of climbing such a huge mountain is daunting.
But with the proper training and preparation, it is definitely possible to summit Kilimanjaro. Here are some tips on how to train for such a big adventure.
- The first step is to start by gradually increasing your mileage when running or walking
- Begin to add in some hill work and stair climbing to help build up your leg muscles and endurance
- Make sure you are staying hydrated and fueled properly during your workouts
- Once you have increased your mileage and added in some hills, start adding in some speedwork to help prepare your body for the rigors of climbing Kilimanjaro
- As you get closer to your departure date, make sure you are tapering off your mileage so that you are well rested for the big climb ahead!
Credit: travganic.com
How Much Training is Needed for Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no small feat – it’s one of the tallest mountains in the world, after all. But with a little bit of training and preparation, you can make it to the summit. Here’s what you need to know about how much training is needed for Kilimanjaro.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that there are multiple routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Some are longer and more difficult than others, so your training should be tailored to the route you’ll be taking. That said, even the shortest and easiest route (the Marangu Route) is still a challenging hike.
Generally speaking, most people recommend spending at least two weeks preparing for your Kilimanjaro climb by doing regular hikes and outdoor activities like running or cycling. This will help get your body used to being active for long periods of time and build up your leg muscles so you’re better prepared for the uphill sections of the trek.
It’s also a good idea to do some strength-training exercises leading up to your hike.
squats, lunges and calf raises are all great exercises to help build lower-body strength which will come in handy on those steep uphill sections. Additionally, core exercises like sit-ups and planks will help improve your balance and stability while carrying a backpack full of gear.
Finally, don’t forget about mental preparation!
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Visualize yourself reaching the summit and picture yourself succeeding despite any challenges that come up along the way.
How Long Should You Train before Climbing Kilimanjaro?
How long should you train before climbing Kilimanjaro?
This is a great question and one that we get asked a lot. The answer, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as we would like it to be.
It really depends on a number of factors, including your level of fitness, how much hiking/trekking experience you have, and the specific route you are planning to take up the mountain.
That said, we generally recommend that people start training at least 3-6 months in advance of their climb. This will give you plenty of time to gradually increase your mileage and elevation gain, so that you are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.
Of course, if you have less time than this, don’t despair – just focus on getting in the best shape possible and be sure to choose a relatively easy route (such as the Marangu or Rongai) to give yourself the best chance of success.
Can a Beginner Climb Kilimanjaro?
A beginner can climb Kilimanjaro, but it is important to be aware of the challenges that come with such a feat. The first challenge is the altitude. At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the tallest mountains in the world.
This means that climbers will be dealing with high altitudes for extended periods of time, which can cause problems like altitude sickness. It is important to ascent slowly and acclimatize to the altitude before attempting to summit.
The second challenge is the terrain.
Kilimanjaro’s terrain varies from rainforest to glaciers, and climbers will have to deal with different types of weather and conditions as they make their way up the mountain. This can be difficult for beginners who are not used to climbing in such extreme conditions.
Despite these challenges, many beginners have successfully climbed Kilimanjaro.
With proper preparation and guidance, anyone can reach the summit of this majestic mountain.
Can an Average Person Climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes, an average person can climb Kilimanjaro. The highest peak in Africa, at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits – the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. But unlike many other tall peaks, such as Mount Everest in Nepal or Denali in Alaska, summiting Kilimanjaro does not require any technical mountaineering skills or expensive equipment.
With a bit of training and preparation, almost anyone who is fit and has a sense of adventure can reach the summit.
The most important factor for success on Kilimanjaro is acclimatization – slowly adjusting your body to the thinning air as you gain altitude. That’s why most successful climbers take six or seven days to complete the ascent, spending several nights camping at progressively higher altitudes before making a final push to the summit.
There are six main routes up Kilimanjaro, and they vary in difficulty from relatively easy to quite challenging. The Marangu Route is often called “the Coca-Cola route” because it’s the oldest and most popular trail; it’s also the shortest (five to six days) and easiest way to summit. The Machame Route is longer (six to seven days) but considered more scenic; it’s sometimes called “the Whiskey Route” because it’s a bit tougher than Marangu.
Kilimanjaro also can be climbed from the west (via the Lemosho Route) or south (via the Umbwe Route).
Training For Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Training Plan Pdf
If you’re looking to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll need a training plan that will help get you in peak physical condition. Here’s a look at what such a plan might entail.
The first step is to gradually increase your mileage if you’re not already running regularly.
Start by running 3-4 times per week, and slowly add miles until you’re up to 10-12 miles per week. Once you can comfortably run this distance, begin adding some hill work into your runs. Find a hilly route or use a treadmill set on an incline to mimic the terrain of Kilimanjaro.
In addition to running, be sure to add in some strength training to build up the muscles in your legs that will be doing all the work on the mountain. Squats, lunges, and calf raises are all great exercises to incorporate into your routine. And don’t forget about cross-training – activities like biking and swimming are also excellent for building endurance.
Finally, make sure you’re paying attention to your diet as you train. Eating plenty of healthy foods will help keep your energy levels up and enable your body to recover quickly from workouts. And when it comes time for the big climb, be sure to pack plenty of high-energy snacks and drinks to keep yourself going strong!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to take on the challenge of a lifetime and conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, then you’ll need to train long and hard to make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared. Here are some tips on how to get started:
1. Start by gradually increasing your mileage if you’re a runner, or your time if you’re a hiker.
Build up slowly over the course of several months so that your body can adjust to the demands of longer distances.
2. Make sure to do plenty of hill training, regardless of whether you’re a runner or hiker. This will prepare your legs for the steep inclines they’ll encounter on Kilimanjaro.
3. Get used to hiking with a backpack loaded down with gear, as this is what you’ll have to do during your summit attempt. Practice carrying 20-30% of your bodyweight in order to simulate real conditions as closely as possible.