Getting your body in great shape through physical training certainly helps prepare you for altitude. However, the ability to adjust quickly to the changing oxygen content is largely genetic. As the Kilimanjaro climbing success rates show, some people can climb Kilimanjaro in 5days (not recommended) while some failed to make it to the summit for 8 days. It’s impossible to tell how well a prospective climber how the oxygen-deprived from the altitude but you will have 50% less oxygen than you do at sea level, so by having more days, and this type of acclimatization of Going higher and sleeping lower each day, you are giving your body the best chance of reaching the summit and getting back down safely.
Have the right specific training. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical challenge which is well within the reach of most people, but you have to train correctly. This specific training is absolutely necessary for success. You are strongly advised to seek medical advice before deciding to arrange your climb and before starting a training program, particularly if you have any concerns about your health. Remember the summit day is 14+ hours. 3,000+ feet of ascent into extreme altitude and 9,000-foot drop in one day. This requires serious consideration.
It is important to start training as early as possible before your scheduled climb. Building strength, fitness, and stamina. The best physical preparation is an activity which stimulates, as far as possible, the demands on your body which will be happening during your ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro. In my opinion, there is no better way to build endurance than, walking up and down hills with a weighted backpack, building up weight in your backpack is key to success. If you do not have access to hills you need to be using a stair master and treadmill to gain the required strength and endurance. I recommend training 6 to 10 hours per week.
Make sure you have the right physical conditioning. Despite being a mountain which is accessible to most people and not just experienced trekkers, Mt Kilimanjaro should not be underestimated. Especially the summit night on Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiking to its summit is a serious challenge which requires significant preparation and specific physical conditioning. Leg strength and endurance training are key to success. With forward planning, the right acclimatization schedule, and the right attitude to training, you stand the best possible chance of successfully and safely getting to the top of Kilimanjaro and back down again and enjoying one of the most rewarding and spectacular experiences in the world.
Climbing to the Summit is Strenuous. We want to make sure that you are coming physically prepared for the journey. We have seen too many people show up to climb Kilimanjaro and they have completely underestimated the challenge of reaching the summit and getting back down. The two reasons that people are not successful is because they are not spending enough days on the mountain and the lack of physical preparation. If you decide to join one of our trips, we are available to help you with your training and preparations. We have expert advice to help you get the RIGHT type of training you need to be successful. If you want to read more about our specific training for Kilimanjaro.
When it comes to your specific training, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. This is why we don’t just give out a standard training plan because there is none! Once you sign up for our trip, we are always available to get on a call to talk about training and preparation as this is one of the most important aspects of the trip. If you don’t come with the right strength and endurance training, then you will run the risk of not making it to the summit and putting yourself and others in danger. Contact for more information