The 5 ingredients for a successful Kilimanjaro expedition

Always been up The summit of Kilimanjaro want to stand? Don't put it off too long because this is really a must to have experienced. But what are the most important ingredients successful and healthy to reach the top of the Kilimanjaro? We asked ours Kilimanjaro customers and came to below 5 important points.

Altitude Dream still has one 96% success score which is unique as the average success rate is only between 50% and 60%. 47-75% of those who climb Kilimanjaro actually suffer from acute altitude sickness

1. Good preparation is half the work

According to the experts, you conquer the Kilimanjaro in the months before your expedition. Anyone who is well prepared can in principle climb the Kilimanjaro successfully. Three factors are important here:

  • Material:
    Provide good equipment. Try not to save money for a slightly lighter sleeping bag or a cheaper warm coat because it can cost you dearly.
  • Condition:
    Ensure a solid basic code. Cycling and walking is very suitable as preparation.
  • Height acclimatization: 
    Altitude sickness prevents many people (about 40%) from reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. A shame, because after 4 weeks of sleeping in a high altitude tent, you are fully acclimatized and the chance of getting altitude sickness is significantly smaller. Altitude Dream still has a 96% success score for Kilimanjaro.

2. It's all in the mind

Don't underestimate your mental powers. More than half of the performances are realized with the head. Anyone who clearly sets the goal in advance of wanting to reach the top will also achieve it. Remember: Every healthy person is able to reach the top. So keep in mind that you will make it to the top and focus on this. You will never forget the moment that you are also on top.

3. Dance like a cameleon

Local sherpas will often tell you during the hike: Pole, pole, means 'take it easy' in Swahili. In other words, dance like a cameleon. Go up very slowly, giving yourself the chance to get used to the altitude. The pace set by the local guides is therefore ideal.

4. Drink plenty of water

Drink at least 3 liters of water per day. A camel bag is recommended, because it makes it easier and more regular to drink a sip of water without having to open your backpack every time.

5. Cola is the panacea

Even if your feeling of hunger decreases as you climb higher or you become slightly nauseous, continue to eat enough. The best medicine for nausea is cola. Much more effective than a Motilium. So feel free to bring a bottle of Coke in your backpack, in case the local guide no longer has it with you. Especially the night you go to the top, a sip of Coke can make all the difference!

What our customers say:

“As a gift for your eighteenth birthday climbing Kilimanjaro with your father, that will stay with you all your life. During a table speech (with too much drink) I suggested this adventure to my daughter. The challenge was accepted: the table companions were witnesses and, in vain as we are, neither of us could afford to lose face. All preparations were made quickly. Conditionally we were fine, we knew that, but we could not estimate the height. Since not reaching the top was not an option, we slept in a height tent the four weeks before our departure. The impact of this was not to be underestimated. Only at 4,700 m we became a bit thin in the head. It was a wonderful adventure. Below the video of our adventure. ” Sven Van Steen.

About Altitude Dream

Altitude Dream is the market leader in the Benelux in the field of altitude training. For more than 10 years we have been helping athletes realize their dreams and bringing people without altitude sickness to the mountain of their dreams. Altitude Dream is not a company. Altitude Dream is a dream. A dream that leads to the maximum use of our possibilities.