Is Kilimanjaro For Me?

“The only skills you need proficiency in to join us, is to walk. If you can walk, you’ve mastered the only physical barrier to making this expedition your own reality.”

Whenever we get an email asking us if someone has what it takes to climb Kilimanjaro we always ask to get on a call right away. The reason is because the answer is super simple, although it might sound complicated. So we’ve decided to try and address this as best we can. Below are the most frequent concerns about joining a team to Kilimanjaro and our answers to each.

1- THIS IS MY FIRST TIME.
It’s also the first time for about 25% of all people on the mountain and 50% of all community members who join our teams. The only skills you need proficiency in to join us, is to walk. If you can walk, you’ve mastered the only physical barrier to making this expedition your own reality.

2- I’M VERY SLOW
Great! You can help us slow everyone else down. The biggest problem we face on the mountain is not speeding up the people at the back but slowing down the people at the front. Kilimanjaro is a marathon and not a sprint. Team members who don’t appreciate that from the start are setting themselves up for a very hard time as we get higher and higher up the mountain.

3- I DON’T GO TO THE GYM
Biceps have never carried anyone to the top of any mountain. So rest assured that body building is not going to give you any advantage here. Yes, having some degree of physical comfort is important. You must be comfortable with yourself in order to build the strength of mind necessary to push to the top. If you aren’t, it will become self defeating. But, that isn’t to say that gym goers are predisposed to summiting. That simply isn’t true. What I would say though is that joining a team is a great motivator to start making changes in your life in the lead up to your trek if you feel you need it.

4- I SPOKE TO THE GUY AT THE STORE AND HE WAS SHOCKED THAT I’M GOING TO KILIMANJARO WITHOUT EXPERIENCE
Unless you live in a city like London or LA where the person working at the outdoors store probably knows more than what his equally under qualified sales manager has told him, the chances are that the person speaking to you has as much authority to have an opinion on your choice to climb Kilimanjaro as your French Toast.

“Biceps have never carried anyone to the top of any mountain. So rest assured that body building is not going to give you any advantage here.”

5- I’VE READ THE BLOGS AND THEY SCARE ME
Kilimanjaro is a tough experience. It is not easy. But, it is a doable experience. It is something that you can do if you want to do it. Ultimately, it will be cold, you will have low moments and self doubt will creep in. But, that is part of having a life changing experience. Don’t be put off by it. Embrace it!

6- CAN I PREPARE FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
You can’t. Not before the climb at least. During the climb there are key instructions that you absolutely must follow to limit your exposure: Drink lots of water. Keep your body temperature neutral. Eat even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t take altitude medication for prevention, but only for treatment and only when your experienced guide advises it. WALK SLOWLY!

7- I’M OVERWHELMED WITH THE GEAR LIST
So was I the first time I read it, but once I purchased my first fleece sweater I realized it’s just a sweater made out of that material I never knew the name of. Most of the layers sound intimidating but once you get what is what you’ll quickly get the hang of it. A hard shell basically means water and windproof. A down jacket is a goose feather or synthetic warm jacket. Gaiters are those things you wear over your boots to keep water out and Gore Tex is the material used to keep water out of things like your trekking shoes.

STILL NOT SURE?
Helping you take your first step in the outdoors is exactly what we do. If you’re unsure about how to get started reach out to us. We’re happy to help you regardless of if you join us on a Bucket List or Weekender trip or not. We believe that every single one of us can find a transformative experience for ourselves in the outdoors. Life Happens Outdoors is about helping you find yours.