Its always good to know what you have let yourself into when signing up for a life changing challenge! “Like all good boy scouts i always like to be prepared.”

Understand the facts = motivation to succeed:

A few facts about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

• It’s not technical – you don’t need any special skills, effectively, it’s a long, hard hike at altitude – 19,341ft.
• I will need to be fit and strong, not just physically, but mentally as well. Days can be long and sleep can be difficult at the higher elevations. (It’s not just about the journey, training is key).
• From the six main routes up the mountain, varying from 5 to 9 days. We are taking the longer route, a better chance to acclimatise, (smart thinking!).
• Never underestimate the altitude.  Those who fail to reach the summit or fall ill on the mountain, do so as a result of altitude sickness (very daunting for me, but we are all winners!).
• All routes require camping, except one: the Marangu route. (Fortunately I’m a seasoned camper, but now i have a caravan, sleeping on the floor is going to be a shock).
• My kit will be carried by porters and the camp will be set up for you each day. (The key here is to respect your porter and make their life easier, pack light, tidy up behind you and say thank you). 
• We have to climb with a registered guide, self-supported climbs are not permitted by the National Parks Authority (thank god for Maximum Adventures Mike and Christine for guiding us).
• I will not be showering for the duration of your climb (cheesy feet and smelly arm pits, baby wipes on the essential list!)
• Mixed climate zones, low-lying cultivated areas, forest, desert, volcanic rock, right up to the Arctic tundra. (Whilst the summit may be the end “goal” – it’s the journey that’s going to be spectacular).
• Days can be tough, the trail is uneven, steep in some parts and as you climb higher, altitude makes breathing difficult. The guides will shout “poleh, poleh” which means “slow, slow”. (Slow and steady wins the race, we learned that during the 3 peaks).
• It’s going to be COLD. In the first couple of days you would be forgiven for thinking its a long hot hike, not true: frost on the outside of your tent (lets hope jack frost does not get my toes!).

Support my challenge: www.justgiving.com/SimonKilimanjaro