There are few things that can make you feel more accomplished than standing on top of a mountain that you have just climbed. Not surprisingly, there are many people that dream about climbing some of the world's tallest mountains. In particular, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest mountains in the world, and climbing it is often seen as a badge of honor among climbers. Yet, this is no small feat, and there are a couple of questions you may have about this journey.

What Exercises Are Good For Training For This Climb?

Due to the height of Kilimanjaro, if you are not in top physical shape, you may not be able to make it to the summit. Climbing a mountain as tall as Kilimanjaro presents major challenges to climbers' bodies. In addition to the physical difficulty of the climb, the air will quickly thin, and if you are not in peak physical condition, you may find you have to turn back long before reaching the summit. As a result, you should start preparing for your climb several months before you are scheduled to make the trip.

When many people think of getting in shape, they picture weights and gyms, but this is not how a person prepares for this climb. Much of the physical demand for the climb will be on your cardiovascular system and your leg muscles. As a result, running, hiking and swimming are excellent ways of preparing your body for this arduous task.

Can You Climb It Solo?

Some people assume that they will make this climb either alone or with a small group of friends. Yet, you will also need to have a guide. The paths leading to the summit can be difficult to navigate, and weather conditions can change rapidly.

Due to these problems, experienced guides should accompany you during the climb. These guides often have the experience to know when weather conditions are about to change for the worse, and they have training in where to seek shelter along the trails. This information can be the difference between the minor annoyance of setting camp early or being caught completely unaware in a major storm.

Climbing one of the tallest mountains in the world can be a triumphant moment in a person's life. However, climbing these mountains presents numerous logistical and physical problems. If you are not prepared for the climb, you may find yourself experiencing a medical emergency, becoming trapped or being forced to turn back before reaching the summit. Hopefully, these answers will help you prepare for the challenging but rewarding climb ahead of you.