Climbing Kilimanjaro With Kids—Is It Really Possible?

Climbing Kilimanjaro With Kids—Is It Really Possible? Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro with my kids? Are you an adventurer who wants to prepare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but has been put off by your child? Don’t you think your child should be encouraged, learn more about life, and experience all of the wonderful feelings that you anticipate from this journey? Most parents are concerned about their 10- or 12-year-old child’s ability to handle the hurdles that Africa’s highest peak presents. Therefore, we encourage you not to be concerned or terrified about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with your child.

Children can climb Kilimanjaro, with the lowest age usually being 10, but you must be very certain that they are prepared for the endeavor. The Kilimanjaro National Park officials determined the formal minimum age to summit, although due to the risks of trekking at altitude, it is not recommended to go on this trek with a youngster. As a result, most tour operators limit this journey to youngsters aged 12 and higher. You should be alright if your family goes on regular walks and camping trips. But make sure that everyone is aware of the realities of spending five or more days on the mountain and that you allow adequate time to acclimate to the altitude. Also, try celebrating their efforts with a safari or some well-deserved beach time.

Here are some pointers to help you prepare your child for this exciting vacation. Make your family a model for people wishing to do something new with their children.

HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU’RE KIDS CAN TREK KILIMANJARO

One of the most crucial elements to consider when trekking Kilimanjaro with children is that they must be both highly motivated and eager to participate, as well as conscious that it will not be simple. A good general level of fitness, obtained through participation in sports or regular family walks, is crucial. One of the most difficult aspects of climbing Kilimanjaro is having to walk for hours every day, day after day. It involves physical and mental perseverance, and there will undoubtedly be times when they want to give up.

A PROPER HEALTH CHECK-UP BEFORE CLIMB

The first thing to consider is that no parent wants to jeopardize their children’s health. Hence, before intending to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, we urge that you take your children to their doctor for a thorough head-to-toe check-up. You can take all of the necessary medications with the guidance of your doctor, and don’t forget to acquire all of the following vaccinations:

Diphtheria
Yellow fever vaccination
Tetanus
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Polio
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A
Rabies
Typhoid

INSURANCE; THE SHIELD FOR YOUR KIDS

While traveling to Tanzania with your child to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you must have both travel and health insurance. As you embark on one of the most exciting journeys with your child, it is essential that you consider all aspects of safety. These insurances will act as a shield for your child, covering all financial burdens in the event of an unexpected catastrophe, such as:

Any kind of accident during trekking
Medical emergency due to altitude sickness
Emergency evacuation
Any after-health problem
If any of your valuable items or languages go missing,

Make sure your insurance covers all your needs as well as those of your kids.

GET PREPARED THOROUGHLY, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.

No challenge is tough if you prepare well; keep this in mind when you begin training your child. The training will not only prepare them for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, but it will also get them interested in focusing on physical and mental fitness. Because Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak, at 5,895 meters, altitude sickness is to be expected. To prepare them for a lack of oxygen, use the measures listed below.

Let them go riding (you can also join them to encourage; kids love cycling, though).
Run (the best way of making them fit is to try some play activity that includes running).
Let them lift light weights in accordance with their strength.
Let them hike at low altitudes (this is the best way to train them and also to let them know what exactly they will do on the trip; take them to smaller peaks and let them hike).
You might try dancing or playing outdoor games with your children to help them become more fit.

Not only physically, but also mentally, prepare them to confront all of the hardships and detail what they will encounter during their trekking expedition.

GEARS THAT YOUR KIDS CAN EASILY USE

Kilimanjaro has a geographical status, and it passes through five different climate zones, distinguishing it from other summits throughout the world. When hiking with your children (those for whom you feel the most protective), make sure you have all the required gear to protect them from the heat, rain, and freezing cold weather. To make climbing Mount Kilimanjaro easier, bring all of the necessary Kilimanjaro gear, which includes clothing, camping gear, and trekking gear.

TAKE YOUR CHILD ON A FEW SHORT HIGHS FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS TEST

It’s natural for parents to be concerned about their children’s health, especially if they can survive in such a thin layer of oxygen at the mountain’s summit. Over 40% of hikers have attempted Kilimanjaro but were unable to complete it due to altitude sickness. Some symptoms are felt by every climber, such as moderate headaches, vomiting, or dizziness; nevertheless, sometimes the symptoms are so severe that death is threatened. While it is widely held that prevention is preferable to cure, we strongly advise you to take your children to lower elevations to assess their fitness and susceptibility to altitude sickness.

Climbing Kilimanjaro With Kids—Is It Really Possible? — Climbing Kilimanjaro With Kids

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROUTE AND GUIDE

For young athletes, we strongly recommend Lemosho or the Northern Circuit. When deciding on the best route, consider longer routes that give more time for acclimatization. While there is no evidence that children are more susceptible than adults to getting altitude sickness, the symptoms can be more difficult to recognize. Longer routes, such as the eight-day Lemosho and the Northern Circuit Route (which has the best success rate) or a longer seven-day Machame Route, are the most ideal.

You should also think about hiring a responsible tour operator such as Focus East Africa Tours who has expertise leading families or younger hikers. Note that your porters will be performing all of the heavy lifting and keeping an eye out for signs of altitude sickness in the group, so choose a reputable Company that treats its employees properly. You should also choose a route with private toilet tents rather than public ones (such as those along the Marangu Path) because public ones can get very unclean, and bring a hot-water bottle because it can get very cold at night.

A GENERAL ADVICE FOR TREKKING KILIMANJARO WITH KIDS

It is highly recommended that you do as much trekking as possible before your vacation. This is vital not only for increasing fitness and stamina but also for breaking in boots and becoming acquainted with trekking equipment. Families with active children who are accustomed to taking longer walks will find themselves well prepared.

Get high-quality, brand-name equipment that is identical to your own. Given the likelihood of their swiftly outgrowing clothing, boots, and even bags, it can be tempting to buy cheaper solutions, but it’s critical to provide them with the most appropriate and protective Kilimanjaro equipment. Don’t provide them with inferior equipment that you wouldn’t use yourself.

It is also critical to be in the appropriate frame of mind. Discuss potential difficulties, such as altitude sickness, diarrhea, and blisters, with them and prepare them for how difficult the climb will be. Being realistic about expectations and getting some practice ahead of time can help them get used to what is to come. It’s a good idea to consult their doctor about altitude sickness preventive medicine, as well as any rehydration sachets you’re considering utilizing throughout the trip and their overall health and fitness.

LISTEN TO YOUR OPERATORS FOR 100% SAFETY ASSURANCE

When we think of our children, safety is the most important consideration, so pay close attention to what your trek operator and guides have to say. The first step in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with your children is to select a reputable trekking company. Before embarking on a Kilimanjaro trip with your children, inform your trekking operator about your plans and the age of your child. The operators will provide you with important instructions; never disregard their advice if you want to successfully ascend the mountain with your children in complete safety.

A STORY THAT INSPIRES YOUR KIDS TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO

If you want to urge your child to prepare for this expedition, tell them about the youngsters who have already broken records by successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in the past. Here are a few of them.

Coaltan Tanner: A 6-year-old kid from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been named the youngest person to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro on October 22, 2018, at 11:40 a.m.
Keats Boyd: This 7-year-old boy scaled Uhuru Peak alone in January 2008 and held the record for the youngest climber until 2018. Coaltan Tanner broke the record in 2018.
Montannah Kenney: Austin Montannah, who is in second grade at River Ridge Elementary School, is the youngest female climber to Uhuru Peak.
Advait: On July 31, 2019, a 9-year-old boy from Pune, India, completed a seven-day trip to Africa’s highest peak. He is one of the most recent record holders for the youngest climber.

CONCLUSION:

The information provided above is sufficient to prepare your child for Kilimanjaro trekking; however, we always recommend that you assess your child’s fitness before pushing him or her into the experience. Also, if your youngster has the stamina and desires to climb this gorgeous peak, do not discourage him or her. We strongly advise hiring a business like Focus East Africa Turs for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro that has all of the necessary accreditation, the best guides and porters, and has successfully handled thousands of trekking expeditions.