Home Tanzania Trekking Trekking Preparation

Overview

Tanzania offers some of Africa’s tallest mountains, making it a popular hiking destination. Sited at 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro invites trekkers from all over the globe who would try to reach the Sky of Africa. It is a fantastic trek, but most do not know that Tanzania has many other trekking and peaks to climb too. The minor brother of Mount Kilimanjaro is frequently overlooked and kept aside. Mount Meru is at 4,566m, the second-highest peak after Mount Kilimanjaro, and is considered an alternative route for adventure. Mount Longido is a hilly peak at 2,699m in the Mount Longido Forest Reserve is about a 1.5-hour drive from Arusha town. It is quite a challenging climb, with an elevation gain of over 1300 meters through the forest to reach the summit.

Preparation for Trekking:

For a pleasant climb, it is first helpful to have comfortable hiking boots that have been broken ahead of time. Using trekking poles and gaiters can help you ascend and descend the mountain more comfortably. Other essentials included gloves with liners, a camera, appropriate clothing, a kit bag and rucksack, toiletries, sunscreen, and premium sunglasses.  

Start Walking:

This seems to be the first step, but you will be surprised by how many people do it. You start with a short distance and prepare your best to climb mountains. You should allow your body to recover between walks when you first start training. If possible, try doing back-to-back workouts as your body improves. This will help you build stamina for the demanding nature of a 10-day trek, where you won’t rest. You can walk for 4-6 hours comfortably before departing.

Include leg-based cardio in your routine:

Besides taking long walks, you should also do leg-based exercise every day. You can build leg strength through cycling, but you can also do it through soccer, football, squash, and swimming. If you prefer gym workouts, mix spin classes or cycling bursts with squats and lunges (the heavier the weight, the better).

It would be best if you took the stairs whenever you could:

If you’re at work or the train station, take the stairs rather than the lift or escalator.

Get creative with Terrain Training:

While trekking, you aren’t likely to walk on level footpaths and roads, so avoid exercise, especially on level roads and paths. To prepare for the hike, train on surfaces similar to the trails. Your feet, ankles, and knees should be ready for the stress they will endure during the trip.

Walking in all types of weather:

It’s also unlikely you’ll have perfect weather for ten straight days on your trek, so prepare for all weather by walking in the cold, windy, rainy, warm, and humid weather (if possible).

Keep your stomach full:

Water and food are essential during a trek. The following healthy snacks provide quick sources of energy and protein: nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, and chocolate. We will provide boiled (and cooled) water each day from our guides during your trek. When you’re in training mode, try to get your body used to digesting food and liquids while exercising.

Passport and Arrival Requirements:

You will need a valid passport which can be obtained from central agencies or consulates in your home nation. You can also apply for a visa at all entry points, such as airports and borders with a valid passport.

Money: 

It is easy to exchange traveler’s money or cheques in local currency (Tanzania shilling) at local banks. If you are leaving Tanzania, make sure to exchange your money back to your country’s currency since leaving with Tanzania currency is prohibited.

Credit cards:

Only the most significant airlines and hotels accept credit cards. Unlike other developing nations, Tanzania doesn’t rely much on credit cards to settle bills. Most of the places accept cash. You can withdraw money from any ATM in Tanzania using your credit bill, and it is suggested that you take enough funds as cash or traveler cheques.