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Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with Kids
Located in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing peak at 5,895 meters, and summiting it is one of the most fascinating and adventurous things to accomplish for a variety of hikers around the world. The park is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), whose main aim is to safeguard the mountain and its majestic flora and wildlife diversity. The extinct volcano is protected as part of Kilimanjaro National Park and is a popular trekking and hiking destination in East Africa. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, like any other hike, can be challenging and demanding; but in the end, a very rewarding adventure. However, Mount Kilimanjaro is one offer one of the easiest and most accessible hiking experiences, and; if you have kids and are wondering whether to take them along for your adventure, it is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with children.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with Kids
According to the Kilimanjaro National Park Authorities (KINAPA), children can climb Kilimanjaro, with the lowest age generally being 10. However, you must be very certain that they are prepared for the endeavor both mentally and physically. Although the age of 10 is the formal minimum age set by KINAPA to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, the hazards of trekking at altitude, may not be safe for youngsters. As a result, most tour operators often recommend this journey for youngsters aged 12 and higher.
Moreover, children are only allowed to hike as far as over 3,700 meters (12,000) which is usually reached on the second day of the hike. You ought to prepare your kids mentally and physically to ensure they have a memorable hiking experience. If your family goes on regular walks, hikes, and camping trips, your kids should be able to hike Mount Kilimanjaro. However, it is safe to ensure that everyone is aware of the reality of spending five or more days on the mountain and that you allow adequate time to acclimate to the altitude.
Things to Consider when Planning Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with Kids
Ensure a Proper Health Check-up Before the Hike
One of the most vital things to consider when planning a hike to Mount Kilimanjaro for your kids is that they are healthy enough to hike. So, before intending to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it is safe that you take your children to their doctor for a thorough head-to-toe check-up. You can take all of the essential drugs with the guidance of your doctor, and don’t forget to acquire all of the necessary vaccines including yellow fever, tetanus, polio, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, measles, rabies, mumps, typhoid, among others.
Travel Insurance for Your Kids
When venturing on a Mount Kilimanjaro hike with your kids, you want to make sure that they are safe, and should anything happen to them, they have insurance covering both travel and health. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most adventurous things to do; and to have such an adventure with your kid, it is important to consider all aspects of safety. Insurance will act as a shield for your child, covering all financial burdens in case of any accidents while trekking, medical emergency due to altitude sickness, emergency evacuation, or if any of your valuable items go missing.
Good Physical and Mental Shape
This is another crucial element of a successful and adventurous hike on Mount Kilimanjaro. Your children ought to be highly motivated and eager to participate in hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as conscious that it will not be simple. A good general level of fitness, either via participation in sports or regular family walks, is crucial. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro can be challenging since it involves walking for long hours, every day for about 5 to 9 days. It involves physical and mental perseverance, and there will undoubtedly be times when it gets tougher; hence, they have to be prepared.
Brace Your Kids with the Right Hiking Gear
When planning a hike on Mount Kilimanjaro with your children, make sure you have all the required hiking gear including clothing to protect them from the rain, heat, and cold weather. Mount Kilimanjaro’s topography encompasses five different climate zones, distinguishing it from other summits throughout the world. To make climbing Mount Kilimanjaro simpler, bring all of the required Kilimanjaro Gear, which includes clothes, camping gear, and trekking gear for your kids.
Good Physical and Mental Shape
This is another crucial element of a successful and adventurous hike on Mount Kilimanjaro. Your children ought to be highly motivated and eager to participate in hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as conscious that it will not be simple. A good general level of fitness, either via participation in sports or regular family walks, is crucial. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro can be challenging since it involves walking for long hours, every day for about 5 to 9 days. It involves physical and mental perseverance, and there will undoubtedly be times when it gets tougher; hence, they have to be prepared.
Choose the Right Hiking Route and Guide for Your Kids
When hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with your kids, another thing to consider is choosing the right hiking route and guide for them. Consider longer routes that give your kids more time for acclimatization. While there is no evidence that children are more susceptible than adults to get altitude sickness, the symptoms can be more difficult to recognize. In this case, lengthier routes, such as the eight-day Lemosho Route which has the best success rate would be the best route. Even the lengthier seven-day Machame Route is ideal for hiking with your kids. Also, consider routes clean private bathrooms and toilets that your children can safely use. Via some routes like the Marangu route; public toilets can get extremely unclean; therefore it is best to avoid them.
Furthermore, you should also think about hiring a competent tour operator who has expertise in leading families or younger hikers. Remember that your porters and guide will be performing all of the heavy lifting and keeping an eye out for indications of altitude sickness in the groups, respectively. As a result, it is better to select a reputable firm that treats its customers properly.
Take Your Children on a Few short Hikes to Acclimatize
Almost 40% of hikers who have attempted Kilimanjaro 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. It’s natural for parents to be concerned about their children’s health, especially if they can survive in such a tiny layer of oxygen at the mountain’s summit. For your kids to survive this, we strongly advise you to take your children to lower elevations to assess their fitness and susceptibility to altitude sickness.
Set the Right Mindset for Your Kids
It is also critical for your kids to be in the appropriate frame of mind when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. While you’re at it, discuss potential difficulties such as altitude sickness and other possible illnesses, as well as accidents and blisters with them; and prepare them for how tough the climb would be. Being realistic about expectations, as well as getting some walking in ahead of time, can help them get acclimated 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, in addition to their overall health and fitness.
Why is the Kilimanjaro Age-limit Rule Imposed?
The main reason the Kilimanjaro age limit was set is because of the challenges entailed in hiking Mount Kilimanjaro; one of them being the high-altitude levels which may be quite harmful to anyone. Children are frequently unreliable in reporting altitude sickness symptoms; however, traveling to a new location might induce changes in sleep, eating, activity, and mood in certain children. These communication issues might be a real hazard to youngsters at high altitudes.
One of the most serious hazards for children at high altitudes is otalgia, or earache, caused by the child’s inability to balance the pressure in his or her ears, resulting in pain. Nonetheless, guides conduct health tests for everyone every night at camp during Mount Kilimanjaro hikes. Here, the guides will take your pulse, check your oxygen level, and seek for visual and verbal signs of acute mountain sickness. They must check that you are feeling well and adjusting to the high altitude.
Best Time to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro with Your Kids
The best time to hike Kilimanjaro with your kids is between July and September when the weather is dry and there is little rain. Trails are more congested (albeit less so in September), but it’s migration season for animals, so it’s ideal for combining a hike with a safari. Mount Kilimanjaro, on the other hand, can be hiked all year; even during the short rainy seasons (March through May, and November and December), and small rains can be pleasant on the mountain. But trekking during the rainy season requires you to come prepared for slippery and muddy trails. Another favorite period is from January through early March. It’s still frigid in the mornings and nights, but that’s true no matter what time of year you visit.
