Peaks for PKD Blog
October 05, 2024

How Hard Is It to Climb Kilimanjaro? | Peaks for PKD

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As Eric Hampel prepares for his upcoming Kilimanjaro climb, we can’t help but reflect on the immense challenge that lies ahead. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat, and Eric has been training for months to raise awareness and funds for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In just a few days, he’ll begin his 9-day trek, representing the PKD Foundation of Canada and aiming to inspire the PKD community through his efforts.

SP_Eric_climbing_01_(2).pngKilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters, making it the highest free-standing mountain in the world. In comparison, the CN Tower is 553m, and the Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building - is 828m. While the physical and mental challenges of the trek are significant, Eric is determined to complete the climb in honour of PKD patients and their daily struggles.

According to Climbing Kilimanjaro, the tour company guiding Eric on this adventure, more than half of all climbers experience altitude sickness, and about 65% don’t make it to the summit. The altitude and extreme weather conditions are often the biggest hurdles. Eric has prepared as much as possible, but as with any high-altitude trek, factors like altitude sickness can be unpredictable.

The Physical Challenge

Although Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climb—meaning no ropes, ice axes, or mountaineering skills are needed—the physical demands are still intense. While most of the trek consists of manageable hiking trails, the thin air and extreme altitude make every step harder. Eric has focused his training on building stamina and leg strength, which will be crucial for the long days of hiking with reduced oxygen levels.

The summit night is notoriously the hardest part of the climb, with freezing temperatures, high winds, and an ascent of 1,244m to the top. After reaching the summit, climbers must descend nearly 2,094m in the same day, resulting in a 12-14 hour trek. Eric’s endurance will be tested, but his dedication to the cause is keeping him motivated.

Preparing for the Altitude

One of the most challenging aspects of Kilimanjaro is the altitude. With nearly 50% less oxygen at the summit, climbers need to acclimatize carefully. Eric has chosen a longer route, giving his body more time to adjust. This strategy, combined with his mental preparation, will increase his chances of handling the altitude and successfully reaching the summit.

Eric will also be following the advice of experienced guides, who emphasize walking “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly, slowly”). This pacing will help him conserve energy and adjust to the thin air, avoiding exhaustion and improving his acclimatization process.

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The Mental Challenge

Beyond the physical demands, the mental challenge of Kilimanjaro is significant. Trekking for long hours, sleeping in tents, and coping with extreme weather requires mental resilience. Eric has been mentally preparing himself for the isolation and discomfort, focusing on his reasons for taking on this challenge: raising awareness for PKD and supporting those who live with the disease daily.

Kilimanjaro climbers often face moments when the summit seems unreachable, and it’s the mental strength that keeps them going. Eric’s connection to the PKD community and his commitment to making a difference for patients will be his driving force when the climb feels too hard.

PKD Awareness

Eric’s journey up Mount Kilimanjaro is more than just a physical challenge. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about PKD and generate much-needed funds for research and patient support. By pushing himself to the limit, Eric is showing the world the importance of persistence and resilience—qualities that PKD patients know all too well.

His climb also serves as a reminder that challenges, whether on the mountain or in life, are best overcome when faced with a strong support system. Eric has been backed by his friends, family, and the PKD Foundation of Canada, and he hopes to inspire others to support the PKD community through his efforts.

To learn more about the difficulty of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you can visit Eric’s tour company’s blog post, “How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro”.

To donate to Eric's Peaks for PKD fundraiser, click on the button below. Every donation helps us move closer to a future where no one has to feel the full effects of PKD.

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