Kilimanjaro Confidence Blueprint: Altitude Adaptation, Route Savvy, Guide Magic | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 16

I’ve been a fitness partner with Thomson Safaris since 2009. So when I finally got the chance to interview someone from their team, I didn’t waste time on the usual fluff—no “best time to go,” no “how high is the mountain,” and no softball questions to promote their brand. We went straight to the real issue that every Kilimanjaro trekker talks about: altitude.

Carolyn Hardy, Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant at Thomson Safaris, joined me for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to get to the top of Kilimanjaro—and why confidence, preparation, and the right team matter more than anything.

This episode will provide you with the information and confidence you need to choose the right route, prepare mentally and physically, and understand how world-class guides help you succeed, even when altitude strikes.

What We Cover in This Episode:
- The truth about altitude sickness—why almost everyone feels it and what to expect
- How Thomson Safaris’ guides monitor, support, and adapt to help trekkers summit successfully
- Carolyn’s personal altitude experience on Kilimanjaro—and how the guides kept her safe
- What makes Thomson’s guides different (hint: it’s not just the certifications)
- How guides build trust, manage group dynamics, and keep morale high
- Why fitness is your job—and the rest is the guide’s job
- A full breakdown of the four main routes to the summit, including:

• Grand Traverse: Best for first-timers, longer acclimatization, upgraded tents
• Western Approach: Most popular, good balance of challenge and cost
• Umbwe Route: Most physically demanding—only for experienced trekkers
• Machame Route: Budget-friendly, but crowded and fast-paced

- How to choose your route based on budget, fitness level, experience, scenery, solitude, and even knee issues
- Thoughts on Diamox—who takes it, how it’s prescribed, and when to start
- The difference between mental vs. physical preparedness, and why both matter
- What’s not in the pre-departure packet—but probably should be
- Extra gear tips: boots vs. trail runners, paracord for drying clothes, and more
- How Thomson treats its porters, and why their ethics matter when choosing an operator

ThomsonTreks.com / ThomsonSafaris.com

Carolyn Hardy: [e-mail]

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