Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, is on the wish-list of many travellers, but you’ll need more than some hiking boots and a walking stick to reach the top. With this in mind, here are our top ten tips for getting to the top in one piece:

1. Plan ahead – Kilimanjaro treks aren’t available year-round with the best climbing season falling from June to October, but if you want to avoid the crowds in July and August, you might be better off tackling one of the lesser-known routes such as Machame or Rongai.

2. Be prepared for changing weather conditions – Although you’ll start the trek in a warm climate, conditions at the top of the mountain are very different so be sure to take full waterproofs, a hat to sleep in as well as some hand warmers for the final ascent. The sun’s rays are stronger at altitude due to the thin air, so make sure you pack plenty of sun-screen.

As you ascend you will find yourselves heading through tropical rainforests, as well as high desert and a summit in the snow.

3. Quiz the locals – Many trips are led by local guides with enormous knowledge of the mountain, the local culture, the flora and fauna, so making an effort to talk to and learn from them will make the trip even more rewarding. As you ascend you will find yourselves heading through tropical rainforests, as well as high desert and a summit in the snow.

4. Take some good headache pills – Headaches are a common effect of altitude, so these will prove invaluable. Don’t suffer in silence though, as the headaches could also be a symptom of altitude sickness, so tell your guide if they persist.

5. Plan your day pack - Carry with you anything you might need on the daily hikes, including plenty of water, cereal bars or fresh fruit. A change of socks, some foot lotion and blister plasters are also a good idea to refresh aching feet during breaks.

6. Keep on movin’ – Don’t stop on the final ascent as you might lose your momentum. Stick with the mantra ‘pole, pole’, pronounced ‘poley, poley’ which means ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili and will help you get to the top. An extendable walking pole will also help with steep portions of the climb and descent.

7. Don’t be let down by a digital camera – Reaching the highest point in Africa only to realise your memory card is full or your camera batteries are flat can put a dampener on the occasion so be prepared and take spares as climbers can only stay at the summit for twenty minutes.

8. Tip your porters – Your porters are incredible - they carry their body weight on their heads, as well as preparing your camps and meals each day, so please tip them generously as this is their full time job and they can’t climb the mountain more than two or three times each month due to the altitude and the rota of guides and porters in the area.

9. Choose your tent mate well – Climbing Kilimanjaro can be a real team effort and moral support amongst the group is key. If you know you’re a light sleeper, try to avoid sharing a tent with a heavy snorer, since sleep deprivation won’t help with your mood, but make sure you pack some earplugs just in case!

10. Choose your path - Machame Route - This route is one of the tougher climbs, comprising a steeper ascent and six days of camping in remote wilderness areas, but the rewards are its great access to the remaining glaciers and the western breach.

Rongai Route - One of the less-trekked routes up Kilimanjaro, the Rongai route gives you a real sense of discovery away from the crowds as well as being the most gradual ascent up the mountain. It is the only route to offer views of Masai lands, where monkey, buffalo and elephant can be spotted.

Marangu Route - This is the classic route up Kilimanjaro and is a challenging climb with accommodation in mountain huts. As the route gains altitude, climbers will pass through several ecosystems including lush rainforest, moorland and final the bare high altitude desert of the upper slopes.

For further details on all of the Kilimanjaro trips offered by The Adventure Company, see www.adventurecompany.co.uk or telephone 0845 609 0889.