Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro?

I agree with DS climb 1 on his points. I don't think the others know what they are talking about.

Aerobic exercise helps with the effects of altitude, and gives a good confidence boost but as any mountaineer/ climber will tell you the best training for climbing is climbing - so get yourself some long hikes planned with a 12-15kg rucksack over mountainous terrain. By long I mean 7-10 hours taking in multiple summits. (Something like the Snowdon horseshoe or Brecons)

The reason most fail on Kili is due to poor acclimatisation - I know this is down to your guides but make sure to take it steady and follow the golden rule of not ascending more than 1500m per day.

Good luck

P.S - wont go myself - off to Ecuador and Peru to do some Ice climbing.

ignore most of the above advice, you don't need climbing (rock) training. it is a long, long high walk. You could technically walk the whole way with your hands in your pockets, but don't under estimate the challenge, most people fail because of fitness and/or failing a acclimatise properly.

you will need to a aerobically fit as possible, this will help your recovery from day to day and aid your acclimatization as you gain height.

Dont over do it in the last week, wind down and eat heathly. The last you need on the summit day is a virus to fit off, so look after yourself.

The days are quite warm, so you wont need much specialist gear then. nights are cooler, so a good warm jacket for pottering about and a cosy sleeping bag.

Some people using walking poles, smallish comfortable rucksac, no more than 40 litres for during the day. suncream, camera, chapstick, water bottle or drinking system, set of cards for evenings. Some alcohol gel is useful for keeping your hands cleaning, before eating and after the loo. Some companies do provide water to wash your hands/face, but this is only clean if your 1st !!

Good Luck David I am behind you all the way. Training : yes I would go to a rock climbing centre. It's not to expensive and they will give you equipment and that is what you will feel like because you will have to climb through small gaps. There isn't a road to the top. Oh and the heat will be beaming down. I would recommend serious training. Also after your feet will hurt like hell. But it is for a good cause. So try and get a couple of sessions booked for practise and GOOD LUCK! Also bring lots of bottles of water. You would be suprised how much water you get through when it is really hot also make sure you ahve the right climbing clothes.

To re-training it´s a good idea to start making some exercise. Start with soft exercise and increase it slowly. Several weeks before try to climb with a light bag over our back some hill next to our house, if you don't have any use stairs and do it several times in each training increasing the weight each week.

About equipment, you´ll need a good sleeping bag that allow negative temperatures. A light comfortable boots are essential. I recommend to use a cold jacket in gore-tex using inside one or more polar jackets outside the shirt.

This is just some ideas, you could have great information about climbing in this book: "Mountaineering, The freedom of the Hills"....it´s like a bible of mountaineering and it has everything you need to know, if you like the sport

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Went up yesterday,didnt like it so came home,cant bare heights.As for tips you need expert advice and a qualified guide,i should think.

lucky lucky lucky lucky you, i do fancing coming but im only 15, also i dont want to climb it in a skirt...oh sorry kilt. jk lol

Firstly, I need to know if you have any experience in mountaineering?

that is very good of you,the charity will really appreciate it!good luck.