Tanzania Adventure

Essential Tips of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, standing tall at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the “Roof of Africa.”As one of the continent’s most sought-after travel destinations, Mount Kilimanjaro attracts over 40,000 visitors annually. This stunning trek requires no technical climbing skills, making it accessible to anyone with a healthy average fitness level.

This guide is designed to help climbers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Our recommendations are based on our extensive experience. At Climbing Kilimanjaro, we have successfully organized thousands of hiking trips to this iconic peak.

Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro hike

Height

19,340 ft/5,895 m

Trekking Distance

19,340 ft/5,895 m

Climate zones

Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic

Kilimanjaro Routes

Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe

Peaks

Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira

Required Skills

Average fitness level

First Climb

1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller

Preparing and training for Kilimanjaro

How should I train for Mount Kilimanjaro climb?

Maintaining a good level of fitness is essential for climbing Kilimanjaro. However, you don’t need to be an athlete to reach the summit. A healthy average fitness level is sufficient. To gauge your readiness, see if you can comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 mi). If you can, you’re fit enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Running is an excellent exercise for preparing to hike Kilimanjaro. Aim to jog 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles) confidently. The Nike Running Club app offers effective training programs to help you reach this goal.

Swimming is another great addition to your training regimen. It strengthens your entire body and enhances cardiovascular endurance, complementing the leg endurance built by running. Swimming engages your arms, core, and legs simultaneously, and its buoyancy is gentle on the joints.

If possible, incorporate hiking on rough trails in rural areas near you. Aim for longer hikes, ideally 10-15 km (6-10 mi), to mimic the uphill terrain of Kilimanjaro. Training over longer distances in such environments will better prepare you for the climb.

For a structured approach, check out our Kilimanjaro training plan. It’s designed to build the stamina and fitness needed for the climb.

When are the rainy and the dry seasons in Tanzania?

Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season starts in early November and continues until late December, followed by a dry season that lasts until mid-March. The long rainy season begins in mid-March and ends in mid-June.

For climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, consider the northern slopes. Data from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority shows that this area receives significantly less rainfall. Recommended routes include Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.

From June to October, East Africa experiences cold nights, especially at the high altitudes of Kilimanjaro. Be prepared for chilly conditions and ensure you have all the essentials from our packing list.

Questions about Kilimanjaro safety

Can you recommend a reliable travel insurance?

Climbing Kilimanjaro recommends Global Rescue for reliable travel insurance coverage. Ensure your policy includes three key components: coverage for high-altitude hiking up to 6,000 meters, helicopter evacuation, and comprehensive medical services.

Are there any tips for the best acclimatization for climbing Kilimanjaro?

In order to acclimate and summit successfully, we recommend following these simple rules:

Hike slowly. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. By following a moderate pace, you’ll enable it to produce more red cells. Those are used to transport more oxygen to the vitals and to increase the breathing rate. Our guides will be monitoring your pace and will help you to correct it if needed. Drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Staying properly hydrated is essential. Water will be provided by our crew along the trek.

Join our acclimatization hikes. Each day, our guides lead short hikes from the camp to higher ground and then back again. These hikes usually last no more than 2 hours. They help a lot with getting used to the altitude. We suggest everyone takes part.

If you have time, consider climbing Mount Meru before your Kilimanjaro trip. Those close to South America will have many options for similar hikes. For example, on the Inca Trail. Climbing other lower mountains around the world can also be fantastic. It will help you get used to higher altitudes, preparing you for the Kilimanjaro journey.

Lastly, if you choose routes that are seven days or longer, your body will have more time to adjust. This will improve your chances of reaching the summit.

What is the best route for acclimatization?

To acclimatize better on Kilimanjaro, the best routes are Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai. Consider them, or other itineraries with seven days and more.

How many extra acclimatization days should I take?

On the seven-day Machame route, you won’t need any extra acclimatization days. Equally good options are Rongai and Lemosho. These are the main routes we use for most of our trips. However, if you think you’re not very physically fit, you may add one or two days for extra rest.

Do you need oxygen systems to climb Kilimanjaro?

At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the level of oxygen in the air is roughly half of what it is at sea level. Most climbers can reach Uhuru Peak without using extra oxygen.

Yet, to be on the safe side, we take precautions. On our expeditions at Climbing Kilimanjaro Routes, we always have plenty of oxygen tanks. The cost of oxygen is included in the tour price.

We have 300+ oxygen tanks ready for our expeditions, more than all other operators combined. In an unlikely scenario, if your group needs extra oxygen, we will send it from our base. The neighboring Climbing Kilimanjaro Routes groups on the mountain are also ready to share theirs. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with us is always safe.

Do I need to take a medical kit with me?

During Kilimanjaro expeditions, Climbing Kilimanjaro teams carry comprehensive medical kits. On the hikes, we use smaller tactical kits that contain everything needed to treat injuries, scratches, or twisted limbs. Our camp’s larger medical kits have medicines for common problems encountered during a Kilimanjaro climb, such as nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach issues. We also have plenty of oxygen ready to help prevent altitude sickness when the first symptoms arise.

However, if you take any prescription medication, it’s best to bring it with you on your Tanzania trip.

What is the death rate on Kilimanjaro?

Relative to other mountains, Kilimanjaro has a low death rate across its seven routes. Out of the approximately 50,000 individuals who hike Mount Kilimanjaro each year, 3-5 lose their lives. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung issues due to high altitude and heart attacks, often resulting from ignoring acclimatization.

However, the mortality rate for Kilimanjaro porters is notably higher, with 20-25 porters dying each year. The primary cause is pneumonia, stemming from a lack of proper gear or inadequate tents. This issue is largely due to super-budget trek operators.

To help end the mistreatment of porters, always choose a KPAP-registered company when climbing Kilimanjaro. KPAP ensures that operators treat their crew fairly by paying good wages and providing necessary equipment for safe working conditions. You can learn more about our involvement with KPAP in our video.

Over the years Climbing Kilimanjaro Routes has been operating, we’ve guided over 20,000 climbers to the summit without a single fatality. We are also proud members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and regularly donate funds to support their mission.

Why the summit of Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Peak?

The highest peak of Kilimanjaro was named Uhuru Peak to celebrate Tanzania’s independence from Britain in 1961. “Uhuru,” means “freedom” in Swahili.

Can I go on a safari after I climbed Kilimanjaro?

Tanzania has famous destinations for any kind of African adventure. The most popular destinations are Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It is undoubtedly a great idea to plan a safari before or after the climb. We have a fleet of new safari cars and a team of highly professional safari driver-guides who will your safari truly unforgettable!

Planning to climb Kilimanjaro?

We’re here to provide clear answers and expert guidance—reach out with any questions and take the first step with confidence.

Other Trekking Info

Kilimanjaro Packing List

Complimentary Kilimanjaro packing guide featuring essential gear and expert recommendations from Asili Climbing Kilimanjaro.