Kilimanjaro Travel Guide

Climbing Kilimanjaro usually takes between five to nine days. The time depends on the route you choose.

For a better chance of success, it is best to take a route that takes seven or more days. This gives you more time to adjust to the high altitude.

Most days, you will hike for 4-6 hours at a slow pace on Kilimanjaro. This slow pace helps your body get used to the high altitude and the lower oxygen levels.

The final day to the summit is much longer, taking about 10-14 hours. It’s a tough day with lots of walking and climbing.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging. About half of the people who try to climb it do not make it to the top. However, choosing a longer Kilimanjaro Climbing Route can make it much easier.

Routes that take 8 or 9 days have success rates of 85% to 95%. The shorter Marangu Route is known as the easiest but has the lowest success rate because it is too short for proper acclimatization.

To prepare for Climbing Kilimanjaro, first, you need to get in good hiking shape. Start training at least two months before your climb. Focus on building your endurance so you can walk for several hours each day.

Try hiking on trails with some hills or use stairs or a stair machine if you can’t find hills.  Following all the above steps will help your body get ready for the climb.

There are seven main routes to climb Kilimanjaro. They are the Marangu Route, Machame Route, Umbwe Route, Rongai Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route, and the Northern Circuit Route. Each of these routes is known to provide a different experience and challenge.

The biggest challenge is the high altitude. At the summit, the air has only half the oxygen that is at sea level.

This low oxygen level makes it hard for your body to function. You need to slowly climb to give your body time to adjust and avoid altitude sickness.

The key is to take your time and not rush to the top.

No, you don’t need any special climbing skills to climb Kilimanjaro. It is mostly a hike.

There are some sections where you might need to use your hands and feet to climb over rocks, but there are no steep cliffs or technical climbs. Most of the climb is just walking on trails.

Yes, you must have a guide to climb Kilimanjaro. All these guides must be licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park.

Most climbers also have a team that includes a lead guide, an assistant guide, a cook, and porters who carry your gear and help with the climb.

You don’t have to be a super athlete to climb Kilimanjaro. Just being in good shape is enough. It is important to be fit, but you don’t need to be super strong or fast.

Many beginners have successfully climbed Kilimanjaro. Make sure you train well before the climb, so you are ready for the challenge.

The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons from July to October and from December to February. These months have good weather, making the climb easier and safer. Avoid climbing during the wet season unless you are very experienced, as the weather can be harsh.

You will need a good amount of gear. This includes warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and essential equipment like a sleeping bag, day pack, and duffel bag.

Tents are provided, but you should have your own sleeping bag and warm clothes. Check our detailed Kilimanjaro Packing List for a full list of what you need.

To get to Mount Kilimanjaro, first fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Many international flights go to this airport.

From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to Moshi or Arusha. These towns are the main starting points for Kilimanjaro treks. The drive from the airport to these towns usually takes about an hour.