How To Prepare For The Kilimanjaro Climb

It’s all about proper planning

A Kilimanjaro climb is a very special type of adventure, beyond a traditional vacation. Unlike popular wildlife safari tours, beach vacations, or simple hiking tours, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires certain preparations. After all, this adventure takes hikers to the highest point of Africa at 5,895 m/19,340 ft. This is often the highest altitude many climbers ever achieve, making this trip a true adventure of a lifetime. In this way, Kilimanjaro adventures are dangerous and unless the trekking party is staffed by professional guides and equipped with proper equipment, the hikers are exposed to certain high-altitude-related risks.

Be informed that a set of proper gear and preparation is critical to completing the trek. You can’t climb Kilimanjaro in your usual hiking outfit.

Kilibeauty Discovery has analyzed the essential tips that should help you prepare for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Choose the right operator

When it comes to planning your trip, this is perhaps the most important part that you should consider: Select the Best Tour Company for Your Kilimanjaro Climb. Booking with Kilibeauty Discovery is undoubtedly the best way to ensure that you are booking with the right people. Kilibeauty Discovery ensures safety, success, and an unforgettable experience. Every year, we take over a hundred trekkers to the Roof of Africa. We have two offices, one in Moshi town at the foothills of Kilimanjaro and another one in Arusha, and we manage, control, and supervise everything on our own.

Exclusive benefits you’ll enjoy when booking with us:

Local tour – when booking with us, it’s like supporting the locals and giving back to our community. We are a fully registered local tour company operating from the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. We don’t subcontract our climbs. We organize every climb ourselves, so you can rest assured that all the details will be professionally handled and any questions or concerns will be addressed directly. No middlemen are involved, and that I why we say our price is fair, reasonable, and affordable to anyone who is planning to embark on this beautiful mountain on the earth!

As a company, we own our vehicles and other facilities for running adventures like tents, chairs, tables, private mobile toilets, kitchenware, etc. For those who don’t want to buy trekking gear, we have proper gear and equipment from the North Face, Black Diamond, Red Fox, and other respected brands for mountain climbing that you can hire at a very good price.

“What matters most is we have exclusively positive feedback from our guests who have traveled with us before. Trust the reviews of our satisfied customers and what they have to say about their experience with Kilibeauty Discovery on our TripAdvisor account.

If, however, you are planning to book with another trekking service, we recommend you pay attention to the following:

Read the reviews about operators, but DON’T make them the only criteria for your final choice. We are friends with some great operators who don’t have a high rating on TripAdvisor, and, regrettably, we know some high-ranked companies whose operations are notoriously poor. Some companies over-encourage their clients to leave a good review in exchange for payment, future discounts, and other perks. Those leaving bad reviews are sometimes even offered money to remove negative reviews.

When planning your Kilimanjaro trek, it is essential to ask about the qualifications of the guides. Despite being qualified from Tour guide colleges and universities, our guides are well trained with different training programs like Wilderness First Response (WFR), Guiding license, and First Aid.

Also, inquire about the treatment practices for porters. The Mistreatment of porters is an increasing concern in the tourism industry, particularly for Kilimanjaro climbs. Many porters come from destitute backgrounds and lack advanced education, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation.  Unfortunately, some tour operators take advantage of their situation by offering very low wages, maintaining poor working conditions, and providing inadequate food during their time with a climbing crew.  This exploitation not only puts porters at risk during the expedition but also means that, despite being employed, they remain trapped in poverty due to the very low income they earn. When choosing a tour operator for your Kilimanjaro trek, it’s important to ask specifically about how they treat their porters. If possible, try to ask for detailed information regarding the company’s guidelines for the payment and treatment of porters during Kilimanjaro climbs.

Choose longer itineraries for your trip

Opting for a longer itinerary not only enhances your chances of summiting but also enriches your overall experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll have more time to enjoy the journey, adapt to the altitude, and create lasting memories. You’ve probably read on the internet that Kilimanjaro itineraries vary from short 5-day treks to longer 8-day adventures. Some climbs with Crater Camping may even take 9 days or more. So, what is the reason for paying more and spending more time on the slopes of Kilimanjaro? Well, here are the main reasons:

Choosing longer itineraries for your trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro can significantly enhance your overall experience and increase your chances of successfully reaching the summit. Here’s why you might consider opting for a longer climb:

Increased Acclimatization

Enhanced Experience

Reduced Physical Strain

Increased Summit Success Rate

Unique Experiences

1. Lemosho Route (8 days). Offers excellent acclimatization with a gradual ascent and beautiful scenery.
2. Machame Route (7 days). Known for its stunning views and varied landscapes, with enough acclimatization days.
3. Northern Circuit (9 days). The longest route provides the best acclimatization and a chance to see the mountain from different angles.
4. Rongai Route (6-7 days). A quieter route with unique views, perfect for those seeking solitude.

Tanzania is located in East Africa and experiences a variety of weather conditions and climate zones due to its diverse geography. Mount Kilimanjaro is located approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) south of the equator. The equator runs at 0° latitude, while Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak, is at about 5,895 meters above sea level, positioned near 3°S latitude and 37.35 °E longitude. So for those who long to summit this beautiful peak, we recommend the dry season instead, which is:

From late December to early March – because it is also the Christmas holiday period, this time is especially popular among tourists.

From early June till early October, though it is surprisingly cooler than in the “winter” dry season, the weather is sunny, and the sky is clear.

From mid-March to late May is the “big” rainy season. It is called like this not because of the intensity, but because it lasts longer than the “small” one, which, in its turn, starts in late October and lasts till mid-December. Although the majority of climbers prefer the dry season for their Kilimanjaro adventure, the rainy season has several distinct advantages.

MAKE SURE TO KEEP IN MIND: dry season does not necessarily mean that there are no rains at all – Kilimanjaro is a mountain, after all, and like all significant peaks, the weather may change dramatically at any moment. Having rain gear like (a rain jacket, trousers, and poncho) in your daypack at all times is crucial. Similarly, the rainy season doesn’t mean that it is pouring the whole day – normally, it starts drizzling at midday, and the rain grows stronger by evening. Sometimes, there may be no rain at all.

One needs to hike an average of three to five miles every day through rugged terrain on a Kilimanjaro climb. This requires good stamina and a strong cardiovascular system. If you currently spend most of your time sitting in an office, there are several things you can do to get ready for your Kilimanjaro adventure:

Preparing your shoulders for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb is important, especially if you plan to carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and extra clothing. Here’s how you can strengthen your shoulders and prevent strain during the climb:

1. Strength Training for Shoulder Endurance
2. Core & Posture Training
3. Shoulder Mobility & Flexibility
4. Training with a Backpack. Gradually increase weight – Start with 5-10 lbs (~2-5 kg) and increase to 15-20 lbs (~7-9 kg) or 12-15kg over time. Practice hiking with your pack at least 2-3 times a week to condition your shoulders and body. Adjust backpack straps properly to ensure weight distribution is even to avoid shoulder strain.
5. Recovery & Injury Prevention. Hydrate and maintain good nutrition for muscle recovery.

By following these steps, your shoulders will be strong and conditioned for carrying a daypack on your Kilimanjaro trek without unnecessary strain.

Running and biking are excellent exercises for preparing for Kilimanjaro. A 3-mile run or a 5-mile bike ride every other day is a great start. Swimming is also a fantastic activity for strengthening your heart and blood vessels.

If you have a gym membership, running on a treadmill can be beneficial. Additionally, incorporating exercises like planks and squats will help strengthen your legs, making them better suited for long hikes on Kilimanjaro

When working out at the gym, prioritize aerobic and cardio activities over muscle-building exercises. For Kilimanjaro, building stamina is far more important than enhancing physical strength.

If you live near the countryside, going on longer hikes of 5 to 10 miles is an excellent way to prepare for mountain climbs. This experience closely mimics what you’ll encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro, so focus on walking on hills and tackling steep inclines to get your body ready for the slopes ahead.

If you purchased new hiking boots for your Kilimanjaro tour, using them on a cross-country hike is a great way to break them in. Taking brand-new boots on your Kilimanjaro trip is not advisable, as they can cause painful blisters and calluses. This discomfort could turn what should be an exhilarating adventure into a torturous experience. By breaking in your new hiking boots through training exercises, you can ensure they are comfortable and ready for your Kilimanjaro climb.

We recommend exercising physically for Kilimanjaro 2-5 months before the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure. We also suggest that you take a break from doing workouts and walks two weeks before you arrive in Tanzania so that your body can fully rest and re-energize before the Kilimanjaro climb.

Kilibeauty Discovery offers the best training program for those interested in proper Kilimanjaro training. Feel free to email us to get the training guidelines.

You will traverse several climatic zones as you make your way from the starting trailhead to Kilimanjaro’s summit. The Kilimanjaro trip is like a journey from the tropics to the Arctic over several days. The weather, vegetation, and environment will change dramatically, and a hiker should be ready for this. Primarily, one needs to take proper clothes and footwear for this trip.

At the core of proper Kilimanjaro outfitting is the idea of “layering”. This technique helps to keep your bodily temperature well-regulated while providing good insulation and ventilation. There are special types of layering for warm weather in lower camps and for colder conditions at higher elevations.

Email us to get a free Kilimanjaro packing list to understand what is required for this majestic adventure.

Prepare Your Documents

To successfully pass through immigration and officially arrive in Tanzania, you will need a passport that is valid for international travel. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your scheduled arrival in Tanzania and that it contains at least two blank pages for your visa and entry stamp.

Additionally, our team will require your passport information to process the entry permits for the National Park. Please rest assured that all your personal and identifying information will be kept strictly confidential.

We accommodate all kinds of food restrictions on the mountain from Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. All these meal plans are available at no extra charge. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions before the start of your adventure. Our team will make sure that proper adjustments are made to the supply lists and that the cooks get properly instructed.

See how is our meal on the link below.

What is the menu on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)?

Book your tickets to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Tanzania has several international airports for arrivals from other countries. These airports are Kilimanjaro International Airport with code (JRO) in the Kilimanjaro region, Julius Nyerere International Airport with code (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport with code (ZNZ) in Zanzibar

You need to pick the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is just 80 km from this airport, and many hotels are conveniently located nearby. Flying directly here is a better option than taking a connecting flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar airports.

Once you book your flight, please let us know. We will arrange a comfortable transfer for you with one of our safari vehicles or minibus at any time your flight arrives, day or night.

Contact us with any questions!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team. Our experts are always ready to help you with planning your adventure. Not only are our team members passionate about Kilimanjaro adventures, but each of them regularly climbs Mount Kilimanjaro and is able to provide you with accurate and timely travel advice.

Make an advance payment to secure your booking

Don’t send deposits by Western Union – use only card transactions or wire transfers. Reputable companies always accept payment through bank transactions or with credit cards. This form of payment protects you, too. But if something goes wrong, retrieving payment made through Western Union is impossible.