How Hard Is It to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? A Complete Guide
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, it’s no easy feat. In fact, recent statistics show that over 50% of climbers experience some form of altitude sickness, and about 65% fail to reach the summit. But how difficult is it, really? The answer varies depending on several factors like altitude, physical fitness, mental toughness, and weather conditions.
In this blog, we’ll break down what makes Kilimanjaro challenging, how you can prepare, and what to expect on your journey to the top.
The Difficulty of Climbing Kilimanjaro
Altitude and Summit Night: The Ultimate Challenge
One of the hardest aspects of climbing Kilimanjaro is dealing with extreme altitude. You’ll trek through five ecological zones, but summit night is particularly grueling. This is when you’ll face the steepest ascent, with over 4,000 feet of climbing and 49% less oxygen in the air. Imagine walking for 12-14 hours in the coldest, windiest conditions of your entire trek—it’s a real test of both your physical and mental endurance.
Even though most of Kilimanjaro’s trails are not technically difficult, summit night is where climbers often face their biggest challenges, as it’s a battle against fatigue, freezing temperatures, and oxygen deprivation.
Is Kilimanjaro Technically Difficult?
The good news: Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climb. You won’t need ropes, harnesses, or ice axes. It’s considered a “walk-up” trek, which means that as long as you can walk and endure long days of hiking, you can theoretically make it to the summit. However, don’t mistake the lack of technical difficulty for an easy climb. The challenge lies in enduring long, slow hikes over several days, often in extreme weather conditions and at high altitude.
Dealing with Altitude: The Real Test
Altitude sickness is the primary reason many climbers fail to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. Your ability to acclimatize to reduced oxygen levels while continuing to hike is the key factor that sets Kilimanjaro apart from typical hiking trips.
Top Tip: To improve your chances of success, opt for a longer route (such as 7+ days). The more time you give your body to adjust, the better your chances of acclimatizing successfully. Also, don’t forget the phrase you’ll hear constantly from your guide: “Pole Pole,” which means “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. Walking at a slow, steady pace is crucial to conserving energy and adjusting to altitude.
How Fit Do You Need to Be?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but you do need a good level of fitness. The trek involves long days of walking uphill, often with a weighted backpack. If you’re not used to this type of physical activity, you’ll need to prepare well in advance.
Your physical fitness will play a significant role in how well you recover each day. While the pace is slow, the days can feel long, particularly with altitude making everything more exhausting.
Training Tip: Build a fitness routine that includes cardiovascular training, strength training, and long hikes with a weighted backpack. The better prepared you are, the easier the trek will feel. We have a detailed guide on how to train for Kilimanjaro, which we recommend checking out.
Camping & Sleeping on Kilimanjaro
Sleeping in a tent on the side of a mountain isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, and it can add to the difficulty if you’re not accustomed to camping. However, most climbers find that they quickly adjust to sleeping in a tent. And, if you opt for the Marangu route, you’ll sleep in huts rather than tents, which can be more comfortable for some.
If you’re worried about camping, consider doing a trial run by sleeping outdoors at home to get a feel for it. A good night’s sleep is crucial for recovery, so it’s important to get used to the idea of roughing it, at least a little.
Weather: What to Expect on Kilimanjaro
The weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable and harsh, especially as you get closer to the summit. The higher you go, the colder it gets, with nighttime temperatures dropping well below freezing.
The key to dealing with Kilimanjaro’s weather is having the right gear. Layers are essential, as you’ll start your trek in warm, tropical weather and finish in arctic conditions. Make sure you have high-quality hiking boots, insulated layers, and a good sleeping bag. A poor choice in gear can make your climb much more difficult than it needs to be.
Mental Fitness: The Power of a Positive Attitude
Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The long days, tough conditions, and altitude can wear you down, but maintaining a positive attitude is crucial to your success.
Many climbers find summit night to be the hardest part, both physically and mentally. The final push can feel like it’s never-ending, and this is where your mental toughness really comes into play. Focus on your reasons for taking on this challenge, and remember that thousands of people before you have successfully reached the top.
Pro Tip: Break the trek into small goals. Don’t think of the summit as one large objective—focus on getting to the next checkpoint, and before you know it, you’ll be at the top.
Your Guide: A Key to Success
Having an experienced guide is one of the most important factors in ensuring a successful and safe climb. A good guide will help you monitor your health, provide encouragement when needed, and ensure that you’re pacing yourself correctly.
Make sure you choose a tour operator with well-trained, knowledgeable guides who are experienced in high-altitude trekking. Daily health checks and medical support can make all the difference, especially if you start to feel the effects of altitude sickness.
Gear and Food
While you don’t need an ice axe, the gear you do bring can make or break your experience. Make sure your hiking boots are well-worn and comfortable, and practice carrying your gear before you embark on the trek. Your tour company should provide quality camping equipment, but make sure you’ve double-checked your packing list and are prepared for all weather conditions.
On the trek, hydration is essential. Dehydration can significantly affect your ability to acclimatize, so make sure to drink plenty of water each day. Altitude can also suppress your appetite, so be prepared to eat even when you don’t feel hungry.
Final Thoughts
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenge—but it’s one that is achievable with the right preparation, mindset, and guidance. While the climb can be hard, especially on summit night, the reward of standing on Africa’s highest peak is incomparable.
Have questions about how hard it is to climb Kilimanjaro? Reach out to us at Kijani African Safaris! We’re here to help you plan and prepare for your adventure of a lifetime. And if you’ve already climbed Kilimanjaro, we’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below!
