Kilimanjaro Training Program

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Getting to the peak takes several days. You increase elevation from the start to the summit faster than going to Everest Base Camp. It is much more difficult than you think. However, reaching the summit is much easier if you do your research, have the right gear, and train for Kilimanjaro.

Climbing the Barranco Wall on Kilimanjaro

It is essential that you train for Kilimanjaro. Science has not specifically pinpointed the cause of altitude sickness, but being fit will definitely reduce the wear and tear on your body as you ascend Kilimanjaro. This will reduce the stress on your body and in turn allow you to better adapt to the extreme elevation.

Most of our clients have never hiked for so many consecutive days at such high elevations. We strongly encourage you to be in great shape. The daily hike is at a slow pace and most days end in the early afternoon, however, the combination of physical activity, lack of sleep, poor appetite, dehydration, weather, and elevation are working against you. As you ascend toward the summit, your physical and mental aptitude will be tested.

We recommend training a minimum of eight weeks before your climb. 12 weeks is better. You may require more or less depending on your current fitness and your hiking skill. Keep in mind that hiking should be the focus of your training. Hike as much as you can. It is much more effective than weight training.

Altitude sickness can happen to anyone, but being physically fit makes it easier to summit. Why is that, you ask? Because your body will struggle less and recover quicker allowing you to adapt to the extreme elevation gain.

Furthermore, the fitter you are, the less of a mental challenge climbing Kilimanjaro will be. You’ll be more confident and that swagger will give you that “I Got This” attitude.

TRAIN FOR KILIMANJARO

First of all, hiking is the best way to get better at hiking. The type of fitness is more important than the degree of fitness. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a hike, therefore the best preparation one can do is to hike, preferably under simulated conditions. Running is beneficial to your fitness level, however, it does not fully prepare your muscles for a strenuous multi-day hike.

Royal Arch Loop

As an example. I’ve hiked 38 miles with more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain in Grand Canyon on the Royal Arch Loop. I did a side trek rappelling through Royal Arch and down to Elves Chasm as well. I was fine. I had trained for it. One week later I did a 6-mile “Mud Run” and could barely finish. There is a science behind Sport Specific training. Training for hiking Kilimanjaro is no different. If you’d like to know more about Sport Specific Training go here: http://www.purewinnipeg.com/sport-specific-training/

ROYAL-ARCH

ELVES-CHASM

MUD-RUN

ROYAL-ARCH-RAPPEL

TRAIN FOR KILIMANJARO SCHEDULE

10-12 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

Make a training schedule and force yourself to do it each day. Your trip will arrive quicker than you expect.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Light leg workout with weights, cycling, or jogging
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise you like
Day 6: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 7: Rest

Notes: For your hikes and StairMaster training wear a daypack with 8-10 pounds in it.

8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

Build your foundation of strength and endurance. Try to keep workouts challenging and fun.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Moderate leg workout with weights
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise you like
Day 6: Hike at least three hours with a weighted pack
Day 7: Rest

Notes: Increase the weight in your daypack to about 20 pounds. At least once a week do a long hike of eight hours. Work in overnight backpacking so you get used to sleeping outdoors.

4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

You have reached a month before your trip. Your workouts should be more intense. Increase the weight of your pack, hike faster, and challenge yourself.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Hard leg workout with weights
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Light leg workout with weights, cycling, or jogging
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise you like
Day 6: Hike at least four hours with a weighted pack
Day 7: Rest

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

With two weeks to go, you should start to reduce your training to prevent injury. Now you just want to maintain your endurance and strength. Make sure to get as much sleep as possible to allow your body to recover before you begin your trip.

Day 1: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 2: Light leg workout with weights, cycling, or jogging
Day 3: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Open day to do any exercise
Day 6: Hike or StairMaster for at least one hour
Day 7: Rest

Before embarking on a fitness program, it is always wise to first seek the advice of a medical doctor. Feel free to share this program with your family doctor for input. Chances are, your doctor will be delighted to know that you undertake to exercise regularly.

GET A WORKOUT PARTNER

What better way to get in shape than to get a workout partner. Book your climb with a friend or family member. Father’s day is coming up, why not give the gift of adventure and make some lasting memories by booking a Kilimanjaro climb for you and your father. Imagine how great that could be to train for Kilimanjaro and then climb it together.

Our October 2, 2022, 8 Day Lemosho Route is on Sale

Tired of being cooped up in the house? Need to travel? Thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro? Well, look no further. Our October 2, 2022, 8 Day Lemosho route is on sale. Climb Kilimanjaro for a discounted rate of $2,899 per person.

THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

What exactly is the Lemosho route? In our opinion, it is the prettiest route on Kilimanjaro. It takes eight days, therefore it has a more than 90% summit success rate. You’ll start on the west side of the mountain. The first day and a half are spent hiking through the rainforest. Once above the rainforest, you’ll hike through the Heather/Moorland region and across the Shira Plateau to ascend the Shira Catherdal before circling around and heading for the summit from the South East.

8 DAY LEMOSHO ITINERARY

DAY 1

• 2-3 hours
• 2.9 miles
• Elevation +1,700 ft/518 m
• Start at Lemosho Gate 7,000 ft/ 2,134 m and ascend to 8,700 ft/2,650 m
• Camp: Big Tree/Lemosho Forest/Mti Mkubwa

DAY 2

• 6-7 hours
• 4.9 miles
• Elevation: +3,000 ft/914 m
• Start at 8,700 ft/2,650 m and ascend to 11,600 ft/3,536 m
• Camp: Shira I

DAY 3

• 4-5 hours
• 9.9 miles
• Elevation: +1,000 ft/304 m
• Start at 11,600 ft/3,536 m and ascend Shira Cathedral at 12,800 ft/3,901 m then descend back down to 12,600 ft/3,840 m
• Camp: Shira II

DAY 4

• 5-7 hours
• 6.3 miles
• Elevation: +2,539 ft/774 m -2,278 ft/694 m
• Start at 12,600 ft/3840 m and ascend to Lava Tower at 15,100 ft/4,602 m then descend back down to Barranco Valley at 12,800 ft/3,901 m
• Camp: Barranco

DAY 5

• 4-6 hours
• 3.2 miles
• Elevation: +1,383 ft/422 m -1,096 ft/334 m
• Start at Barranco Valley at 12,800 ft/3,901 m ascend the Barranco Wall +800 ft/244 m and then continue to 13,100 ft/3,993 m
• Camp: Karanga

DAY 6

• 3-5 hours
• 3.4 miles
• Elevation: +1,700 ft/518 m
• Start at Karanga Camp 13,100 ft/3,993 m ascend to 14,800 ft/4,511 m
• Camp: Barafu

DAY 7

• 11-15 hours
• 10.4 miles
• Elevation: +4,500 ft /1,371 m -9,300 ft/2,835 m
• Start at Barafu Camp 14,800 ft/4,511 m ascend to the Summit 19,341 ft/5,895 m then descend to 10,000 ft/3,048 m
• Camp: Mweka

DAY 8

• 4-6 hours
• 5.14 miles
• Elevation: -4,800 ft/1,463 m
• Start at Mweka Camp 10,000 ft/3,048 m descend to Mweka Gate 5,400 ft/1,646 m
• Return to hotel

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you don’t get a chance to climb in October (Why not? There is still time to train, and the Lemosho route is on sale), we hope you do get to climb Kilimanjaro. It is an amazing journey. One that will be with you for the rest of your life.

How to Climb Kilimanjaro Without the Crowds

Many travelers, go to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro. In their head, they picture a remote trek on the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. At the very least, they expect some peace and quiet. But instead, they find the mountain is teaming with other trekkers, porters, guides, and trash. This can make your climb a bit disappointing. So how do you climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds?

WHY IS THE MOUNTAIN SO CROWDED?

Reason one, it is a walkable mountain. Kilimanjaro requires no mountaineering skills to climb to its 19,341-foot summit. Therefore any reasonably fit person, with perseverance, can make its summit. As long as their body can adapt to the extreme elevation gain.

Secondly, Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the Seven Summit to summit. This is appealing to many people. Before COVID, the Tanzania National Parks recorded on average about 50,000 climbers a year attempting Kilimanjaro. That is about 50 times more than those attempting either Everest or Denali in Alaska.

Thirdly, with all the people on the mountain comes all the porters to carry each group’s equipment, water, and food. For example, a group of 10 trekkers can have a mountain crew of 36 people. That would be one guide, three assistant guides, two cooks, and 30 porters.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Managing the impact of so many people on the mountain is a serious challenge. The Park has implemented several rules and regulations to help this. Hikers must stay on predetermined routes and sleep at designated camps. Each camp now has a weigh station where guides and porters check-in. These weigh-ins protect porters from carrying too heavy of load (no more than 33 pounds) and also protect the mountain from litter. Groups must weigh their trash to ensure what goes up Mount Kilimanjaro, also comes back down.

Human waste is also an ongoing problem. Recently, the Park has installed permanent composting toilets at each campsite. These are for the trekkers if they have not rented a private toilet tent. There are also older, moveable long-drop toilets that are for the porters.

Perhaps it is the new regulations or that far fewer people are currently going to Kilimanjaro right now. Or perhaps it is the results of a massive Kilimanjaro cleanup by porters that occurred toward the end of  2020. Either way now is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro since it is quite clean and there are far fewer people going there due to the pandemic.

CHOOSING YOUR ROUTE

Choosing the right route is vital for crowd avoidance. On Kilimanjaro, hikers can choose from several routes. Some of these routes join with other routes as they near the summit. Two-thirds of trekkers opt for the Marangu or Machame routes. These routes are so popular they’re nicknamed the Coca-Cola and Whiskey routes.

If you’d like a route with fewer people, then the Northern Circuit route is one for you. It is the only route that circles around the north side of Kilimanjaro and summits from the East. Less than 1% of trekkers book their climb on the Northern Circuit.

The Lemosho route is also a good route since only about 9% of all trekkers choose this route. It starts with the Northern Circuit and departs near Lava Tower. However, it then joins the Machame route and becomes a bit more crowded the rest of the way.

The Rongai route is also a good choice for those looking for a more remote climb with fewer people. The Rongai Route is the easiest and most gradual approach to the summit but well worth the climb.

PRIVATE CLIMB

Another way to avoid the crowds is to book a private climb. On a private climb, you can go on any date and route, Most group climbs start on the weekend. This means most people climb at the same time. If you choose a private climb, let’s say on a Tuesday, then the group climbers will be ahead or behind you so you’ll have fewer people at the camps.

Additionally, areas where the crowd bottlenecks, like the Barranco Wall, can be climbed before the crowds go up or after they have already ascended.

WEATHER

A more extreme method to climb Kilimanjaro without other people—and one we only recommend for seasoned hikers—is to climb during the rainy season. Most of the time the rain doesn’t arrive until the afternoon, once you are at camp. The rainy seasons are November and Mid-March through the end of May. Keep in mind that the roads can become impassable if it has rained too much, so you won’t be able to get to the trailheads. If you do, we recommend the Northern Circuit or the Marangu routes. Ther Northern side of the mountain receives less rainfall. The Marangu route has huts to sleep in so you don’t have to sleep on the wet ground.

IN CONCLUSION

If climbing Kilimanjaro is something you want to do, but don’t like the crowds your options are choosing a less-traveled route like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit, booking a private climb, and starting on a weekday. Furthermore, we suggest climbing in 2022. Most people are not traveling as much as they were before the pandemic, but we are sure they will be back. Climbing Kilimanjaro is definitely an adventure of a lifetime and one that every outdoor enthusiast should add to their bucket list.

How to Climb Kilimanjaro Infographic

Here is a fun way to see all the steps when it comes to planning a trip to Kilimanjaro. In this How to Climb Kilimanjaro Infographic, there are 14 steps. Of course, there are many more details when it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro successfully, but take a look, and if you have questions or need more information feel free to email us at info@kilimanjarosunrise.com.

Click on the How to Climb Kilimanjaro Infographic to enlarge it.

 

KILIMANJARO PORTERS ASSISTANCE PROJECT

Some of the important steps are choosing a Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) member operator. Porter abuse is a problem on Kilimanjaro so make sure you choose a company that supports KPAP. You can see KPAP members here: https://mountainexplorers.org/kilimanjaro-porters-assistance-project/

When it comes to the cost of the climb, companies that are cheaper generally do not support KPAP. You should avoid them.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

Other steps are making sure you look at your dates before booking a flight so you arrive on the correct day. Furthermore, make sure you read all the material that the operator sends you so you are well prepared for the trip.

Even though climbing Kilimanjaro is not as hard as other mountains like Everest, it does take planning and preparation. If you want to know more go here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/choose-an-experienced-safe-operator/

Adidas Terrex AX4 Hiking Shoe Kilimanjaro Review

You just made your deposit for your Kilimanjaro climb and are super excited. However as you get up from your chair, you look down at your feet. They are sporting a pair of tired old hiking shoes. At that moment you are painfully aware that there isn’t much left of them. The shoelace is knotted where it previously broke and the tread is worn down to the point where your toes may poke through any time now.

No worries, you sit back down to check the manufacturer’s website to buy another pair. Oh no! You find that your beloved hiking shoe has been discontinued. Never fear, you can check Google and find a pair on clearance… but alas, after hours of scouring, your search has turned up empty except for a pair almost as bad as yours on eBay… Well stop your searching, we have tried the Adidas Terrex AX4 Hiking Shoe and have found it to be a great shoe for the rugged trails of Kilimanjaro.

Adidas Terrex AX4 Hiking Shoe On The Barranco Wall

First of all, I am not getting paid or a discount from Adidas. This is just my personal experience with their shoe. I have actually worn both the Adidas AX2 and AX4 on Kilimanjaro. Both are great, but like the scenario above the AX2 is discontinued. If you go browsing for them, don’t make the mistake of purchasing the AX3 they are not as good as the AX2 or AX4 and your feet may suffer.

So what is so great about the AX4. First of all, I do a lot of hiking and have tried many shoes over the years. Merrells, La Sportiva, Salomons, Vasquez, etc and have found many of them to be good too. But I’m reviewing the AX4 so let’s get back to it.

The AX4 is definitely for someone who has a wider foot. If you wear two pairs of socks then even better. I wore a pair of Injinji liners and Thorlo Light Hiker socks and there were no issues with hot spots or blisters over the eight days of trekking via the Lemosho route.

As far as fit goes, as I said, they do run wide. Also, they run a bit shorter than both the AX2 and 3. In those, I wore a size 11 US. My street shoes are usually a size 10.5 US. In the AX4s I sized up to an 11.5. They are a bit big now, but I’d rather keep my toenails. I have lost several on long downhill hikes into places like Grand Canyon or the Sierra Nevadas.

The AX4s come in both the Gore-Tex waterproof and non-waterproof versions. The Gore-Tex version costs about $20 US more. I wore the non-Gore-Tex version on both of my Kilimanjaro climbs. However, it did not rain at all on my treks and even if it did, I am okay with rain. Of course, Kilimanjaro has the potential to rain any day, especially in the rainforest, so depending on when you climb Kilimanjaro, the Gore-Tex version may be the way to go.

One of the things I noticed is when the wind blows you can feel it through the mesh upper so your feet stay cooler and dry. Also, I tend to keep my laces loose so it’s easier to get them on and off. If you like your laces tight, there may be bunching in the material.

As far as the tread goes. They used Continental Rubber. It was pretty grippy on the rocky sections of the trail and had minimal slipping on the scree areas. I didn’t wear them on summit night since it was much colder. About 0 degrees Fahrenheit, so I wore a pair of Mammut Ducan High boots. I’ll give a review of them later.

At Karanga Camp

ADIDAS’S AX4 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This product is made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials. 50% of the upper is recycled content. No virgin polyester.

LIGHTWEIGHT

Minimalist design keeps them light for an unrestricted feel.

CONTINENTAL™ RUBBER

Continental™ Rubber outsole for extraordinary traction in wet and dry conditions.

TERREX AX4 PRIMEGREEN HIKING SHOES

Lightweight, Do-it-All Hiking Shoes for Exploring the Mountains

From forest hikes to alpine adventures, these Adidas Terrex hiking shoes let you explore high and low, near or far. Their dual-density design merges the comfort of a cushioned trail runner with the stability of a hiking shoe to take on hikes, scrambles, and via ferratas (I’ve worn them on Ouray’s via ferrata and I can tell you they do work great there too). The all-conditions grip of Continental™ Rubber means you can trust the AX4 to get you anywhere you want to go without worrying about your feet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Regular fit
• Lace closure
• Mesh and synthetic upper
• Dual-density EVA midsole
• Continental™ Rubber outsole
• Primegreen
• Product colour: Grey Six / Solar Red / Carbon

The Ouray Via Ferrata

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE ADIDAS TERREX AX4 HIKING SHOE

All in all, I’d rate the Adidas Terrex AX4 Hiking Shoe a 4.75 out of 5 stars for use on Kilimanjaro. My only complaint is the tread wore out fairly quickly. Before heading to Tanzania I trained with them so they were broken in. However, I was starting to slip after about 200 miles. Keep in mind the Lemosho route is about 44 miles, so that is fairly quick for the rubber to wear down. I definitely recommend them for every dry day on the mountain.

Can a Beginner Climb Kilimanjaro?

If reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t already at the top of your bucket list, it should be. This African gem, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa. Trekking to the top of its 19,341-foot summit will take your breath away. It is a life-changing experience.

Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro? Yes, beginners can climb Kilimanjaro. However, as a beginner, you should be fully aware of the conditions, climate, and requirements to prepare yourself for this challenge.

To prepare for everything you need to know for your trip to Kilimanjaro, we have created this detailed guide to take you through each stage of getting you up to the summit.

Keep reading to learn more about the essentials of climbing up the world’s tallest, free-standing mountain.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Although the climb up Kilimanjaro is accessible to almost anyone of varying degrees of skill, there are a few requirements you need to know before you can attempt a trek up the mountain.

The following requirements are for your safety and the safety of others.

AGE AND SKILL LEVEL

If you are new to mountain climbing or trekking Kilimanjaro, there’s no need to worry. Although trekking to the mountain’s summit is a multi-day, high-altitude hike, you don’t have to be a trained climber. Ropes aren’t required. Furthermore, the terrain and trail conditions are good enough for most committed hikers to reach the summit.

One of the few restrictions you’ll find for climbing Kilimanjaro is age. Kilimanjaro National Park rules do not allow anyone under the age of 10 to climb Kilimanjaro.

GEAR

Having quality, reliable gear for drastically changing weather will be essential on your trek. You can expect extreme heat, followed by heavy rains (depending on the time of year you travel), and night temperatures dropping below freezing—this is often experienced within a single day.

So having lightweight, weatherproof, and water-resistant gear is highly recommended for your Kilimanjaro climb.

Some examples of equipment or gear you may need to bring with you include:

• -15 to -20 Degree Sleeping Bag, We do rent them.
• Sleeping Pad, which is included in our climb price. Ours are also better than your inflatable ones, which tend to deflate and are more comfortable.
• Trekking Poles, rent ours for $15 instead of the hassling with packing yours. Ours are Black Diamond and Leki.
• Insulated Trekking Gloves, Pants, and Winter Jacket
• Hiking Boots
• 70-90 Liter Duffle
• 30-35 Liter Day Pack

Follow this link for our complete gear recommendation Kilimanjaro gear List: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/how-to-prepare/#gear

One of the most challenging things about doing long-distance, multi-day treks is having to lug around your gear. That extra weight can begin to take a toll on hikers of all experience levels—especially when reaching high altitudes.

That is why operators will carry 90% of the equipment necessary for the trek. These will be the tents, chairs, and tables. Keep in mind that the porters can only carry 33 pounds. They check this at the trailhead and each camp.

BOOKING A KILIMANJARO GUIDE

If you want to successfully climb up one of the world’s tallest mountains—especially on your first try—it’s worth booking a reputable guiding company to help guide you along the way. Climbing to an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet is not easy but can be accomplished by most hikers with the assistance of a guide that knows the terrain and local environment.

Here is some knowledge you can expect your guides to know

Terrain: The terrain and trail conditions of multi-day treks vary—especially on Kilimanjaro. That is why having a guide who knows how to approach the ever-evolving landscape will assure you that you will be prepared for anything.
Weather: We will expand on this below, but keep in mind that the weather on Kilimanjaro will vary. Having the insight and experience to approach the contrasting conditions en route to the summit is essential.
Health Checks: You can count on our professional guides to give you daily health checks throughout the expedition. This is to monitor health risks such as altitude sickness, fatigue, and other illnesses.

Finding a reliable operator can be a challenge. Many tour operators have a poor summit success rate of about 50%. This is due to a lack of responsibility and care provided by budget operators. Their main goal is to make a quick profit instead of guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

Make sure you do your research and book with a trusted and professional tour operator with a high summit success rate. When you book with a reliable tour operator, you can count on their guidance on your trek every step of the way. They will provide you with all the support you need to make it to the summit.

HOW DO YOU FIND A GOOD OPERATOR?

Look for an operator that has their guides get Wilderness First Responder (WRF) certified. Also, make sure they are members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).

TRAVELING TO TANZANIA

The first step to getting you to Kilimanjaro is to fly into Tanzania, Africa. While there are several different airports in the country, you should fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport was established for easy access to the mountain.

You may also find that many tour operators will offer transportation to and from the airport for a price.

BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

One of the great things about climbing Kilimanjaro is that it is open all year round. However, you should bear in mind that certain times of the year are much more suitable for climbing than others, which will result in a safer and more comfortable experience. When are the best times to climb? Read below.
Here’s what you can expect your climbing experience to be like during different times of the year:

JANUARY – EARLY MARCH

If you want to stay dry as you make your way to Kilimanjaro’s summit, booking a climb during this time of year is ideal. Not only is the weather agreeable, but you’ll find that there’s less trail traffic as well.

JUNE – SEPTEMBER

You can expect to find some of the most stable weather conditions during this time of year, which is a major reason it tends to be the most popular time to climb.

If you don’t mind more people on your way up to the summit, this is still a fantastic time of year for trekking up Kilimanjaro. We recommend booking your tour closer to June, as the likelihood of rain increases the closer you book toward the end of October.

OFF-SEASON

The gaps between the seasons mentioned above are considered the “off-season months” of climbing Kilimanjaro (April-May and October-November). However, the trails are still technically open for use should you decide to make the journey to the mountain’s summit during these times of the year.

However, here are some things you should keep in mind when climbing Kilimanjaro during the off-season:

Weather: The chance of rain is much higher on your trek to the summit. So be prepared to be wet and pack accordingly.
Trail Conditions: The heavy—and often lengthy—rains during the off-season damage the trails, creating mud that amounts to a more strenuous trek.
Visibility: For many people, a trip to Kilimanjaro is about seeing the magic of its natural beauty and scoring some awesome social media photos. If you climb the mountain during this time of year, the weather conditions can hinder the views.

Although you can expect a few more obstacles in an off-season climb, many climbers don’t mind the trails’ extra ruggedness. However, if you’re a beginner, we highly recommend sticking to the months of January-March or June-September seasons.

Note: Regardless of the time of year, you should be prepared for extreme weather changes each day. Daily conditions often transition from intense heat to below-freezing cold.

KILIMANJARO ROUTES

When you choose Kilimanjaro as your next destination, you will find you have a handful of different routes to pick from to climb to the peak. All paths available will give you the incredible breathtaking views you hope to see on the mountain but can differ in terrain, difficulty level, and comfortability. You will find treks for each route can also vary in cost.

When we say the trail length is approximate or about, it is due to where you make your camp. The distance is measured from sign to sign, but you may be camped a quarter-mile from the sign depending on the camp size and the number of people.

Let’s dive into your trail options for reaching the summit:

MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame route has earned the title Whiskey Route since it is a step up in difficulty from the Coca-Cola Route and tends to be the most popular way to reach the mountain peak. This is an excellent option if you want a more rugged experience during your climb.

Traveling this route will take seven days to reach the summit. However, you’ll be surprised to find that the Machame Route is shorter in distance than the Marangu route. It is about 37 miles.

The significant factor that creates this difference is the difficulty level. To help climbers acclimate to the challenges they may face on the Machame Route, an additional day is usually added.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route offers you the opportunity to get contrasting views of other trails. In our opinion, the Lemosho route is the most beautiful way to the summit.

The Lemossdho route joins with the Machame route about halfway through the trek. It is one day longer, which makes it better for acclimatization. The overall length is roughly 46 miles.

RONGAI ROUTE

This path to Kilimanjaro offers the opportunity to get off the “beaten track” in many ways, as you will be approaching your trek from the opposite side of the mountain from all the other routes.

The Rongai Route has the appeal of being a less wandered path and has significantly fewer people, which is often a calling card to those who are coming to Kilimanjaro for a second trip. Because this trail is more remote, you are more likely to find undisturbed nature and wildlife.

However, previous climbers have claimed that its scenery does not quite live up to the expectations of other trails on this list.

The route is roughly 43 miles in length and usually takes six days to complete.

THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT

The Northern Circuit route is the only route that circles the north side of Kilimanjaro. It takes nine days and has the fewest number of people on it. It is very remote and has amazing views of Kenya below.

The route is approximately 53 miles.

MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu Route—sometimes referred to as the Coca-Cola Route—is the oldest route on Kilimanjaro. Marangu is a six-day out and back trek that differs from every other route option since you sleep in huts versus tents. You also ascend and descend on the same trail.

The route is the easiest, so if you are not feeling confident in your trekking skills or physical abilities or are climbing the mountain for the first time, we highly encourage taking this route to ensure a safe and successful climb to the summit. We do not offer it as a group climb, but you can book a private climb on this route.

It is about 45 miles.

UMBWE ROUTE

If you feel ambitious and want a real trekking challenge, the Umbwe Route is the perfect choice for you. It is the most challenging way to the summit. Be prepared for a tough journey that requires you to be in the best shape to guarantee you can make it to the top.

Due to this route’s difficulty level, many people avoid choosing this option, meaning fewer crowds are on the trail (regardless of the season). We do not offer this route due to its lack of success, under 50%.

FINAL SAFETY TIPS FOR CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

Even if you have all the gear and meet all the requirements for your Kilimanjaro climb, you still need to know a few safety protocols to ensure you have a safe and successful journey.

That is why booking your trek with an experienced operator is the most important factor in having a safe and successful climb. They will have all the necessary equipment on hand—such as emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, etc.—should an emergency occur. They will perform daily health checks and monitor your health as you make your way up the mountain.

However, personally looking after your safety is just as crucial. Be aware and alert throughout the trek. Here are some vital safety tips to keep in mind on your journey:

Pace Yourself: When you are hiking, especially on multi-day, high-altitude treks, you should remember that it is a marathon, not a race. Taking your time and not being in a rush can help you avoid fatigue. Remember, it is the journey, not the destination.

Take Frequent Breaks: It’s much better to stop, take a breath, and relax throughout the day to keep yourself from burning out in the long run. This becomes increasingly important as you get closer to the summit, where the air becomes thinner and the chances of altitude sickness increase.

Acclimate: If you can acclimate to higher altitudes before beginning your trek, you will feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

Hydrate: There is probably nothing more important than staying hydrated on your Kilimanjaro climb. You should frequently drink water throughout the day, even when resting in the evening.

Following these safety tips can amount to having a safe and enjoyable experience on any hike (big or small), especially when dealing with long-distance treks that reach an altitude as high as Mount Kilimanjaro.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

If you are interested in climbing Kilimanjaro, you should be happy to hear that almost anyone can do it. Preparation is key. By following the tips above, you’ll be ready to cross Kilimanjaro off your bucket list.

Is Kilimanjaro Easy to Climb?

here are a few items you’ll need to address before we can tell you if it is easy to climb Kilimanjaro.

EXPERIENCE

High stemming through a slot canyon in Utah.

The first item is how much hiking do you already do? If you are an avid hiker, canyoneer, or backpacker, then hiking to the summit and back on Kilimanjaro should not be that challenging.

Keep in mind it may be the longest time you have backpacked. However, the porters carry the bulk of your gear so your pack will be lighter than even ultralight backpacks.

Also, if the trails on Kilimanjaro were actually at sea level the hike would be rated a 1 out of 5. So very easy. It isn’t the hike itself that is hard but rather your ability to adapt to the extreme elevation gain.

If backpacking, hiking, etc. are not something you live and breathe. Or if you occasionally do a hike to get an Instagram photo or don’t train hard for it, then climbing Kilimanjaro will be challenging. If the latter is the case, you’ll need to get in shape before you head to Tanzania. We recommend a training regimen like this one: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/how-to-prepare/#train

MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Secondly, something we touched on a bit earlier, is the amount of time you will be spending on the mountain. We recommend at least eight days to have a more than 90% success rate to make the summit. That means at least 6.5 days are ascending and 1.5 are descending. Most people will not have spent that much time in one shot hiking so the mental aspect comes into play here.

In the Marines, we used to refer to it as Intestinal Fortitude, which means; courage; resoluteness; endurance; or guts. You’ll have to get mentally prepared to make this journey.

Rigging a 310-foot rappel while standing on a crack

One way to do that is to exercise and backpack until it is second nature so you have the confidence to know you can do it.

The second tip is to climb Kilimanjaro with someone you love. Spending time with a loved one is rewarding. Make sure they are just as physically and mentally as strong as you are. Train together.

Keep in mind, that you cannot push a SPOT or Garmin SOS on Kilimanjaro, it won’t work. You will either continue the trek or have to turn around. There is no rescue unless you are suffering from altitude sickness or are severally injured.

CLOTHING

Thirdly, another detail that needs to be addressed is do you have the proper equipment? We do have a pre-climb trip briefing. During that time we look through all your gear to make sure you are adequately equipped for all the different temperatures and weather variables the mountain will throw at you on the eight or so days.

If you are missing anything we do have a rental shop that we can take you to.

Here is a video to discuss the proper clothing to wear.

HEALTH

Finally, are you healthy enough to climb Kilimanjaro? This is something you should address with your doctor. You’ll need to receive a full medical health check to make sure you are healthy enough to climb to 19,341 ft.

Ask yourself, am I capable of climbing Kilimanjaro? The answer to this question should be yes. This, of course, relies on your conditioning and fitness level and whether or not your body can handle the extreme elevation. Give yourself enough time to get in good shape before you go. The better condition you are in the more likely you are to reach the summit. If your body isn’t struggling with the hiking, it can better adapt to the elevation.

Also, make sure to eat and drink enough while on the trek. We know it is difficult to do, especially when you’re cold and wet. That is why our guides will tell you to drink. They’ll say maji maji, which is Swahili for water, water.

Of course, you also need to be motivated to climb Kilimanjaro in the first place.

So is hiking Kilimanjaro easy? We think so as long as you prepare, have trained hard, and bring the right gear and mental attitude.

We hope you come to Kilimanjaro prepared. Making the summit is truly a life-changing event and we hope everyone that tries to summit Kilimanjaro makes it.

Tanzania Lifts COVID Testing for Vaccinated Travelers

Great news Tanzania lifts COVID restrictions! As of March 17, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers are welcome to travel to Tanzania without a negative COVID test per the Tanzania Ministry of Health.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) All vaccinated travelers will be required to show their COVID vaccination card.

For those travelers who are not vaccinated, you will still be required to present a negative COVID test. The results must be from a COVID testing facility and not a home test. It must also be a PCR test, not a Rapid test. The test must be performed within 72 hours of your arrival at JRO in order to board the plane. For example, if you are flying from LAX to Doha to JRO, which is about 24 hours of flight time (not including layovers) you should be fine to get your test the day before your flight and receive the results before boarding at LAX. Check with the testing facility to verify how long it will take to receive the results via email.

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PROCEDURES

Once you arrive at JRO, unvaccinated travelers will also have to get a Rapid PCR test at the airport.

Travelers must also have valid passports and visas. The passport needs to be valid for six months past your departure date. Visas are still available for $100 at JRO.

For more detailed information on COVID testing and vaccine requirements for Tanzania follow the link for U.S. Embassy in Tanzania: https://tz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/?goal=0_d645392662-68fa3a34d3-251778101&mc_cid=68fa3a34d3&mc_eid=5ef1d6d859

RETURNING TO THE US

The requirement for returning to the US is to have a negative COVID test before boarding the plane. This is for all travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. The COVID test must be administered within 24 hours of travel. Rapid Antigen Tests are available at JRO, Just outside the airport gate on the left. We recommend that clients arrive at least four hours before their departure to receive test results with enough time. The price of the test is $10 USD.

MASKS

As far as federal guidelines for masks, the mandate is still in effect until April 18, 2022. At that time it may be rescinded or extended. Fingers crossed. Many countries such as the UK and Ireland have dropped their mask mandates. However, they still recommend wearing a mask in airports for your safety.

UPDATE: Masks are no longer required to fly to Tanzania. Additionally, a negative COVID test is no longer required to return to the US.

Am I Fit Enough to Climb Kilimanjaro?

How fit do you have to be to climb Kilimanjaro? The easy answer is to be in the best shape of your life. But keep reading to find out more.

It is not easy to climb Kilimanjaro. There are many obstacles that can keep you from reaching the summit. Many of them are beyond your control. Some of these unforeseen obstacles include:

• Cancellations of flights
• Delays in flights
• Loss or delay of luggage
• Bad weather
• Injuries or illness

Here are some travel and preparation tips on how to prevent or at least prepare for these items.

FLIGHT ISSUES

Arrive one day earlier than your scheduled day to reduce your chances of missing your climb due to flight cancellations or delays. Every group climb has an arrival day built-in. For example, your itinerary shows an arrival date of the 4th and a climb date of the 5th. We recommend you arrive on the 3rd in case of flight problems or lost luggage and to recover from your long flight.

LOSS OR DELAY OF LUGGAGE

If your bags do not arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, notify our driver immediately. One of our staff members will locate them. We will assist you with the rental of replacement gear if your bags are lost. To minimize the impact of lost luggage on your climb, use your 35-liter daypack as a carry-on. It should contain everything you need for your first few days on the mountain.

BAD WEATHER

We cannot control the weather, but we can prepare you for it. You should have plenty of layers so you can add or remove them according to the temperature.

In the rainforest, it is usually hot, humid, and wet. In the Heather/Moorland zone, it is cold at night and warm during the day. The Alpine Desert zone is similar, but the temperatures are cooler at night and do not warm up as much during the day. The Summit zone usually experiences chilly, windy, and potentially snowy conditions at night and chilly, windy, and snowy conditions during the day. Watch this video to learn what to wear on Kilimanjaro.

ILLNESS AND INJURY

You can’t prepare for an injury. We hope you don’t have any issues on the mountain. However, our guides are trained to deal with any medical emergency if it arises. They are Wilderness First Responder Certified and trained on evacuation procedures and daily health checks.

AMREF Flying Doctors Evacuation Insurance is included when you book with Kilimanjaro Sunrise. If needed, you can be airlifted to the hospital by helicopter.

Why are we discussing all of these issues when the title of the article is “Am I Fit Enough to Climb Kilimanjaro?”

Well, that’s easy. Everything we have discussed up to this point is beyond your control. Being fit, however, is within your power.

HOW FIT SHOULD I BE?

You should be in the best shape possible. Not only is climbing Kilimanjaro easier when you have trained for it, but studies have also shown that you are less likely to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness when you have trained.

Kilimanjaro is not an easy mountain to climb. The majority of climbers have never hiked for such a long period of time. It can be both physically and mentally taxing.

A technique we use to help you acclimate better is to hike at a very slow pace. This allows your body to adapt to drastic elevation changes. Except for summit day, you hike only a few hours each day.

On most days, you’ll arrive at camp in the afternoon. Give yourself time to recover by eating and drinking plenty of food and water. Tend to any issues, like hot spots or blisters and rest.

TRAINING

We recommend training for a minimum of 12 weeks prior to your Kilimanjaro trip. We recommend hiking as much as you can. Hiking should be the foundation of your training. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have hills or mountains. Walk on a greenbelt, path, or up and down stairs.

Add a backpack as hiking becomes easier.

Each week, add more weight to the pack. On Kilimanjaro, your daypack should weigh no more than 15 pounds, but you should train with more weight.

You should also go to the gym in addition to hiking or walking. When you are in the gym, use the Stairmaster. Exercise your legs with light weights as well. As your climb dates approach, you should increase your workout intensity and weight. Take longer, more difficult hikes as your climb dates approach.

Additionally, you should plan overnight backpacking hikes. Sleeping on the ground in a tent with a sleeping bag and sleeping pad will quickly become second nature. This will make sleeping on Kilimanjaro easier.

Please note: Once you exit the rainforest, there are no trees to hang from, so hammocking is not an option.

To see our more in-depth workout, go here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/how-to-prepare/#train

AGE

When is it too old to climb Kilimanjaro? Age is only a number. It is never too late to climb. In 2017, Dr. Fred Distelhorst broke the world record for the oldest person to summit Kilimanjaro. He was 88 at the time. Just two years later, Anne Lorimor broke the record for the second time. She was 89.

So are you fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro? You can be, but be sure to consult your doctor first and train hard.

Can You Climb Kilimanjaro Without a Guide?

Guides jumping for joy at the top of the Barranco Wall

Unfortunately, it is not possible to climb Kilimanjaro without a guide. Kilimanjaro National Park has made it a requirement that all trekkers are accompanied by a registered and licensed guide. Trekkers need to register with the Parks Authority before beginning their trek. They also need to sign in at each camp along their chosen route.

Since the park requires a guide to be with you at all times, how many guides do you have? How many people will be climbing with you and how many people will make up your mountain crew?

The number of crew members depends on the company you climb with, how reputable the operator is, and the number of people in your group.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a hike that just about anyone who is reasonably fit can do. But despite your fitness level, you cannot trek Kilimanjaro by yourself. In 1991 the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities made it mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro with a licensed operator. 

Furthermore, trekkers are required to be accompanied throughout their hike by the guide supplied by the operator they booked with. Even after this law was enacted, many people attempted to make for the summit by skirting the law and going at it alone. This led to tall tales of wild animal encounters and episodes of fleeing from Park Rangers. The park has now tightened these restrictions and heightened security so these embellished tales are mostly non-existent. 

If you do try to climb it alone, you are risking your life and are also stealing from the livelihood of one of the poorest countries in the world. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is expensive, but the costs to maintain such a large park and to pay the mountain crew is definitely worth every penny. Don’t believe us? Book your trip and find out what an amazing life-changing experience awaits you.

KILIMANJARO SUNRISE MOUNTAIN CREW

Since we are experts on the mountain, but not experts on the other guiding companies, we are going to tell you what we offer our clients.

First of all, we have a 2-to-1 client-to-guide ratio for all of our climbs regardless of the number of people and whether it is a group or private climb. This is the highest ratio on the mountain. Budget operators may have only one guide for several people. On summit night we also have a 1-to-1 guide, assistant guide, and senior porter to climber ratio. At no point will you be left alone. We will have at least two people with you if you require more assistance. Our porters will even carry your day pack if needed. 

So with that level of service, how many members will there be in your Mountain Crew?

CLIENTS	GUIDE	ASSISTANT GUIDE(S)	COOK(S)	PORTERS
1	1	0	1	4
2	1	1	1	7
3	1	1	1	10
4	1	1	1	13
5	1	2	1	16
6	1	2	1	19
7	1	2	1	21
8	1	3	1	24
9	1	3	1	27
10	1	3	2	30

CHIEF GUIDE

“That’s a lot of people!” you exclaimed. “But why so many?” you asked. We provide a higher level of care on the mountain, hence the high number. The level of care begins with our Chief Guide. There is always one very experienced, medically trained guide who oversees the group on every climb. The guide is also responsible for performing daily health checks. The guides have climbed the mountain many times—at least hundreds of times. This means that he has seen or experienced all the challenges the mountain can throw at him. In other words, he is a true mountain expert. Be sure to listen to him.

ASSISTANT GUIDE(S)

Along with the Chief Guide, we will send several Assistant Guides along on the trip depending on the number of climbers. In group climbs, the climbers’ skill and fitness levels can vary widely. So that you are never alone on the mountain, the Chief Guide will have the Assistant Guides walk with these different subgroups. If someone in your group is not able to make the summit or has to turn around at any point, an Assistant Guide will accompany that person off the mountain while the rest of the group continues. In the event that one or two people cannot continue, we will not turn the whole group around.

COOK

Our cooks go through annual training to create amazing meals

We also send a cook or two along with the guides depending on the number of people in the group. The cook prepares the amazing meals we serve on the mountain. All of the meat, vegetables, and fruit we use come from local sources. The menu has been specifically selected to enhance your body’s ability to adapt to high-altitude trekking. Our menu can be adjusted to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and even kosher diets. As well as the cook, there is a porter we affectionately call the “waiter”. This porter will serve you food and drinks as well as bring you hot tea and coffee in the morning.

PORTERS

Porters can carry up to 33 lbs according to KPAP restrictions

Lastly, we have the porters, the lifeblood of Kilimanjaro. Porters have several responsibilities. The number of porters doing each task depends on the number of climbers in the group. Here are a few of the tasks assigned. 

• Toilet porter – This porter is responsible for setting up and tearing down toilet tents. He is also responsible for cleaning and maintaining the toilets during the entire trip. Give him a generous tip. 
• Tent porter – A tent porter sets up and packs down the client’s tent. They make sure that when you arrive at the camp that you can crawl right into your tent and take a nap if needed. 
• Duffel bag porters – these porters carry the client’s 90-liter duffel bags.
• Remaining Porters The rest of the porters carry the tents for the Guides and Assistant Guides, along with the dining tent, table, and chairs, as well as emergency equipment like oxygen and stretchers. There is a porter assigned to cleaning and filling your water bladders and one that gets up early and hurries off to the next camp to get the ideal campsites away from the public toilets.
• Additional porters – We also offer the option of hiring an extra porter to carry your daypack if you like. If you rent ALTOX, a porter will carry it until you need it on summit night. 

TIPPING

Last but not least, now that you know what your Mountain Crew is made up of, how do you tip them? We will discuss during the trip briefing the day before your climb how to divide up tips easily. In most cases, groups decide on their tipping amounts together. At the tipping ceremony, one individual announces the tips per person from the pooled money. For an estimate of how much each person should tip based on the size of the group and the length of the trip, please refer to the chart.

GROUP SIZE	6 DAYS	7 DAYS	8 DAYS	9 DAYS
1	$350 – $380	$400 – $430	$450 – $480	$500 – $530
2-3	$275 – $305	$305 – $345	$340 – $370	$375 –$415
4+	$200 – $230	$220 – $250	$245 – $275	$270 – $300

You can read more about tipping here: https://kilimanjarosunrise.com/how-to-prepare/#tipping

It is important to remember that there would only be a select few who could go on Kilimanjaro without porters. They deserve respect. If you don’t climb with us, climb with a KPAP member. We are proud to be members of KPAP and thank our guides and porters for their hard work, and we hope you do too.

Porter setting up our private toilet tent