How hard is it to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Written by: Dan Musyoki, Local Expert

Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing peak in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is on the bucket list of many travelers who aim to climb to its summit on foot.  It’s estimated that 30,000 people journey to Tanzania every year to climb Kilimanjaro and statistics suggest that more and more people are reaching its summit every year. 

So, what is the best route to take to increase your success rate while climbing Kilimanjaro and exactly how do you reach the summit?  Let’s discuss.

How many routes are there to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are seven routes that lead to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. They are: Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Shira and Umbwe. There’s also a descent-only route called the Mweka route. 

The Marangu route is one of the simplest ways to summit the mountain due to its gradual incline. It also happens to be the only path on the Kilimanjaro trek that offers dormitory-style sleeping huts where Coke is served. For this reason, it has become known as “the Coca Cola route.” Visitors have been known to summit “the Coca Cola route” in about five or six days.  It’s the oldest route and arguably the most popular.

Depending on your tour operator, they might offer one or multiple routes to the summit. It’s a good idea to take it slow so you can acclimate to the changing altitude. Altitude sickness is the primary reason most people don’t reach the summit.

Can a beginner climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Yes. There is no technical skill required as it’s nothing more than an uphill walk.  You need no special climbing equipment or ropes, nor do you need previous trekking experience. Booking with a reliable tour operator can help increase your chances of a successful summit.

However, that is not to say that previous trekking experience doesn’t make a difference to your chances of reaching the summit. There is no question that those who have climbed mountains before will find hiking up Kilimanjaro easier than people who have never climbed a mountain in their lives.

The main issue when trekking up Kilimanjaro is the high altitude. It takes days to reach the summit and there are lower oxygen levels the higher you climb. Those with previous experience can better judge the demands of such a trek and adjust their pace so that it allows them to walk for many hours. They also may be better prepared to pace themselves.  For novice hikers, a steady pace and a positive mindset can make a huge difference.  Another simple tip that helps in acclimatization is getting a good night’s sleep each evening.

How long does it take to climb up Mount Kilimanjaro?

On average, it takes five to nine days to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and then turn back and hike down to the finishing point. The longer you spend on Mount Kilimanjaro the more likely it is that you will reach the top, as you will become more acclimatized to the altitude and will be less fatigued.

When is the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, which runs from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. Conditions are at their best for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb then with clear skies, excellent views, almost no rain and plenty of sunshine. And yet, although these are the best times for a Kilimanjaro trek in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months.

Read more about the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania. 

Unlike the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro does not “close,” and you can climb the mountain year-round. The only months it’s wise to avoid are April and November as these months are the main rainy season, making the trails slippery and more dangerous for trekkers. So, climbing during the rainy season is generally not a great idea.

How to train and prepare

To prepare for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the best training advice is simply to hike. Try to hike as much as possible on hills or mountains to simulate what it will be like to climb Kili. If you can wear a weighted backpack while hiking, all the better.

Of course, not everyone has easy access to the outdoors. If that describes you, simulating hiking on something like a stairmaster machine at the local gym is a fine replacement. Any sustained cardiovascular exercise, such as running or cycling can also help you prepare for the trek. 

Remember that on Kilimanjaro, you will walk deliberately and slowly for long periods carrying about 20 lbs. in your day pack. So, in your training, increase the time interval/distance and keep a slow pace. 

Try to hike three times a week, for at least one hour per session, at a minimum. The distance, duration and elevation of your hikes are obviously going to be dictated by what trails exist in your area. The perfect “training trail” would be a few miles long with a gentle, uphill climb that you can complete in an hour or so.

Try to also find time on weekends to hike longer routes of about four to six hours in length with moderate elevation changes while carrying a 20 lb. pack. This will better prepare you for the high altitudes and the physical and mental challenge. 

Remember that the goal is to simulate climbing Kilimanjaro, so wear your day pack and go at a slow pace for a longer period of time. And enjoy!