Kilimanjaro Travel Guide
The practical stuff we tell every climber before they arrive
The Short Version
A few facts worth knowing before you plan your trek
Height
5,895 meters
(19,341 feet)
Location
Tanzania
Near the Kenya border
Trek Duration
6-8 days
Depending on route
Climate
Tropical to Arctic
5 climate zones
What to Pack
Pack for four seasons in one trip, and pack light enough to be comfortable
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof outer shell
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Gloves (liner and insulated)
- Hiking socks and underwear
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Gaiters
- Extra socks
- Foot care supplies
Equipment
- Daypack (30-40L)
- Sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Trekking poles
Personal Items
- First aid kit
- Personal medications
- Toiletries
- Camera and batteries
- Snacks and energy food
- Documents and permits
Getting Your Body Ready
You don’t need to be an athlete. You do need to be able to walk for several hours a day, several days in a row, at altitude. Here’s how to get there.
Build your cardio
Start three months out. Regular runs, cycling, or long walks will do more for you than any single hard workout.
Walk with a pack
Train on hills with a weighted backpack when you can. It’s the closest thing to a real trekking day.
Prepare your head, too
Altitude is a mental game as much as a physical one. Expect long days, cold nights, and take them one step at a time.
Questions We Get a Lot
Straight answers, no fluff
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Aim for the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. You get clearer skies and steadier weather, which makes for a much more enjoyable climb. The wetter months are doable too, but expect more rain and cloud.
Do I need climbing experience?
No technical climbing experience is needed. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb. What matters most is good general fitness and taking the altitude seriously.
What should I pack?
Think layers. You'll move from warm forest to freezing summit in a few days. We send a full packing list when you book, and our team provides most of the technical gear on the mountain.
How hard is it, really?
It's a long, demanding walk at altitude. The real challenge is the height, not the terrain. Take the acclimatization days seriously, walk slowly, and drink more water than you think you need.
How do you think about success on the mountain?
A summit is not the only measure of a good climb, so we do not publish a headline success number. Outcomes depend on the route, the weather, and how well you acclimatize. What we focus on is giving your body enough time to adjust, walking slowly, and making careful, early decisions about your safety.
Are there age limits?
The official minimum age for Kilimanjaro is 10 years, and most of our climbers are adults or teenagers. We don't take children under 10, and our family trips are built for teens and adults who can handle the physical and mental demands of high altitude. There's no upper age limit for people in good health.
Still Have Questions? Ask Us.
Our guides have answered every version of these questions. Tell us about your plans and we’ll give you honest, practical advice.