Anyone who intends to climb Kilimanjaro or any mountain for that matter should consider their fitness level and make sure that adequate and appropriate preparation is undertaken. The routes on Kilimanjaro that lead to the summit are not technical, but full consideration of the conditions of climbing to Uhuru peak should be at the back of every climber’s mind as they prepare for the climb. Note that the climb is not easy. Understand that altitude sickness affects everyone regardless of age or fitness level. Although most hikers will say that it is psychological, trekkers need to be physically and mentally ready for the hike. It is important to see your doctor for any health risks before the trek.

Be protected against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio, and yellow fever. It is important to note that you will be required to provide a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in Tanzania. All travelers from Europe through or transiting through an endemic country; including the airports in Nairobi (Kenya), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) are required to have a valid yellow fever certificate. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.

All weather conditions can be experienced during the climb. Summit night itself will be very cold and perhaps even partly frozen, with snow falling and on the ground.  You will need to wear warm and windproof clothing.

Walking boots

We strongly recommend walking in good, comfortable, warm, waterproof boots that you had a chance to break in before your climb.  We strongly recommend not borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow and sleet out of your boots.

Socks

It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick wool socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t ‘breathe’ well and can cause blisters.

Jacket

After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing.  Down jackets are recommended especially for summit night.

Waterproofs

Breathable jacket and trouser-type waterproofs made from a material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.  However, most guides also bring an umbrella with them.

Long trousers

For everyday walking, light trekking trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended.

Thick sweaters and fleece jackets

Thick sweaters or fleece jackets are essential as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweaters and fleeces.

Thermal underwear/base layers

Long sleeve tops and “long john” legging thermal underwear is essential. Please note that cotton clothing like t-shirts are not suitable or recommended as a base layer. Cotton does not “wick away” any moisture from the skin.

Shorts

Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in, but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold! Follow your tour leaders’ advice on local sensitivities to wearing shorts during the trek.

Waterproof gloves; a warm scarf & a warm hat

All of the above are especially useful in the morning and the evening at higher altitudes and are essential for summit night. Lightweight gloves or mittens are not practical. Also, bring a scarf to cover your neck and a warm balaclava or a warm hat.

Staff

Our crew consists of professional and well experienced English speaking mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters.  Our guides are trained in First Aid, and most of them have summitted over 100 times

Facilities

Depending on the route chosen, overnights will be either in tents or huts. Toilet facilities are very basic, of the long drop variety at most campsites. Although, if requested Bless Africa Tours and Safaris can supply ‘Porta-loos’ and toilet tents to make the toileting experience more pleasant. There will be limited access to water, especially in the latter stages of the trek, towards the summit. Hot water will be provided to wash hands before meals.

Bless Africa Tours and Safaris will provide tents with roll mattresses. The porters will erect and take down the tents. There will also be camping chairs, tables and lamps provided for meals and downtime.

Backpack

Your backpack must be lightweight, strong and preferably waterproof, without wheels.  Porters will carry your bag in heavy duty waterproof bags for added protection. The weight limit for bag AND its contents must not exceed 15kg.

Small rucksack/day bag

Your day pack should be waterproof and lightweight but large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, fleece, long trekking trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, platypus (at least 2 liters), water bottle (1-2 liters), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 3 to 5kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take.

Sleeping bag

Down or synthetic sleeping bags are recommended, but they must be of 4-season comfort rating (temperature –10°C to –5°C). A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and warm.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are strongly recommended and can usually be rented in Moshi.

Water Bottle or Platypus/Camelback hydration system

Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable until purified. Take at least two 2 liter personal water bottles or a system that allows for this much water. A personal supply of tablets/drops for water purification system is essential. Powdered fruit juice can be used to disguise the taste.  If you elect to use a hydration system with a tube, then it is essential that the bladder and tube are insulated for high altitude and below freezing temperatures.

Sunglasses/snow goggles

A good pair of sunglasses/snow goggles are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun hat, sunscreen & lip balm

Choose a high factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. Lip balm or Vaseline will protect your lips in the hot and cold weather.

Torch/batteries/bulb

A head torch is essential for finding things at night and finding your way on summit night. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb. There are no facilities on the mountain to recharge any digital equipment.

Toiletries

Keep heavy cosmetics to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste and small nail brush. ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for an alternative to washing and a quick clean up.

Personal first aid kit

On each trek, a first aid kit is carried, but you should have your blister kit, the supply of plasters, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and other essentials.

Personal supplementary snacks

Although sufficient food is supplied on this tour, we recommend that you bring some high energy snacks like cereal bars and chocolate with you.

Kilimanjaro can trek all year. Mid-December, January, February, and March are the warmest months, almost clear of clouds. April and early May may get heavy rain or snow, but is a better time to visit if you want a quiet clear mountain. By late June, July and through August it can be very cold at night, but the sky is clear above 3000m offering great views. Through September and October, it gets steadily warmer. October is particularly good if you want only a few drops of rain, mild weather and few people on the mountain. November to mid-December is the time of the ‘short rains’ with possible afternoon thunderstorms but clear evenings. There can also be heavy snow towards the summit.

Summiting Kilimanjaro under an African full moon can be an unforgettable experience, with the snow twinkling and the path lit by the light of the moon.

Travel insurance is essential. It is strongly recommended that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out which includes cover against cancellation charges. Depending on the reason for the cancellation, you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of the insurance policy. If you are undertaking a Kilimanjaro trek, it is essential that the travel insurance covers high altitude trekking and adventure travel.

You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you should have a solid baseline of fitness. Kilimanjaro climbing tours are long, multi-day hikes that require stamina, mental resilience and the ability to walk on varied terrain. To help yourself prepare, consider cardio training, hill walking, and strength conditioning before departure to improve your experience on Kilimanjaro guided tours.

Kilimanjaro rises from approximately 1,640 meters (5,380 ft) at the trailhead to 5,895 meters (19,341) at Uhuru Peak. The rapid gain in altitude is the primary challenge of Kilimanjaro climbing tours, making acclimatization and professional guiding essential.

Most Kilimanjaro guided tours take between 6-8 days. Browse our tour routes to help you narrow down how much time to plan for!

Altitude sickness is a real risk on Kilimanjaro due to the rapid elevation gain. Prevention includes choosing longer itineraries, ascending slowly, staying hydrated, eating well, and listening to your guides. Our Kilimanjaro guided tours include daily personalized health checks, trained mountain crews, and established acclimatization protocols to minimize risk. Our crew is First-Aid trained and receive refresher courses every two years. A Wilderness First Responder also accompanies each trek. Overall, we are professionally trained to handle emergency situations. Check out our guide to preventing altitude sickness to learn more.

Many people with controlled medical conditions successfully complete Kilimanjaro guided tours, but you must consult your doctor before booking. Some health issues may require medical clearance and full disclosure so we can plan appropriate safety measures. At Bless Africa, our team carries a comprehensive medical kit, including bottled oxygen, and a portable stretcher. We carry a first aid medical kit as well.

Yes. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical mountain, and many first-time trekkers reach the summit. However, preparation is critical. Choosing the right route, training in advance, and joining professionally led Kilimanjaro climbing tours dramatically improves both safety and success rates.

This varies by guide. At Bless Africa, our age limit for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 and up.