It’s massive. It’s iconic. It’s intimidating, in the best way possible. But here’s the good news: anyone can climb it, and the experience will stay with you forever. This is what you are sold on, right?
The reality is everyone is going to try and convince you to do a 5, 6 or 7-day trip. Maybe a 5 or 6-day trip will work for someone who lives at altitude has some prior acclimatization before the trip at home or on Mount Meru. A 7-day trip does give you an 80% chance at reaching the summit if you come physically prepared.
I get it, less days to make it cheaper, less staff to pay, less on the extremely expensive permits and camping fees. I get it! I have climbed Kilimanjaro almost 50 times on all routes and every time I am on Kilimanjaro, I see more than 50 supported rescues on every trip.
Other teams race past us, skip critical acclimatization days, get sick, don’t have the correct guides leading groups. To make it worse their porters coming looking for food from our team, you get the picture. Talk to the Kilimanjaro experts!
As we sit in Kosovo Camp 16,000 feet, I see so many people coming down carried and supported by staff. They can barely stand up straight, and some people are coming down as late as 4pm and they haven’t reached their camp yet. It is shocking but avoidable!
My Best Kilimanjaro Advice
Firstly, pick an 8-day itinerary using Kosovo Camp as High Camp. Whether you go with us or not, give yourself the best chance to enjoy the experience. Kilimanjaro changed my life 25 years ago and I have learned a lot of lessons on Kilimanjaro since that first trip up Kilimanjaro. We had terrible food, leaking tents and the guide showed up the briefing drunk. He also tried to skips camps on us. Little did we know.
Secondly, remember only 60% of people making the summit. The first question you should always be asking is what the acclimatization schedule is like. Here are 5 reasons to pick the 8-day Lemosho route trek up Kilimanjaro.
Finally, you need to consider your training and how you are going to prepared for a low oxygen environment. You also have to factor in the terrain you will be moving on, daily elevation gains follow specific endurance and strength techniques for mountain trekking up and down. Most people do not focus enough on training for the downhill. Contact our team and learn from the experts!
Kilimanjaro is Daunting – Where do I Start?
Climbing Kilimanjaro can feel overwhelming at first, but the key to success lies in choosing the right route with the right amount of days. Once you have this nailed this, the rest can be figured out. Giving yourself enough time to acclimatize properly is the first key to success. After watching thousands of people at high altitude I have to say 8 days is the way to go.
Talk to us we have far more experience on the mountain than people who have climbed it once in some forum.
With seven established routes and varying lengths from five to nine days, the best itineraries are those that allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude. Aim for at least an eight-day climb to maximize your chances of reaching the summit safely and comfortably.
Proper preparation, pacing, and understanding how altitude affects the body will make your Kilimanjaro journey not just achievable—but deeply rewarding. Our expert team can help!
Training Advice for Kilimanjaro
Well, almost anyone can climb Kilimanjaro. If your biggest daily workout is lifting the TV remote or pacing the kitchen while your popcorn’s in the microwave, then climbing Kilimanjaro might not be for you. No offense.
In other words, you need a decent level of fitness. Not in the fitness that most people think. There are two keys to success on Kilimanjaro. Strength and endurance!! get in touch and we can explain further. Sadly, too many people underestimate the “Roof of Africa” because it doesn’t require ropes or crampons. But don’t be fooled — Kilimanjaro is no casual walk in the park.
The good news? With the right preparation, anyone with determination, a solid training plan, guide team, and an appreciation for slow pacing can make it to the top. Kilimanjaro is not technical, but it’s high. Really high. And that altitude is what makes it a true challenging adventure of a lifetime.
Seriously? Can Anyone Climb It?
Yes. The biggest challenge isn’t climbing skill, but altitude. At nearly 6,000 meters (19,341 feet), the air has about half the oxygen you’re used to at sea level. That means even short uphill stretches will leave you breathless. Especially if you do not go at the correct pace.
So, can anyone climb Kilimanjaro? Yes — with the right acclimatization, pacing, and support team. But trying to rush the climb or attempting it with less days is asking for trouble.
We have Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide leading our team in Tanzania. Having the right guides aren’t just required by park regulations — they’re the key to your success. They monitor your health, manage your pace, and know when to push and when to pause.
And no, your old hiking buddy with a decent pair of boots doesn’t count as a substitute for a seasoned professional.
Pacing and Heart Rates
I can not stress enough how important the pace of the trip should be. We train hard to climb easy. Honestly your heart rate should never go above 120bpm on this trek, even on the summit night.
Here is a post on heart rate training zones, and here is some further information on pacing any why it is so important. We set a minimum pace that we require our teams to be able to manage.
If you can not maintain our pace we can not safely get you up and down the mountain and we will turn you around. We have been doing this for 20+ years
Why Go Mountain Climbing?
Because it’s not golf. It’s not fishing. And it’s definitely not another weekend Netflix marathon.
Those things are fine, sure. But they won’t change you. Climbing Kilimanjaro will.
It’s one of those rare adventures that stays with you long after you’ve come back down. Walking through rainforest, alpine desert, and finally onto glaciers — all in a single journey — is something that can’t be compared to anything else.
We’ve seen teachers, doctors, retirees, and first-time trekkers summit Kilimanjaro. They all come down changed, grinning from ear to ear, proud of what they’ve achieved. That joy is something only a mountain can give you.
So the question isn’t “why climb Kilimanjaro?” but really, “why on Earth wouldn’t you?”
What’s Involved in the Climb?
Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb. You won’t need ropes, crampons, or ice axes. But you will need patience, endurance, and the ability to keep walking, slowly, for hours each day.
You’ll camp on the mountain, eat meals prepared by your trekking team, and hike between 5–8 hours daily (except on summit night, which is much longer). The terrain is varied, the scenery is stunning, and every day takes you higher through different ecosystems.
Unlike Mount Rainier, which you can climb in just a few days, Kilimanjaro requires 7–9 days depending on the route. The longer the climb, the better your chance of reaching the top. It’s as simple as that!
How Long Does It Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?
It takes more than you think! The time it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depends on your chosen route, fitness level, and—most importantly—how much time you allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. While it’s technically possible to complete the climb in 5 or 6 days, your chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft) safely and successfully drop significantly on shorter itineraries due to the rapid altitude gain.
For the best chance of success, we recommend at least 8 days on the mountain, allowing your body to adjust gradually as you trek higher. Routes like the Lemosho and Northern Circuit offer the ideal balance of scenic diversity, physical challenge, and acclimatization time.
Slower ascents not only improve summit success rates—often over 90% on our longer routes—but also reduce the risk of altitude sickness and make the experience far more enjoyable. Be informed and be prepared.
Here’s a Breakdown of the Main routes:
Machame Route (7 Days)
Also called the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is the most popular option thanks to its scenery and acclimatization profile.
- Duration: 7 days
- Success rate (with good pacing): 80% Success rates
Lemosho Route (8 Days)
The most beautiful route, starting on the quieter western slopes. It offers excellent acclimatization and fewer crowds early on.
- Duration: 8–9 days
- Highest success rate of all routes especially when you use Kosovo Camp.
Marangu Route (5–6 Days)
The “Coca-Cola Route.” It has huts instead of tents, but short itineraries mean poor acclimatization and lower success rates.
- Duration: 5–6 days (we recommend 7 if possible)
- Not ideal unless extended
Rongai Route (6–7 Days)
Approaches from the north. It’s drier, quieter, and a good alternative, though still better with at least 7 days.
- Duration: 6–7 days
Northern Circuit (9 Days)
The longest route, circling around the northern side before summit night. Incredible views, solitude, and the best acclimatization.
- Duration: 9 days
- High success rate
Do I Need a Guide?
Yes. 100%. Park regulations require all climbers to go with a licensed guide, and for good reason. Pick the best guides on Kilimanjaro who only have your safety in mind.
Guides and their teams are your lifeline on Kilimanjaro. They’ll set the pace (slow and steady wins every time), monitor your oxygen levels, and make sure you’re acclimatizing safely. Without that expertise, you’re gambling with altitude sickness.
At Ian Taylor Trekking, we’ve guided thousands of people to the summit with a 95% success rate on 8-day climbs. That’s no accident. It’s pacing, planning, and professional support. Read some reviews from our trips
What Are You Waiting For?
Most people dream of climbing Kilimanjaro but keep putting it off. Year after year, they think “someday.” But someday doesn’t come unless you make it happen. Talk to our expert team today and we can help you get started.
The mountain isn’t just about standing on the summit. It’s about the journey, the challenge, and the people you’ll share it with. It’s about proving to yourself that you can do something extraordinary.
So if the “Roof of Africa” is calling you, don’t ignore it. Start training, pick our 8-day Lemosho route itinerary using Kosovo Camp as High Camp. Let us help you make it a reality.