A Kilimanjaro trek is a challenging adventure due to its high altitude, varied terrain, and the length of the journey. Climbing to the summit, standing at 19,341 feet above sea level, requires careful acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness, but it doesn’t require any special equipment or mountaineering experience, just physical fitness and guidance from experienced tour leaders. As such, Kilimanjaro trekking is accessible to most fit and determined individuals with proper preparation.
On our tours we allow plenty of time for acclimatization, as well as soaking up the scenery. You’re in safe hands every step of the way, as all our groups are led by experienced Chagga guides and porters, who are on hand to help and offer you encouragement.
Our Kilimanjaro trips have been designed to provide you with enough time to acclimatize for your Kilimanjaro trek and reach the 19,341 ft summit. Our incredible trips are eight to ten days, including six days of hiking.
While climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavor, it is not a technical climb and requires no specialized mountaineering skills to climb, so it is feasible for beginners with proper preparation, training, and guidance. Many routes up Kilimanjaro are considered more accessible to beginners due to their gradual slopes and shorter durations. With that said, it’s essential for beginners to understand the physical demands of the trek, including long hours of hiking each day, adapting to high altitude, and potentially adverse weather conditions.
Adequate physical fitness and mental resilience are crucial for success on the mountain. Check the activity rating for your trip and use our fitness guides to ensure that you are well prepared for your climb. With the right preparation beginners can indeed conquer Kilimanjaro and experience the unparalleled sense of achievement that comes with reaching its summit.
Check your tour’s trip notes for a detailed kit list and information on what to bring on your trek. Note that your tent and other camping equipment will be provided, but you’ll need to bring a four/five-season sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. You’ll also need hiking essentials like walking poles, a duvet jacket, good-quality, well worn-in hiking boots, and layerable clothing. All luggage for the Kilimanjaro climb should be packed in a soft kit or duffel bag. The weight limit of your kit bag on the trek is 26lb. This does not include your daypack.
Exodus has one of the highest summit success rates of any operator on Kilimanjaro. Last year, our groups on the Rongai Route demonstrated that this is the best six-day route on Kilimanjaro for reaching the summit. During that time, 88 percent of our clients reached Gilman’s Point and 79 percent reached Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Kilimanjaro. We are dedicated to ensuring as many of our guests as possible reach the peak.
