How Difficulty is the Kilimanjaro Trek - How hard is it?

Kilimanjaro is not a technical hike, and it�s a relatively achievable goal, even for beginners. However, the challenges lie in dealing with high altitudes and the physical and mental demands of the trek.

This iconic mountain, standing at an awe-inspiring 5,895 meters, offers more than just a climb. Kili presents a journey through diverse ecosystems, from misty rainforests to arid alpine deserts, culminating in a snow-capped summit.

So, if you want to know how hard it is to climb Kilimanjaro, read one as we fill you in on the details.

You may be surprised to learn that, provided you have a good base level of fitness, most days of the Kilimanjaro trek are not actually that difficult. Kilimanjaro would be relatively easy for someone who's done more technical summits like Elbrus and Aconcagua. However, it is challenging for less experienced hikers and shouldn't be attempted as a first summit. The difficulty of Kilimanjaro mostly depends on how your body reacts to the altitude.

Most people are not used to hiking at high altitude conditions and this heavily affects your experience. The daily distances are manageable and you will be hiking at a very slow pace to acclimatize.

The hardest part of Kilimanjaro for most people is the final few hours to the summit.

There are a few different factors that affect the difficulty of hiking Kilimanjaro.

The first factor you want to consider when determining Kilimanjaro's difficulty is the route you follow. There are several Kilimanjaro routes - each with its challenges that determine how hard the climb can be.

• Machame: This route is quite challenging and considered difficult and steep. Longer itineraries increase your chance of reaching the summit. Scaling the Kilimanjaro Barranco Wall, a steep rock face, adds to the exciting endurance test.
• Lemosho: This route is considered moderately difficult. It is usually completed on longer itineraries (seven or eight days), which helps for acclimatization. The trail follows a varying elevation profile with lots of ups and downs. This, combined with the distance covered, adds to the challenge.
• Rongai: Known as a �secret trail,� this route is less crowded and offers a steady ascent. However, the climb across desolate scree slopes and the long final ascent make it challenging. There is also less opportunity to �trek high, sleep low.�
• Marangu: Often considered easier in terms of terrain and because you sleep in huts. However, this means the route is typically done on shorter itineraries, which means less time for acclimatization. Also, the final ascent is quite demanding.

�         Hydration Is Key

�         Staying hydrated is paramount, especially given the challenging conditions and high altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro.

�         Dehydration can lead to numerous symptoms, including headaches, weariness, and even more severe conditions like seizures or coma.

�         It can also exacerbate symptoms of altitude sickness - making it even more crucial to maintain proper hydration levels.

�         The body loses more water than usual at high elevations due to factors like sweating and breathing. So, it�s best to consume at least four liters of water daily when climbing.

Your Fitness Preparation

Having a solid fitness base will make your ascent up Africa�s tallest mountain that much easier.

You don�t need to be a pro athlete to hike Kilimanjaro. But a reasonable fitness level is absolutely essential for a successful climb.

In general, you should be capable of walking six to seven hours a day, as this is the average duration of daily trekking on most routes. Keep in mind that you�ll be walking with your day pack on as well.

Training for Kilimanjaro doesn�t require rigorous gym sessions but does call for adequate aerobic fitness. It may be best to train for about two months for the climb - focusing on endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

It�s also a great idea to do some hikes carrying a loaded day pack so you can get used to having the weight on your back.

Acclimatization and Altitude

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges you will face when climbing Kilimanjaro is acclimatizing to the high altitudes.

As you ascend, the air gets thinner, oxygen levels get lower, and breathing gets harder � increasing the risk of altitude sickness

Also, consider taking a pre-acclimatization climb to prepare your body for the altitude.

Acclimatization is your body�s way of getting used to the lowered oxygen levels, and the key to a successful climb is giving yourself enough time to acclimatize.

So, we always recommend choosing a route that offers ample time for acclimatization. For instance, routes like the Lemosho 8-Day offer more time to adjust than the shorter route.