Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: A Beginner’s Guide
Thinking about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Let me walk you through what it’s actually like—from planning and packing to what it feels like to stand at the top of Africa.
Located in northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and one of the legendary Seven Summits.
It’s a dormant volcano that rises 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level and takes you through five distinct climate zones as you climb from base to summit.
Every year, thousands of people take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—and I got to be one of them, alongside my dad and brother!
It was easily one of the most challenging, awe-inspiring, and meaningful experiences I’ve ever had.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro pushed me in ways I wasn’t fully prepared for, but it was so worth it—and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
In this post, I’m sharing our full 8-day trekking itinerary, everything I wish I knew beforehand, and honest answers to the questions I had before going. Let’s dive in!
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Our 8-Day Route
There are a few different routes up Kilimanjaro, typically ranging from 5 to 9 days.
We chose the 8-day Lemosho Route and went with a company called GM Expeditions, which I’d absolutely recommend.
It’s known for giving climbers more time to adjust to the altitude—and that can make all the difference when it comes to reaching the summit.
Here’s a quick overview of each day on the trail:
🌟 Day 1: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp (Rainforest Zone)
🌟 Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp (Moorland Zone)
🌟 Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp (Moorland Zone)
🌟 Day 4: Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp (Alpine Desert)
🌟 Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (Alpine Desert)
🌟 Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Base Camp (Alpine Desert)
🌟 Day 7: Barafu Base Camp → Summit → Down to Mweka Camp (Arctic → Rainforest)
🌟 Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (Rainforest → Cultivation Zone)
Day 1: The Adventure Begins
Starting Elevation: 7,850 ft
Camp Elevation: 9,160 ft
Right from the start, I had so much energy. I couldn’t believe it was actually happening! We set off into the rainforest for a 3-4 hours of hiking before ending at our first campsite.
What caught me off guard was the size of our support crew: 16 porters, two guides, and a chef. At first, I felt a little uneasy about having so much help—I’d never done a trek where everything was taken care of for me.
But then our guide, Chi Chi, told us how the pandemic had paused climbs for nearly two years, and we were only their third group back since then.
That completely shifted my perspective. It reminded me that this experience was so much bigger than just our summit.
Day 2: Through the Clouds
Camp Elevation: 11,500 ft
We hiked for about 5.5 hours today and officially entered the moorland zone—meaning thinner air, cooler temps, and stunning views.
At one point, we were fully surrounded by clouds, and then suddenly they cleared… and we got our first real glimpse of the summit. It was so surreal!
Also—major shoutout to our chef Emmanuel. I was expecting standard backpacking food, but the meals were so good.
I did feel a mild headache from the altitude, which made me a little nervous about how the next few days would go.
But overall? Being offline, surrounded by nature, and present in every moment—it already felt like such a special kind of reset.
Day 3: Above the Clouds
Camp Elevation: 12,780 ft
Last night, I woke up and peeked outside the tent—and was completely stunned. The stars were next level!
I saw the Milky Way crystal clear and the headlamps glowing along the summit trail in the distance. It was so beautiful.
Today’s hike was easier. About 4 hours at a relaxed pace, and we were above the clouds all day. The terrain felt unreal—like we’d stepped onto another planet.
Our camp was super exposed and windy, but the views made up for it. Chi Chi joined us for dinner and shared more stories—something I looked forward to every night.
I can’t overstate how incredible our guides were; they made the experience what it was. (And yes, a reminder that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires guides—it’s not something you can do solo. I highly recommend GM Expeditions)
Day 4: Into Higher Altitudes
Camp Elevation: 13,000 ft
Today was our first big elevation gain—we climbed to over 15,000 feet before descending again to sleep lower (which helps a ton with acclimatization).
You could definitely feel the altitude shift.
The landscape changed again in the most dramatic way. We hiked through massive boulder fields and passed alien-looking trees that felt straight out of Jurassic Park.
By lunch, I was feeling the effort, but overall still strong—and so grateful to be on the 8-day route. Spacing things out made such a difference in how our bodies adjusted.
And the sunsets? Unreal. Every single night. Tonight, the clouds lit up in bright pinks and oranges. You just don’t get skies like that on a regular basis.
Day 5: The Barranco Wall
Camp Elevation: 13,200 ft
This was one of my favorite days of the entire trek.
We kicked things off with the Barranco Wall—a steep scramble that definitely gets your heart rate up. It was hands-on and exposed in parts, but honestly such a fun challenge.
After the wall, we descended into misty valleys that looked like something out of another world (again).
That night, camp was high, windy, and packed with other trekkers—but the view? Just… wow.
Mount Meru was poking up through the clouds like an island floating in the sky. What an unforgettable view!
Day 6: The Final Push to Base Camp
Camp Elevation: 15,280 ft
Today was short but steep as we climbed up to Barafu Base Camp, our final stop before summit night.
We spent the afternoon eating, hydrating, and trying to sleep (spoiler: not easy when it’s both so early and you’re full of anticipation).
Our summit hike would start at midnight, so this was all about conserving energy. I couldn’t believe the summit was already here!
Day 7: Summit Day – The Hardest, Most Beautiful Day
Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft
This was the day we’d all been building toward—and it was absolutely unforgettable.
We woke up around 11:00 PM, layered up in everything we had, and hit the trail by midnight. The first few hours were quiet and freezing, but manageable.
It was pitch black, with just the stars overhead and the winding line of headlamps ahead of us. The kind of moment that makes you feel tiny—in the best way. It was so cool!
But after five hours… it became dificult.
My feet were so cold they went numb despite toe warmers, and it later became very painful. It was a mental game more than anything else—just one step at a time, no matter how slow. I didn’t feel sick from the altitude, thankfully, but I was definitely tested.
My dad started feeling dizzy and nauseous, so we had to slow down a lot more than expected. Honestly, that was the hardest part for me. It took a lot of patience.
You can’t rush. Our guides were amazing and continued to encourage us while maintaining our safety.
And then, after about 7 hours of hiking—the sun started to rise.
The sky exploded in color. We had climbed nearly 4,000 vertical feet in the dark, and suddenly we were standing above a blanket of clouds watching the most jaw-dropping sunrise I’ve ever seen. I’ve never been so happy to see the sun!
We reached Stella Point, then made the final push to Uhuru Peak—the true summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,341 ft.
Exhausted, freezing, but so full of joy. It felt surreal. We were literally standing at the highest peak in Africa!
You can’t stay long up there—it’s too cold, and the oxygen is thin. We took a few quick photos, soaked in the moment, then made our descent.
What took 7 hours to climb took maybe 3 to get down. We rested briefly at base camp before continuing another few thousand feet downhill to Mweka Camp for the night.
Looking back up at the peak from camp, it barely felt real that we’d stood at the top just hours before.
Day 8: Back to the Base
After breakfast, we packed up camp and made our final descent through the rainforest.
When we reached the bottom, my mom and sister were waiting for us at the trailhead—and then came the true luxuries: showers, clean clothes, and a real bed!
What Surprised Me Most About Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
There’s a lot I didn’t expect. Here are a few things that really stood out:
✨ The first few days of hiking were actually easier than I thought they’d be. Summit night was another story.
✨ You need way more layers than you think for summit night—especially if you get cold easily. I wore all of mine and still froze.
✨ The altitude affects everyone differently. Many people around us struggled with it more and others were hardly impacted. Even if you’re fit, you’ll likely still feel it. I learned quickly that slow and steady is key.
✨ Reaching the top was more mental than physical for me. Summit day pushed me in a whole new way.
✨ Our guides made the trip. I didn’t realize they’d have such a large impact, and I’m so grateful for them!
✨ I didn’t expect to have such a big team with us. However, I realized later that our team was larger than usual due to fewer trekkers post-COVID.
✨ The stars, the sunsets, the surreal landscapes—nothing could’ve prepared me for how breathtaking it would all be. Photos just don’t do it justice.
✨ A lot of the mountain is quite exposed. If you’re a woman, be prepared to have to work harder to find bathroom spots (lol).
What to Know Before Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Here’s everything I wish I’d known beforehand—plus a few tips to help you prep:
✅ Visas: You’ll need one to enter Tanzania. You can get it online, and it’s not too hard.
✅ Vaccines, Medication & Important Info: Talk to your doctor about vaccines and definitely ask about Diamox for altitude sickness. Also—pack good sunscreen. The sun at altitude is intense.
✅ Plan Ahead: Don’t try to wing it. Book your trek early, especially if you’re going in peak season. Give yourself time to train, get visas, choose the best guides, and book travel plans. I’d plan 6-9 months ahead of time. The earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have.
✅ Training Helps: You don’t need technical climbing experience, but cardio and uphill hiking endurance will make a huge difference.
✅ Altitude is Real: Even with training, it’s tough. Hydrate, go slow, and don’t underestimate it.
✅ Summit Night is No Joke: It’s freezing and exhausting, but so worth it. Bring more layers than you think, listen to music, and know that mindset is half the battle.
✅ Hotels: Book at least one night before and after your trek. Two before if you want to adjust to the time zone.
✅ Add a Safari (if you can): We did one right after and while we were tired, it was totally worth it.
✅ Tipping: Budget for tips for your guides and porters. Most companies will give you a suggested amount.
Where to Stay Before and After
You’ll definitely want a comfortable place to rest both before and after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—and ideally, one that understands the needs of trekkers.
Most companies are based in or around Moshi, a relaxed town that serves as the gateway to the mountain.
Here are a few great options:
🛏 Chanya Lodge (Moshi)
A cozy, peaceful stay just outside of town with beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool, and great food. Super popular with hikers—staff are used to early-morning starts and late post-trek returns.
🛏 Brubru Lodge (Moshi)
Great value for money, with friendly staff, mountain views, and comfy beds. It’s also close to the center of town if you want to explore Moshi a bit before or after your trek.
🛏 Kaliwa Lodge (near Machame Gate)
If you’re looking for something more scenic and tucked away, this is a beautiful option near the rainforest and Machame Gate. It’s slightly more remote but perfect for some peace and quiet.
FAQs
Can beginners climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Yes! You don’t need climbing experience—just fitness (important), determination, and a great guide.
How should I train?
Focus on cardio, strength, and long hikes with elevation gain. Consistency over time makes a difference. Don’t start training just a few weeks before.
How much does it cost?
Expect around $2,000–$5,000 for the trek itself, plus flights, gear, tips, and visa fees.
When’s the best time to go?
The dry seasons: December–March and June–October. I hiked in August and had great conditions.
How do I get there?
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Moshi. Most trekking companies will arrange pickup from there.
Is it safe?
Generally, yes. The main risk is altitude sickness, but good guides are trained to monitor you closely.
Final Thoughts
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done.
Some parts were harder than expected, others easier—but the entire experience was far more rewarding than I imagined.
And while the summit was obviously a highlight, it wasn’t the only one.
The expansiveness of the stars, the feeling of being above the clouds, the connection with our guides, and the presence that comes from being fully unplugged for 8 days—that was just as meaningful.
If you’ve been thinking about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, let this be your sign to go for it. It really is a once-in-a-ifetime opportunity.
