While Mount Kilimanjaro maintains a reputation as a tough climb, it’s also known as one of the most achievable of the Seven Summits, making it the perfect starting point for ambitious first-timers and an ideal warm-up climb for seasoned mountaineers.
But how hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? That’s what we’ll be unpacking in this article. We’ll delve into the factors contributing to the climb’s difficulty, from altitude and weather conditions to physical preparation and mental fortitude.
Don’t mistake Kilimanjaro’s accessibility for ease — this peak presents a unique set of challenges that demand respect and preparation. Understanding the following factors is key to a successful climb:
Perhaps the most significant hurdle on Kilimanjaro is the rapid gain in altitude. Ascending the nearly 20,000-foot summit in a matter of days puts a significant strain on the body. The rapid ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness — this can manifest itself in various ways, from mild headaches and nausea to more severe conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
Kilimanjaro is a unique climb because the mountain doesn’t have a single type of terrain — the hike journeys through five distinct climate zones. You'll start in the humid rainforest, trek through heather and moorland, navigate the alpine desert, and finally reach the icy summit. Uneven trails, steep inclines, rocky ascents, and the infamous loose scree on the final summit push all contribute to the physical demands of the climb.
The weather on Kilimanjaro is as diverse as its terrain. During the day the sun can be intense (especially at lower altitudes) and as you ascend temperatures will plummet (particularly at night and on the summit). Unforgiving temperatures, strong winds, and even snow are common occurrences, making the climb at times extremely challenging.
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be a very physical endeavour and as a result, requires high levels of stamina. You'll be hiking for several hours each day (all while carrying a backpack and battling the elements) so physical fitness is a must.
Embarking on a Kilimanjaro climb is a vast undertaking, so it’s completely natural to wonder about your chances of reaching the summer and the inherent risks involved. Let’s take a look at the numbers to provide a clearer picture:
The average summit success rate for Kilimanjaro climbers ranges from 60% to 85%. The summit success rate on Kilimanjaro varies depending on several factors, most notably the route chosen and the duration of the climb. Longer routes, which allow for better acclimatisation, generally have higher success rates.
Our strategic choice of the Lemosho route, which provides plenty of time to acclimatise, gives our climbers the best chance of successfully summiting. As a result, at Elite Exped we’re proud to boast a Kilimanjaro climber summit rate of 98%, well above the average.
Climbing a mountain comes with inherent risks. While Kilimanjaro is no exception to this, it is considered a relatively safe climb in comparison to other high-altitude peaks. The Kilimanjaro death rate is estimated to be between 0.03% and 0.1% — for context, the Everest death rate is around 1%. This means on average, less than one in a thousand climbers experience a fatal accident during their trek.
The vast majority of incidents are related to altitude sickness. Thankfully, these risks can be significantly mitigated with proper preparation, a gradual ascent profile, and experienced guides who are trained to recognise and respond to altitude-related issues. To ensure your climb is as safe as possible, always choose a reputable guiding company that will prioritise your safety and employ knowledgeable guides.
Kilimanjaro is an extremely accessible climb. You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer or a high-level athlete to reach its summit — just a healthy dose of determination and the right level of preparation. In fact, reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is within reach for a wide range of individuals.
While you don’t need to be in peak physical condition to climb Kilimanjaro, a reasonably high level of fitness and endurance will be essential for the summit. Think of it like training for a marathon — you wouldn’t turn up to race day without any preparation, and the same goes for Kilimanjaro. To get your fitness up to scratch, focus on building your leg strength and overall stamina. Hiking, jogging, and stair climbing are all ways to prepare.
One of the reasons that Kilimanjaro is the most accessible of the Seven Summits is that is does not require any technical climbing skills. This makes it the ideal challenge for beginners looking to experience the thrill of submitting a high-altitude peak without ropes, ice axes or specialised climbing knowledge. As a result, Kilimanjaro has seen successful summiteers from all walks of life, from teenagers to retirees. We’ve seen individuals with highly varying levels of fitness conquer the mountain, proving that with the right mindset and preparation, anyone can achieve this feat.
Preparing for a climb can be daunting, but luckily there are several things you can do to make your Kilimanjaro climb smoother and increase your chances of reaching the summit.
Here are some key tips to help you conquer Kili:
Opt for longer routes like Lemosho or the Northern Circuit for better acclimatisation. These routes allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude.
Focus on cardio, strength training, and practice hikes to build endurance and leg strength. You can find out more about how to train for Kilimanjaro here.
Create a layering clothing system to remain comfortable in varying temperatures. Comfortable, broken-in boots and a reliable hydration system are also essential. Check out our blog on how to prepare for Kilimanjaro for more information.
Reputable guides will provide you with crucial support on pacing, acclimatisation and safety. Our expertly planned Kilimanjaro package ensures you’ll have the greatest chance of reaching the summit and conquering this breathtaking climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly a challenge, the rewards far outweigh the effort. We’ve seen it countless times — standing on the summit, knowing they’ve conquered one of the Seven Summits, brings our climbers an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and is a testament to their resilience and determination.
The experience is a chance to truly test yourself, connect with nature on a profound level, and achieve something extraordinary. With the right preparation and a positive mindset, the summit of Kilimanjaro is within your reach, and the rewards are immeasurable.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an adventure of a lifetime. While it can be challenging and the journey requires a good deal of preparation, conquering the summit is an experience our climbers will never forget.
Ready to take your first step towards the summit? With a well-structured itinerary, experienced guides, and unparalleled support, find out how our Kilimanjaro package can make your climbing dreams a reality.
