KiliFortune Expeditions
Kilimanjaro summit ridge above the clouds
Before You Climb

Trek preparation, from the team who summits every week.

Training, gear, altitude, and mindset, everything you need to arrive in Moshi ready for the mountain.

Mawenzi ridge, day four.
Mawenzi ridge, day four.
01 / 06

Fitness & Training

Kilimanjaro is a long, high hike, not a technical climb. The fitter you arrive, the more you'll enjoy every day on the mountain.

  • Start 10–12 weeks out with 3–4 cardio sessions a week (running, cycling, stair climbing).
  • Add weekly long hikes of 4–7 hours, ideally on hills, with a loaded 6–8 kg daypack.
  • Include 2 strength sessions a week focused on legs, core, and back.
  • In the final month, back-to-back hiking weekends simulate consecutive trek days.
Camp above the clouds, 3,900 m.
Camp above the clouds, 3,900 m.
02 / 06

Acclimatisation & Altitude

Success on Kilimanjaro is decided by acclimatisation, not fitness. Choose longer routes and follow the golden rules.

  • We recommend 8–9 day itineraries (Lemosho / Northern Circuit) for a 95%+ summit rate.
  • Walk pole pole, slowly, every day, even when you feel strong.
  • Drink 3–4 litres of water daily. Dehydration mimics and worsens altitude sickness.
  • Sleep low, climb high: our itineraries build in acclimatisation hikes.
  • Guides check oxygen saturation and pulse twice daily with a pulse oximeter.
Acclimatisation hike on Little Meru.
Acclimatisation hike on Little Meru.
03 / 06

Health & Medical

See your travel doctor 6–8 weeks before departure to review vaccinations and altitude medication.

  • Discuss Diamox (acetazolamide) with your doctor, most climbers benefit from it.
  • Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
  • Consider malaria prophylaxis if extending to safari or Zanzibar.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Barranco camp beneath the Great Wall.
Barranco camp beneath the Great Wall.
04 / 06

Gear Checklist

Bring technical layers you trust. Bulky items can be rented in Moshi at our office, ask us in advance.

  • Waterproof hiking boots (broken in) + camp shoes.
  • Base layers, fleece mid-layer, insulated down jacket (–10 °C rated), hardshell jacket & trousers.
  • Hiking trousers, thermal leggings, warm hat, sun hat, buff, gloves (liner + insulated).
  • 4-season sleeping bag (–15 °C comfort). Rentals available.
  • 45–65 L duffel (porter-carried) + 25–30 L daypack with rain cover.
  • Head torch, trekking poles, sunglasses (Cat 3–4), sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm.
  • 1 L water bottle + 2–3 L hydration bladder, water purification tablets.
Karanga camp at golden hour.
Karanga camp at golden hour.
05 / 06

On the Mountain

Camp life is simple and communal. Here's what a typical day looks like.

  • Wake-up tea at 06:30, hot breakfast, on the trail by 08:00.
  • 4–7 hours of hiking with a hot picnic or lunch stop.
  • Arrive at camp, tea and popcorn, warm wash water delivered to your tent.
  • Health check, three-course dinner, briefing for the next day, lights out by 21:00.
  • Summit night begins around midnight for sunrise on Uhuru Peak.
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m.
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m.
06 / 06

Mental Preparation

The mountain rewards patience. Expect cold, thin air, and moments of doubt, and expect to overcome them.

  • Break the climb into one day, then one hour, then one step at a time.
  • Eat even when you're not hungry, drink even when you're not thirsty.
  • Talk to your guides, early honesty about symptoms keeps you climbing.
  • Trust the process: our team has walked this path thousands of times.
Summit celebration
Ready to plan?

Let's build your climb.

Interest

We reply within 24 hours, from Moshi.