10 tips for climbing and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no small feat but with the right preparation, it’s definitely something anyone can achieve. At Follow Alice, we’ve guided hundreds of travellers on Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trips, and we know what it takes to make it to the summit.

Travellers often underestimate just how challenging the trek can be, especially with the high altitude and long days on the trail. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for climbing and summiting Mt Kilimanjaro – practical, experience-based advice to help you prepare, stay healthy, and enjoy every step of the journey.

From preparing your mindset to mountain gear, these are the Kilimanjaro climbing tips we want to share with every traveller before they start their adventure. If you're getting ready to climb Kilimanjaro, these tips are a great place to begin.

One of our top Kilimanjaro climbing tips is to train properly. If you want to prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, you'll need to take your physical training seriously. That means going beyond your usual workouts and focusing on stamina, leg strength, and long-distance hiking. It’s not about being a super athlete, it’s about being trek-fit.

Trekkers who don’t train beforehand often find the climb tougher than expected. A bit of preparation really does go a long way on Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trips. One of the best tips for climbing and summiting Mt Kilimanjaro is to start training at least two months before your trip.

No matter your fitness level, your body requires time to adjust to long days on the trail. The training you do now will make your Kilimanjaro experience far more enjoyable. Got questions? Schedule a chat with our team. We’re here to help you enjoy your climb from start to summit.

A group of trekkers tackling the Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, one of the most important tips for climbing the mountain is to pace yourself carefully from the very start. Don’t rush or push too hard in the beginning - instead, set a steady, manageable pace that you can maintain throughout the hike.

Your lead trek guides will set a deliberately slow pace to help your body gradually adjust to the increasing altitude. This approach is designed to minimise the risk of altitude sickness and ensure you can complete the climb safely and comfortably.

Remember, climbing Kilimanjaro is not a race. Every climber arrives with their own fitness level, experience, and mindset, so don’t stress about matching anyone else’s speed or style. Focus on your own rhythm and embrace the local mantra of pole, pole — which means slowly, slowly. This mindset encourages you to enjoy the journey and give yourself space to reflect.

Kilimanjaro hiking trips offer a unique chance to slow down and connect with yourself amid the beautiful landscapes. We recommend keeping a journal during your trek to capture your thoughts and the lessons the mountain teaches you. Often, Kilimanjaro reveals more than just physical strength, it shows you what truly matters in life.

Here are some testimonials from trekkers who have experienced first-hand climbing and successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro with Follow Alice:

Trekker looks out over a sea of clouds high on Mount Kilimanjaro.

When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, one of the most important considerations is understanding altitude sickness, a common challenge on any mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip. Altitude sickness can start to affect trekkers at around 3,000 metres (9,840 feet), which on Kilimanjaro usually happens during day two or three as you trek through the moorland zone. Since the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level, it’s very likely you’ll experience at least mild symptoms of altitude sickness at some point during your ascent.

Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and general fatigue. These can be uncomfortable but are usually manageable with the right approach. Understanding these symptoms is an important part of any Kilimanjaro climbing tips you should keep in mind.

While no medication can completely prevent altitude sickness, drugs like Diamox (acetazolamide) can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Diamox works by helping your body acclimatise faster to high altitudes, easing headaches and nausea. Before you decide to take any medication for your Kilimanjaro trek, it’s important to consult your doctor. Explain your plan to climb to extreme altitudes, and get professional advice that will suit your health needs. Your doctor can recommend the best precautions and whether medication like Diamox is suitable for you.

Proper hydration and nutrition is important when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals to support your body as it adjusts to the altitude. Rest is equally important, don’t underestimate the power of sleep (even if it’s sometimes interrupted).

Remember, experiencing mild altitude sickness is normal and expected on Kilimanjaro. You may get headaches or feel queasy, and that’s okay. When you book your mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip with a reputable operator like Follow Alice, you benefit from experienced guides and support staff who know how to monitor your health closely. Your guides are trained to spot signs of severe altitude sickness and will act promptly if you need assistance or evacuation. This safety net is one of the most important tips for climbing Kilimanjaro safely.

Follow Alice mountain crew and climbers.

Learn more: Kilimanjaro altitude sickness – a comprehensive guide

When you prepare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “Oh, it’s Africa, I won’t need warm clothes.” The truth is, keeping warm is important on any mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip. You simply can’t afford to skimp on packing sufficient layers of clothes to protect yourself from the mountain’s extreme temperatures.

Most Kilimanjaro routes start in the lush rainforest zone, where daytime temperatures are often warm enough for shirts and shorts. But nights can get damp and chilly so a good mid-layer is important. As you ascend into the heath zone, the temperature drops noticeably. Winds pick up, and with sparse vegetation, you become fully exposed to the cold. Next comes the alpine desert zone, where the conditions are frosty, and nighttime temperatures at base camp regularly dip well below freezing. Finally, summit day brings you into an arctic environment of snow and ice. You’ll face strong winds and freezing temperatures that demand high-quality, warm gear.

At Follow Alice, we understand how important the right clothing is for a successful Kilimanjaro climb. That’s why we offer our trekkers the option to rent premium down jackets designed for extreme cold, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F).

You can rent one for the entire trip, not only do these jackets provide essential warmth for summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, but they’re also stylish, perfect for your adventure photos.

Our signature red-and-black Follow Alice down jacket is designed to withstand the cold, windy conditions on Mt Kilimanjaro.

While staying warm is the top priority on summit night, don’t overlook the power of the sun at high altitude. The UV rays are intense up there, especially with the reflection off the snow and ice. A quality pair of sunglasses is important to prevent snow blindness, and you’ll want to apply high-SPF sunscreen to any exposed skin. Oh — and don’t forget a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from drying and cracking.

The summit of Kilimanjaro exposes you to severe cold and extreme solar rays, so pack well.

This really shouldn’t need saying and yet, every year, trekkers arrive for their mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip with brand-new boots that haven’t been properly broken in. The result? Painful blisters that can seriously affect your experience and even force you off the trail. One of the most important Kilimanjaro climbing tips is to wear in your hiking boots well in advance.

A reliable rule of thumb when you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro is to walk at least 100 km in your boots before the trek. This gives your feet time to adjust and helps you identify any pressure points or fit issues early on. It’s also essential to wear or carry your hiking boots on the plane when travelling to Tanzania. In the unfortunate event that your luggage goes missing, your boots, arguably the most important gear item for the climb, will still be with you. Most other items can be replaced or rented last minute, but well-worn boots are irreplaceable. So take this advice to heart. Of all the tips for climbing Kilimanjaro, this one could save your feet and your summit dreams.

Pairs of trekking boots

Learn more: The best hiking boots for Kilimanjaro.

When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, it’s not just your boots that need breaking in, your socks do too. One of the lesser-known but important tips for climbing Kilimanjaro is to wear the same socks during your training hikes that you plan to use on the mountain. This helps ensure they’re comfortable, durable, and suited to the demands of a multi-day trek.

For a successful mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip, your socks should offer both warmth and moisture-wicking properties. Pay attention to the fabric, seam placement, and whether you want to use sock liners for added comfort and blister prevention. Here’s a key Kilimanjaro climbing tip: don’t rely on just one type of sock. You’ll want to pack a variety of socks to suit different stages of the climb.

Hikers celebrating at the summit of Kilimanjaro with a group photo.

One of the most enriching Kilimanjaro climbing tips we can offer is to learn a few basic Swahili phrases before your trek. Swahili is a centuries-old language that developed along the East African coast between 500 and 1,000 AD, evolving from a mix of Arabic (brought by traders) and local Bantu languages. Over time, it’s also absorbed words from English, German, and Portuguese.

Map of Kenya and Tanzania showing their position in East Africa.

Taking the time to learn even a handful of Swahili greetings and expressions is a meaningful way to connect with your mountain crew and show respect for Tanzanian culture. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way and it can add depth and warmth to your mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip.

So as you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, consider brushing up on a few phrases like jambo (hello), asante (thank you), and of course, pole, pole (slowly, slowly) — a phrase you’ll hear often on the trail!

Here are a few Swahili words and phrases you can learn now:

A group preparing to trek Mount Kilimanjaro.

Learn more: What is a Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony?

Here’s one of the more practical tips for climbing Kilimanjaro: don’t forget to pack wet wipes. Yes, wet wipes is your best friend on the mountain. Since there are no showers on mount Kilimanjaro hiking trips, staying fresh becomes a creative endeavour. While you’ll have access to water at camp to wash your hands and face, that’s about it when it comes to personal hygiene.

A large pack of biodegradable wet wipes can make a big difference, helping you feel cleaner and more comfortable after a long, sweaty day on the trail. It’s one of those small comforts that can really boost your spirits as you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro.

That said, it’s equally important to be a responsible trekker. Kilimanjaro is a pristine and protected environment, and all climbers must follow a strict leave-no-trace policy. Be sure to dispose of your wet wipes properly in the bins provided by your team at camp. Let’s all do our part to keep the mountain beautiful for future generations.

Two climbers navigating down a hill on Mt Kilimanjaro on their way to Mweka Camp.

When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, bringing a hydration pack like a CamelBak is a smart move. It allows you to sip water regularly without having to reach awkwardly for a bottle , a small but significant convenience on a multi-day trek. But here’s one of the often-overlooked Kilimanjaro climbing tips: pack a spare one-litre water bottle as well. Why? On summit night, the hose of your hydration pack can easily freeze, especially in the extreme cold of the arctic zone. If that happens, you could find yourself with no access to water just when you need it most. We’ve seen it before, trekkers biting on frozen hoses and getting nothing.

To avoid this, fill your bottle and store it upside down in your backpack inside a sock. Since water freezes from the top down, this clever trick gives you a better chance of accessing drinkable water even in sub-zero conditions. Your spare bottle is also useful at camp, whether it’s for brushing your teeth, sipping casually, or simply carrying around with ease. When tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, simple choices like this one can make a big difference in your daily comfort and hydration.

Woman drinking water on Mt Kilimanjaro.

One of the best tips for climbing Kilimanjaro is to bring along your favourite high-energy snacks. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is physically demanding, and while your trekking team will provide you with hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snacks between meals are up to you.

When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, we recommend packing energy-dense foods that travel well and give you a quick boost. Great options include power bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and beef jerky. Just avoid anything that could melt or spoil in your daypack like chocolate-coated snacks, for instance, can turn into a sticky mess.

Nutrition is especially important at high altitudes. Eating small, regular snacks helps keep your energy up and can even ease symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches and fatigue.

While your porters will carry the bulk of the group’s water, each trekker is responsible for their own daily supply. As part of your Kilimanjaro packing list, be sure to bring a hydration pack that holds at least three litres of water. Good hydration, combined with regular snacking, will help keep you energised and focused as you make your way to the summit.

Another interesting insight around snacks came from Joel Ott, our community manager: 

Climber drinking water on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Learn more: Meals on Kilimanjaro

As you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, one important detail that’s easy to overlook is cash for tips. Tipping is a long-standing and meaningful tradition on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it plays a major role in showing appreciation to the incredible support team that helps you reach the summit.

Every climber who completes the trek speaks highly of their mountain crew, a dedicated team of guides, porters, and cooks who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The lead guide does more than just navigate the route; he ensures your safety, encourages you during tough stretches, and shares insights about the mountain and local culture. Supporting guides also monitor your health and wellbeing, offer advice, and keep spirits high with stories and encouragement.

Then there’s the cook (and often an assistant cook or waiter), who prepares hot, nourishing meals that fuel your body and boost your mindset after long days on the trail. And let’s not forget the porters, the unsung heroes of every Mount Kilimanjaro expedition. These incredible individuals carry heavy loads up and down the mountain, from tents and water to your duffel bags, all while moving quickly and cheerfully across rugged terrain.

One of the most heartwarming moments of any Mount Kilimanjaro climb is the tipping ceremony at the end of the trek. This celebratory gathering often involves singing, dancing, and shared gratitude between trekkers and crew. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s strongly encouraged and always appreciated. Most trekkers are genuinely moved by the experience and very willing to give back in thanks for the crew’s support.

Tanzania operates largely on a cash economy, and there won’t be an opportunity to withdraw money once your trek begins. So one of the most practical tips for climbing Kilimanjaro is to withdraw your tip money the day before your trek starts. Plan ahead and ensure you have enough Tanzanian shillings or US dollars to cover tips for your entire crew. Bringing enough cash for tipping is a small detail that makes a big impact — it’s one way you can thank the people who help turn your Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip into an unforgettable journey.

The Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony involves song and dance!

Learn more: Must I tip my Kilimanjaro crew? And how much?

It’s also useful for trekkers to understand that their tips go a long way in supporting the mountain crew. While all reputable tour operators offer their mountain crew good and fair wages, tips are an important supplementary income. Foreign currencies often go a long way indeed in Tanzania.

The amount that you tip is, of course, entirely up to you. And we certainly don’t wish to limit anyone who's keen to tip over and above what others normally give. That said, we understand that many of you would like a ballpark figure to help guide you in the amount of cash to bring along on the trek.

In accordance with the guidelines set out by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), we advise bringing something in the area of $250 to $300 – this will cover tips for all of the mountain crew.

Handing out certificates to celebrate a successful Kilimanjaro climb at an indoor tipping ceremony.

You can tip your mountain crew in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Please note that your US dollar notes need to be untorn and unmarked, and also printed after 2013, otherwise the banks in Tanzania won't accept them. So be sure to check every note before you get on that plane.

Stunning view captured behind the camp tents on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure of a lifetime — one that challenges you physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the right preparation, the right mindset, and the right team beside you, it’s a challenge you can absolutely conquer. From training and gear to altitude awareness and cultural respect, these Kilimanjaro climbing tips are designed to help you get the most out of your journey.

At Follow Alice, we specialise in creating unforgettable, boutique-style trekking experiences. When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro with us, you’re not just joining a guided hike, you’re becoming part of a supportive, experienced, and passionate community that’s here to see you succeed. So if you’re ready to take on Africa’s highest peak, we’d be honoured to trek with you.