Climbing Kilimanjaro when you're over 50: tips and advice

Trekking to the roof of Africa is no small feat – Kilimanjaro is remote, physically demanding, and pushes you well outside your comfort zone. But for many, that’s exactly the appeal. It’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime challenge that leaves you changed in all the best ways, and what better reason to take it on than for a meaningful cause or a personal milestone?

With that said, climbing Kilimanjaro when you're over 50 is achievable and often one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever take on. Success on the mountain isn’t about age; it’s about how well you prepare, how physically fit you are, your mindset on the trail, and having the right team to support you every step of the way. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible, the short answer is yes. At Follow Alice, we’ve guided many trekkers in their 50s and older to the summit – and we’d love to help you do the same. If you’d like to chat or have any questions, we’re always happy to schedule a call and help you out.

A photo of our client Frederik, captured after reaching above the clouds on Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure, but it’s not without its challenges, especially for those over 50. Before you book your trip, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure the climb is the right fit for your health, fitness, and personal goals.

There are no age limits for climbing Kilimanjaro, but we recommend that older climbers get a medical check-up before travelling to Tanzania to ensure they’re ready for the challenge. Preparing to climb Kilimanjaro takes thoughtful training and steady preparation, especially if you’re 50 or older.

Building endurance and strength over time helps you meet the physical demands of trekking to 5,895 metres (19,431 ft), the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Staying active in your daily life, even with simple activities like walking or light strength exercises, plays an important role in getting your body ready for the climb. Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is physical.

Many climbers find that practices like yoga or meditation help them build focus and calm, which are important for the long days on the trail. Kilimanjaro doesn’t require technical mountaineering gear, but some people underestimate the challenge and don’t train enough or allow sufficient time for acclimatisation. This can make reaching the summit much harder than expected. At Follow Alice, we encourage all climbers to prepare properly to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Wondering if you’re healthy enough to climb Kilimanjaro? With the right training and mindset, climbing Kilimanjaro safely is within reach, no matter your age. To help you prepare, here’s a simple checklist of key areas to focus on before your climb:

Learn more: 5 bits of advice from past Kilimanjaro climbers

When climbing Kilimanjaro, altitude gain varies depending on the route you take. Typically, you’ll ascend between about 3,000 and 4,000 metres (9,800 to 13,100 feet). For example, the Shira route begins at a relatively high altitude, which means climbers may be more prone to experiencing altitude-related symptoms right from the very first day. Remember, the higher you go, the more taxing each step becomes, because the 'thin' air means you're working with less oxygen intake.

On the other hand, the Northern Circuit is widely regarded as the best Kilimanjaro route for acclimatisation. Its slower, more gradual ascent gives your body the best chance to adjust to the altitude, making it arguably the best overall route, especially since altitude sickness remains the leading reason climbers are unable to reach the summit.

Trekkers hiking down the Northern Circuit Route.

For climbers over 50, understanding this range is important for planning a safe and enjoyable trek. Choosing a route with a manageable altitude gain and allowing sufficient time to acclimatise will help your body adjust and improve your chances of reaching the summit comfortably.

With the right preparation and pacing, age is no barrier to conquering Africa’s highest peak.

Learn more: All Kilimanjaro routes ranked in terms of acclimatisation

When planning your Kilimanjaro trek as a 50-year-old, understanding the typical hours of climbing each day is important for pacing and successful acclimatisation. Most routes require between 4 to 8 hours of walking daily, depending on the terrain and altitude.

For climbers over 50, it’s important to choose a route and daily schedule that allows for steady progress without overexertion. Longer days can increase fatigue and the risk of altitude sickness, so many recommend taking a route with moderate daily hours and built-in rest days. Proper pacing, combined with adequate climbing hours, helps maximise your chances of a comfortable and successful summit.

Climber George K pushes through snow and cloud on Kilimanjaro summit day.

Learn more: Which is the best Kilimanjaro route?

For those climbing Kilimanjaro in their 50s, one important question to consider is, are you able to hike in the dark over uneven, high-altitude terrain?

While most trekking days on Kilimanjaro take place in daylight, summit day, also known as summit night, begins around midnight. You’ll be walking for several hours in the dark, relying on your headlamp to navigate rocky and sometimes icy ground. This requires good vision, a steady sense of balance and confidence on your feet—especially when you're already dealing with thin air at high altitude.

If you schedule a full moon Kilimanjaro climb, the trail may be naturally lit, offering a magical and slightly easier summit experience. But even then, cloud cover can limit visibility. There’s also a chance you may descend in the dark if you reach camp later in the day.

Climbing Kilimanjaro safely in your 50s means planning. Be sure to:

Being well-prepared and realistic about night hiking conditions is key to a safe and successful summit, no matter your age.

Learn more: How hard is summit night on Kilimanjaro?

Trekkers begin their midnight ascent from Barafu Camp.

If you haven’t tackled a tough multiday trek before, it’s wise to try one before your Kilimanjaro climb. A smaller mountain trek will help you understand your fitness level and train your body for the demands of high-altitude trekking. Preparing your body is key to climbing Kilimanjaro safely, especially if you’re over 50.

Here are some practical tips to help you build the strength, endurance, and stamina needed for this high-altitude trek:

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

If you think the uphill climb on Kilimanjaro is tough, remember that the descent can be just as challenging. Most routes have a two-day descent covering about 22 km (14 miles). This steep downhill puts extra strain on your knees, so it’s important to prepare them in your training. Trekking poles are a major asset for both ascent and descent, and we highly recommend bringing a pair.

Foldable trekking poles, rubber boots, baskets, and snow baskets.

Most trekkers use them to reduce joint impact and improve balance. If you don’t own trekking poles, Follow Alice can loan you some. Adjustable poles are best—they allow you to lengthen them for steep downhills and shorten them for uphill sections, making your trek much easier and safer. By following these tips and gradually increasing your training intensity, you’ll give yourself the best chance to climb Kilimanjaro confidently and comfortably.

Learn more: Climbing Kilimanjaro? Get a medical checkup first!

Before you start training or booking your Kilimanjaro climb, it’s vital to assess your overall health. Trekking to nearly 6,000 metres (19,341 feet) puts significant strain on your heart, lungs, and muscles, especially for climbers over 50.

Consult your doctor well in advance to discuss your plans. They may recommend tests like a cardiovascular stress test or lung function assessment to ensure your body can handle the physical challenge and high altitude. If you have any chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes, it’s even more important to get medical advice.

Remember, climbing Kilimanjaro safely isn’t just about fitness—it’s about being medically prepared too. Comprehensive medical insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is essential, so make sure you have the right coverage before you go.

By prioritising your health and working closely with healthcare professionals, you’ll set yourself up for a safe and successful climb.

Learn more: How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro? (2025 pricing)

Climbers pose for a photo on Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro.

Having good medical insurance is important when climbing Kilimanjaro, especially if you’re over 50. High-altitude trekking carries unique risks, including altitude sickness, injuries, and sudden illness, so your insurance must cover these possibilities.

Before your trip, ensure your policy includes:

Many standard travel insurance plans do not cover high-altitude activities, so confirm this with your provider. It’s worth investing in a specialist policy designed for mountaineering or trekking.

If you have existing health conditions, discuss your plans with your doctor and insurance company to ensure you’re fully covered.

Being prepared with the right medical insurance not only safeguards your health but also gives you peace of mind to focus on enjoying your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Selecting the right Kilimanjaro route is crucial for climbers over 50 to maximise safety, comfort, and chances of reaching the summit. Different routes vary in length, altitude gain, difficulty, and pace, all of which impact how well your body can acclimatise and handle the physical demands.

Routes like the Northern Circuit and Lemosho are excellent choices for older climbers because they offer longer itineraries and a gentler ascent profile. This allows more time for your body to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, the main reason many climbers don’t complete the climb.

On the other hand, shorter routes like Marangu or Machame may be more physically demanding due to faster altitude gain and less acclimatisation time.

When choosing your route, consider factors like:

Discuss your options with your trekking operator to find the best route tailored to your needs. Picking the right path is a vital step to climbing Kilimanjaro safely and successfully in your 50s.

Have a look at the different routes below:

As an older climber, we highly recommend you choose one of the longer, gentler routes to give yourself the best chance of summiting. Our picks for you would be the eight-day Lemosho route or the nine-day Northern Circuit.

Learn more: The ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list (+ free PDF)

Kilimanjaro in all its majestic glory, viewed from the Kenyan side.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in your 50s is a rewarding challenge that’s achievable with the right preparation. By focusing on proper training, choosing the right route, ensuring your health and medical insurance are in order, and understanding what to expect, including hiking in the dark and coping with cold weather, you set yourself up for a safe and successful summit.

Age is no barrier when you respect the mountain and prepare thoughtfully. Listen to your body, take your time acclimatising, and embrace the journey every step of the way.

Ready to take on Africa’s highest peak? With these tips and careful planning, you’ll be well on your way to making unforgettable memories on Kilimanjaro.