
Is Kilimanjaro hard to climb?
Kilimanjaro is a tough cookie. Nobody skips on up it. It requires preparation, fitness, endurance, teamwork and a good attitude. But when you have those, you can 100% manage it. We discuss how and why Kilimanjaro is hard to help you prepare for your climb.
1. Long trekking hours and distances
You need to be able to hike uneven and mostly ascending terrain for several hours each day for about a week to cope with a Kilimanjaro climb.
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Kilimanjaro routes – discusses the comparative difficulty of each route in terms of distance, duration and steepness How should I train for Kilimanjaro? – gives advice on the best physical training to cope with the rigours of the climb What is it like to climb Kilimanjaro? – gives a personal testimony of climbing Kilimanjaro
2. A steep climb

Umbwe Machame Lemosho Rongai Marangu Shira Northern Circuit
Barranco Wall is really steep

Lemosho vs Machame – compares the mountain's two most popular routes in terms of difficulty as well as other factors Machame vs Northern Circuit – compares these two very different routes Lemosho vs Northern Circuit – compares our two favourite routes
3. Altitude gain
Shira route: 2,481 m (8,231 ft) Lemosho route: 3,795 m (12,541 ft) Northern Circuit: 3,795 m (12,541 ft) Rongai route: 3,945 m (13,033 ft) Marangu route: 4,052 m (13,384 ft) Machame route: 4,255 m (14,051 ft)

4. Climb to an extreme altitude

Risk of altitude sickness
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Kilimanjaro altitude sickness – explains how the illness develops and how to avoid it Kilimanjaro safety – a general discussion of all safety aspects on Kilimanjaro How we keep you safe on Kilimanjaro – our role and measures in keeping you safe on the mountain The best acclimatisation for climbing Kilimanjaro – talks about which of Kilimanjaro's routes are best for avoiding altitude sickness
5. Wet and slippery forest conditions


6. Extreme cold near the summit

Kilimanjaro packing list – a comprehensive list of what to pack, and why What should I wear for summit night on Kilimanjaro? – your summit night packing list
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7. Night-time summit push

8. Camping and basic hygiene
The toilet situation

10 things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro – offers some general insights and pointers for a safe and successful climb Why prices differ so much between Kilimanjaro operators – discusses the varying service provided by budget, value-for-money and luxury Kilimanjaro tour operators
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