Alpe di Tires

At Bookatrekking.com, we help people take on Africa’s highest mountain every single week. It’s what we do. We’ve stood on the summit ourselves, we’ve felt the thin air, and we know what it takes to get there. Whether you’re still dreaming about it or already planning your trek, we’re here to make sure you get the right information and the right support to make it happen. In the video below, we take you right onto the mountain and share what it’s really like to climb Kilimanjaro. This is a film we made to show the climb as it actually is—no filters, no blabla. And in this post, we’ll dive into some of the most interesting facts about the mountain—things that make it special, unique, and worth every step. From glaciers and volcanoes to wildlife and culture, this is what makes Kilimanjaro more than just a mountain.

One of the first things people ask us at Bookatrekking.com is: how hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? Fair question. It’s Africa’s highest mountain, almost 6,000 meters above sea level, and for many, it’s their first time hiking at altitude. The good news? You don’t need ropes, technical gear or climbing experience. The challenge is real, but it’s more about endurance, altitude and mindset than physical strength. If you can walk for several days in a row and stay positive when things get tough, you’ve got what it takes. I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro facts myself, and I’ll be honest—it was hard for me. But that had everything to do with the way I did it. I accelerated the trek and skipped key acclimatisation time, which made the altitude hit harder than it needed to. Summit night was tough. I was cold, tired and moving slowly. But even then, I never felt unsupported. The guides, the pacing and the way the routes are structured are all designed to give you the best shot at reaching the top. In the video below, we show you what the climb is really like. And in this post, I’ll walk you through what makes Kilimanjaro hard, what makes it doable and how you can prepare for it.

Ask anyone who’s done the Machame Route or the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro and they’ll probably mention the Barranco Wall. It’s one of the most talked-about sections of the entire climb. Steep, dramatic, and often hyped as the "Breakfast Wall" because you tackle it right after your morning meal. I climbed it myself in September 2022 as part of the Machame Route, and I get why people talk about it. It’s the first part of the trek where you stop walking and start scrambling. Hands on the rock, views behind you, and the trail hugging the side of the mountain—it’s an experience that sticks with you. The Barranco Wall looks intimidating from below, especially when you're staring up at it with your coffee still settling. But once you're on it, it’s more fun than frightening. It’s not super technical, there’s no climbing gear involved, and your guides will be right there to show you the best footholds. It’s one of those parts of the route where the scenery shifts fast and you get a real sense of altitude. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to expect, what not to worry about, and why the Barranco Wall might just become your favourite part of the climb. Planning your own Kilimanjaro adventure? This is one section you’ll want to be ready for.