How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro?

The main challenge on Kilimanjaro isn’t the terrain, it’s the altitude. You’re climbing to 5,895 meters without much time to adapt, and your body feels that. Even though the trails aren’t technical and there’s no actual climbing involved, the air gets thinner with every step. That means less oxygen, slower recovery and a higher chance of altitude-related issues like headaches, nausea or just pure exhaustion. You don’t need to be an athlete to make it, but you do need to respect the mountain and the pace. Go too fast, and you’re asking for trouble. I did that myself, and I paid for it on summit night. If you want to know more about preventing altitude sickness, check out our full guide here.

Another thing that catches people off guard is how long the days can feel, especially near the top. On summit night, you start walking in the dark, often around midnight, and keep going for six or more hours until you reach the top. Then you have to get back down. It’s a long, cold, mentally draining push. You’re not sleeping much, the air is thin, and every break feels too short. That combination of altitude, lack of sleep, cold and repetition is what wears most people down. Physically, it’s walking. Mentally, it’s sticking with it when your body says it’s had enough.

You don’t need to be a mountaineer to climb Kilimanjaro. This isn’t Everest. You need to be fit enough to walk for several days in a row and willing to keep going when it gets tough. That’s it. We’ve seen all kinds of people reach the summit. Not just the ultra-fit or mountain types, but also people who trained with weekend hikes and simply showed up ready to give it their best. The climb rewards consistency, not ego. If you stay hydrated, listen to your guides, and take your time, you’ve got everything you need.

Even the parts that seem scary at first, like the Barranco Wall, are more doable than they look. It’s a short scrambling section you’ll only find on the Machame and Lemosho routes. From below it might look steep, but once you're on it, it’s actually a lot of fun. Many people say it’s their favourite part of the entire trek. You don’t need technical skills. You just need a calm head, a bit of balance, and the willingness to trust your guide and take it one step at a time.

You don’t need to run marathons or live in the gym to climb Kilimanjaro, but you do need to be prepared. The better your base fitness, the more you’ll enjoy the trek and the less likely you are to struggle with long days on the trail. This 6-week plan is for people who are moderately fit. Maybe you walk or exercise a few times a week already, but haven’t done anything like back-to-back hiking days or carried a pack for hours. That’s what we’ll work on here.

The goal is simple: build the stamina to walk for 6 to 8 hours a day with a backpack, sleep, wake up and do it again. You don’t need fancy equipment or altitude masks. You just need to walk, build strength in your legs, get used to uneven terrain and practice keeping a steady pace even when you’re tired. Below, we’ve outlined a weekly structure to follow. If you stick with it, you’ll arrive on the mountain feeling stronger, more confident and better able to enjoy the whole experience—step by step, all the way to the summit. And just to be clear: we’re not personal trainers. If you’re unsure where to start, or if you want extra support, it can really help to speak to a fitness coach or hit the gym to build up your strength and endurance safely.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. The mountain doesn’t care if you’re the fastest, the fittest or the most experienced. It rewards patience, preparation and a steady mindset. Whether you’re worried about the altitude, the long summit night or just wondering if you’ve got what it takes, remember: thousands of people reach the top every year by taking it one step at a time.

Being prepared makes all the difference. If you haven’t already, check out our Kilimanjaro packing list to make sure you bring the right gear, and read our guide on Kilimanjaro tipping so you know what to expect at the end of your trek. And of course, if you have any questions or want help planning your climb, get in touch with us. We’re always happy to help.

Have you climbed Kilimanjaro or are you planning to? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you and help you prepare for your own summit story.