7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro

7 Practical Lessons from Climbing Kilimanjaro

I completed the 7-day Machame Route in 2024 with Rede Tours and Safaris. The preparation and execution were solid, but several on-mountain realities caught me off guard. Below are the seven insights I now consider essential for any first-time climber.

1. Physical Fitness Is Necessary but Not Sufficient

I trained consistently for six months—cardio, strength, and stair climbing. Still, acute mountain sickness (AMS) struck at 4,600m. Cardiovascular fitness aids endurance, but it does not prevent altitude-related symptoms. Begin acetazolamide (Diamox) 24–48 hours before summit night and maintain hydration at 4–5 liters daily. Clear urine is the best indicator of adequate fluid intake.

2. Porter Tipping Protocol Requires Advance Planning

Porters carry up to 20kg each and are paid modestly. The standard tip is $20–25 per porter per climb, pooled and distributed at the end. I arrived with large-denomination notes and delayed payment. Carry small USD bills (preferably pre-2013 series) in a dedicated envelope. A brief thank-you in Swahili (“Asante sana”) goes far.

3. Meals Are High-Quality; Personal Snacks Remain Critical

Our cook prepared balanced, calorie-dense meals: soups, rice, proteins, and fresh produce. However, appetite suppression is common above 4,000m. I relied on ginger chews for nausea and electrolyte packets to flavor water. Pack 200–300 kcal of preferred snacks per day in resealable bags.

4. “Pole Pole” Is a Non-Negotiable Pace Strategy

Translated as “slowly, slowly,” this is the single most effective AMS prevention tool. Groups that overexert early often fail to summit. Maintain a conversational pace; if you cannot speak full sentences, slow down. Guides monitor oxygen saturation nightly—follow their lead.

5. Summit Night Demands Layering and Mental Preparation

Departure from Barafu Camp is at 11:00 PM; temperatures drop to –10°C to –15°C. I used four upper-body layers (base, fleece, puffy, hard shell) and chemical hand warmers. The 1,200m ascent takes 6–8 hours. Break it into 100m segments mentally; focus only on the next marker.

6. Hygiene Facilities Are Minimal

No running water above 3,000m. I packed 50 biodegradable wipes, a 100ml bottle of hand sanitizer, and a wide-mouth pee bottle for nighttime use inside the tent. A small pack of dry shampoo helped manage oil buildup by day five.

7. Acclimatization Profile Trumps Route Length

Success rate on Machame (7 days) is ~85%; on Marangu (5 days) it is ~50%. The extra day allows a “climb high, sleep low” profile, significantly improving oxygenation. Do not cut corners on itinerary duration for cost savings.

These points are drawn from direct experience and align with Kilimanjaro National Park guidelines. Proper preparation increases summit success and safety.

Packing List for Kilimanjaro

The following items are recommended for a 7-day Machame Route climb. Gear is divided into essential and optional categories. Porters carry up to 15kg of personal equipment; keep daypack weight under 8kg.

Essential Gear

• Footwear: Broken-in waterproof hiking boots (ankle support), gaiters, 2–3 pairs synthetic liner socks, 2–3 pairs thick wool hiking socks
• Upper Body: Moisture-wicking base layer (2), mid-weight fleece, insulated synthetic puffy jacket, waterproof hard-shell jacket with hood
• Lower Body: Hiking pants (2), waterproof over-pants, thermal leggings for summit night
• Head & Hands: Warm beanie, sun hat with brim, balaclava or buff, lightweight gloves, insulated waterproof gloves or mittens
• Sleep System: 4-season sleeping bag (rated to –15°C), inflatable sleeping pad (R-value ≥4), silk or fleece liner (optional for warmth)
• Hydration & Nutrition: 3L hydration bladder or wide-mouth bottles, water purification tablets, electrolyte powder (10–14 packets), high-energy snacks (200–300 kcal/day)
• Personal Items: Headlamp with extra batteries, 50+ SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, 100ml hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes (50+), wide-mouth pee bottle (1L), trekking poles (collapsible)
• Medical: Personal first-aid kit (blister plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrheal), prescription medications (including acetazolamide if advised by physician)
• Documents: Passport, visa, insurance policy with evacuation coverage, cash in small USD bills for tipping

Optional but Recommended

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Portable charger (10,000 mAh minimum)
• Dry shampoo (100ml)
• Earplugs and eye mask for rest days
• Journal and pen
• Chemical hand/foot warmers (10 pairs)
• Lightweight camp sandals for hut/camp use

Rede Tours provides group gear (tents, dining setup, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter). Rental options are available in Moshi for sleeping bags, trekking poles, and down jackets.

Consult Our Kilimanjaro Specialists