Getting Started
New to Kilimanjaro? Start here. Essential planning information for first-time climbers.
Kilimanjaro for Beginners: The Complete Starting Guide
Everything you need to know for your first Kilimanjaro climb. Routes, training, costs, gear, and what to expect on the mountain.
BeginnersPlanning
How Hard Is Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Honest assessment of Kilimanjaro's difficulty, fitness requirements, success rates by route, and who should (and shouldn't) attempt it.
DifficultyPlanning
Entry Requirements: Visa, Vaccinations & More
Complete guide to Tanzania visa requirements, vaccination recommendations, passport validity, and entry procedures for Kilimanjaro climbers.
PlanningTravel
Kilimanjaro for Families: A Parent's Guide
Can kids climb Kilimanjaro? Age minimums, route selection, preparation tips, and what to consider when planning a family summit.
FamiliesPlanning
Climbing Kilimanjaro Over 50
Training, acclimatization, route selection, and success tips for older climbers. Age is just a number when you prepare right.
PlanningFitnessHealth & Safety
Stay safe and summit successfully. Essential health and safety information for Kilimanjaro.
Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
Symptoms, prevention strategies, Diamox use, and when guides make the call to turn back. The #1 risk factor on Kilimanjaro.
HealthSafety
Is Kilimanjaro Dangerous? Safety Facts
Real risks on Kilimanjaro, injury and fatality statistics, safety measures, and how to minimize danger through proper preparation.
SafetyHealth
12-Week Kilimanjaro Training Plan
Week-by-week workout program with hiking schedules, strength training, and cardio. Get summit-ready from scratch in 12 weeks.
FitnessPreparation
Travel Insurance: What You Need
High-altitude coverage requirements, emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and recommended insurance providers for Kilimanjaro climbers.
SafetyPlanningRoute Guides
Choosing the right route is the most important decision you'll make. Compare all options.
How to Choose the Best Route
Complete comparison of all 7 Kilimanjaro routes. Duration, difficulty, scenery, success rates, and our expert recommendations.
RoutesPlanning
Machame vs Lemosho: Which Route?
The two most popular routes compared head-to-head. Duration, difficulty, scenery, success rates, and which one is right for you.
RoutesComparison
Kilimanjaro vs Everest Base Camp
Kili summit or EBC trek? Compare cost, difficulty, scenery, altitude, and duration to decide which epic adventure is right for you.
ComparisonPlanningOn the Mountain
What to expect during your climb. Essential guides for the mountain experience.
Summit Night: What to Expect
Hour-by-hour breakdown of the hardest and most rewarding night of the climb. Gear, mental strategies, and tips from our guides.
ExperiencePreparation
Complete Packing List
Everything you need to bring (and what to skip). Gear recommendations, rental options, and money-saving tips from experienced guides.
GearPreparation
Photography Guide: Capture Your Summit
Camera settings, gear protection, composition tips, and how to get stunning photos at high altitude without slowing your climb.
PhotographyTipsWeather & Timing
When should you climb? Weather patterns and seasonal considerations.
Kilimanjaro Weather Month by Month
Temperature zones, rainfall patterns, seasonal variations, and what to expect at every altitude from rainforest to arctic summit.
WeatherPlanning
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, and conditions. Find your perfect climbing window based on your priorities.
TimingPlanningCost & Logistics
Budget planning and financial transparency. Know where your money goes.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Transparent breakdown of park fees, guide costs, gear, flights, tips, and hidden expenses other operators don't mention.
CostPlanning
Permits & Park Fees: 2026 Breakdown
Complete breakdown of KINAPA park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and permits. Updated for 2026 with official pricing.
CostLogistics
Tipping Guide: Fair Pay for Your Team
Industry-standard tipping amounts by role, how to distribute tips fairly, and why proper tipping matters for your crew.
CostEthicsChoosing an Operator
Not all Kilimanjaro operators are created equal. Know what to look for.
How to Choose the Best Operator
Red flags, green flags, questions to ask, safety standards, crew treatment, and how to spot unethical operators before you book.
OperatorsPlanning
Success Rate: Route-by-Route Breakdown
Overall and route-specific success rates, factors that impact your odds, and why longer routes dramatically increase summit chances.
DataRoutesBeyond the Climb
Make the most of your Tanzania adventure. Safari combos and solo travel tips.
Kilimanjaro + Safari Combo Guide
How to combine your Kilimanjaro climb with a Tanzania safari. Best parks, optimal timing, costs, and sample itineraries.
SafariPlanning
Solo Climbing Kilimanjaro
Everything solo travelers need to know — joining group climbs, safety considerations, costs, and why going solo might be the best way.
SoloExperience