Planning a Kilimanjaro climb can feel overwhelming. Gear lists. Route choices. Training plans. Visas. Vaccinations. Altitude medication. Booking operators. When do you do what?
This checklist removes the guesswork. We've broken down everything you need to do—from the moment you decide to climb to the day you return home—into a clear, actionable timeline. Follow this checklist, and you'll arrive at the trailhead fully prepared, properly trained, and ready to summit. (New climber? Start with our beginner's guide.)
Use this page as your planning hub. Bookmark it. Check tasks off as you complete them. And if you want a printable PDF version you can take anywhere (plus our bonus detailed packing list), grab it below—we'll send it straight to your inbox.
Get the Printable PDF Checklist + Bonus Packing List
Download our comprehensive 12-month planning checklist and detailed gear packing list. Print them, check them off, summit with confidence.
12-6 Months Before Your Climb: Research & Big Decisions
This is your foundation phase. The decisions you make now determine your summit success rate, safety, and overall experience. Don't rush this stage.
Route Selection (THE Most Important Decision)
Choose an 8-9 day route. Route length directly correlates with summit success:
- Lemosho 8-day: 85-95% success rate. Best for first-timers. Scenic, gradual acclimatization.
- Northern Circuit 9-day: 95%+ success. Longest route, best acclimatization, most expensive.
- Machame 7-day: 70-80% success. Popular, good acclimatization, budget-friendly.
- Avoid 5-6 day routes: Marangu 5-day has ~50% success. Too fast for most bodies to adapt.
Read our complete route comparison and beginner's guide for detailed breakdowns.
Choose a Reputable, Ethical Operator
Don't book the cheapest option. Budget operators ($1,500-1,800) cut corners on:
- Porter welfare (underpaid, overworked, poor equipment)
- Guide experience and safety training
- Food quality and quantity (you need calories at altitude)
- Emergency equipment (oxygen, first aid)
What to look for in an operator:
- KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) membership
- Transparent pricing ($2,400-$3,200 for 8-day mid-range quality climbs)
- Clear summit success rates
- Good reviews (Google, TripAdvisor, verified climbers)
- Detailed itineraries and gear lists
- Emergency evacuation protocols
Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season (June-October, January-March). Spaces fill up.
Assess Your Current Fitness Level
Honest self-assessment:
- Can you hike 4-6 hours uphill without stopping frequently?
- Can you climb stairs for 30-60 minutes without gasping?
- Do you exercise regularly (3+ times per week)?
If you answered "no" to these questions, you need 12 weeks of training minimum. If you're already active, 8 weeks is sufficient. Start planning your training timeline now.
Set Your Climb Dates
Best times to climb:
- June-October: Dry, warm, busy. Best for first-timers.
- January-March: Dry, cold, fewer crowds. Stunning summit views.
- Avoid April-May: Heavy rains, muddy trails, poor visibility.
Factor in:
- Work vacation time (need 10-14 days total including travel)
- Flight prices (book 3-4 months ahead for best deals)
- Training timeline (need 8-12 weeks before departure)
Budget Planning
Total realistic cost: $3,500-$6,000
Break it down:
- Climb package: $2,000-$3,200 (8-day route, mid-range operator)
- Flights: $600-$1,500 (varies by origin and booking timing)
- Visa: $100 (Tanzania tourist visa)
- Travel insurance: $100-200 (must cover high-altitude trekking to 6,000m)
- Gear (if buying new): $500-$1,500 (boots, sleeping bag, clothing layers)
- Gear rental (if renting): $100-150 (sleeping bag, trekking poles, jacket)
- Tips for crew: $250-350 (industry standard)
- Accommodation (before/after): $60-300 (2-3 nights in Moshi/Arusha)
- Vaccinations: $100-300 (yellow fever, typhoid, Hep A)
- Altitude medication (optional): $30-60 (Diamox prescription)
See our complete cost breakdown for detailed budget planning.
Research Altitude Sickness & Prevention
Altitude sickness is the #1 reason climbers fail. Educate yourself now:
- Read our complete altitude sickness guide
- Understand symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue)
- Learn when to descend (severe symptoms = medical emergency)
- Consider Diamox (altitude medication) — discuss with your doctor
The longer your route (8-9 days), the better your acclimatization and lower your altitude sickness risk.
6-3 Months Before: Booking & Logistics
You've done your research. Now it's time to commit and handle the administrative tasks.
Book Your Climb
Confirm with your chosen operator:
- Route and dates
- Group size (private vs. group climb)
- What's included (meals, gear, park fees, airport transfers)
- What's NOT included (tips, personal gear, insurance)
- Payment schedule (deposit + final payment timeline)
- Cancellation policy
Get everything in writing. Read the contract carefully.
Book Flights to Tanzania
Main airports:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Closest to Moshi/Arusha (climbing base towns). Preferred.
- Dar es Salaam (DAR): Cheaper sometimes but requires domestic connection or long drive.
Arrival timing: Arrive at least 1 full day before your climb starts. Gives you buffer for flight delays and time to rest/acclimate.
Departure timing: Depart 1-2 days after your climb ends. You'll be exhausted—build in recovery time.
See our Kilimanjaro flights guide for booking tips and airline recommendations.
Apply for Tanzania Visa
Options:
- Visa on arrival: $100 USD cash (bring exact bills). Available at JRO airport. Easiest option.
- E-visa (online): Apply at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz. Same $100 fee. Saves time at airport.
Requirements:
- Passport valid for 6+ months from entry date
- Blank passport pages (at least 2)
- Return flight confirmation
Most nationalities qualify for tourist visa. Check Tanzania Immigration for your country's requirements.
Schedule Vaccinations
Required:
- Yellow fever: Mandatory if arriving from endemic countries (most of Africa, South America). Recommended for all travelers. Get it 10+ days before travel. Lifetime validity.
Recommended:
- Typhoid: Oral or injection. Protects against contaminated food/water.
- Hepatitis A: Foodborne illness protection.
- Tetanus/Diphtheria: If not up to date (every 10 years).
- Hepatitis B: If extended travel or potential medical exposure.
- Rabies: Only if spending significant time in rural areas or around animals.
Malaria prevention: Moshi/Arusha (climbing base) and the mountain itself are malaria-free due to altitude. If doing safari in low-lying areas, consider prophylaxis (Malarone, doxycycline). Discuss with travel medicine doctor.
Action: Visit travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Non-negotiable. You need insurance that covers:
- High-altitude trekking to 6,000 meters (many policies cap at 4,000-5,000m)
- Emergency evacuation by helicopter (can cost $5,000-10,000 out of pocket)
- Medical treatment in Tanzania
- Trip cancellation/interruption (if you get sick before or during the climb)
- Baggage loss/delay
Cost: $100-250 depending on trip length and coverage limits.
Reputable providers:
- World Nomads (popular with adventure travelers)
- IMG Global (good altitude coverage)
- Allianz Global Assistance
- Travel Guard
Read the fine print. Confirm altitude limits and evacuation coverage. Don't buy the cheapest policy—you're climbing to nearly 6,000 meters.
Start Acquiring Gear
Don't wait until the last minute. Start shopping now so you can:
- Break in hiking boots (50+ km before the climb)
- Test gear on training hikes
- Return/exchange items that don't fit or work
- Spread costs over several months
Priority purchases (buy these first):
- Hiking boots: Waterproof, ankle support, broken in completely. Most important item.
- Sleeping bag: Rated to -15°C or lower. Buy or rent ($40-60 rental in Tanzania).
- Base layers: Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms (merino wool or synthetic). No cotton.
- Insulated jacket: Down or synthetic puffy for camp and summit night.
- Waterproof shell jacket and pants: For rain and summit night wind.
- Trekking poles: Reduce knee strain on descent. Buy or rent ($15-25 rental).
Download our complete packing list for every item you need. Or grab the printable PDF checklist above.
Begin Training Program
Timeline: 8-12 weeks minimum before departure.
If you're 3-6 months out, start training now. Waiting until 1 month before is too late.
Training goals:
- Build hiking endurance: 4-6 hours uphill without exhaustion
- Strengthen cardiovascular system for thin air
- Condition legs and core for daily trekking
- Test your gear (boots, pack, clothing) on real hikes
Weekly training schedule:
- 2-3 long hikes per week: Find trails with elevation gain. Start with 2-3 hours, build to 5-6 hours. Wear boots and carry 5-8kg pack.
- 3-4 cardio sessions per week: Running, cycling, swimming, rowing. 30-60 minutes moderate intensity.
- 1-2 strength sessions per week (optional): Squats, lunges, step-ups, planks. Focus on legs and core.
- Stair training (if no mountains): Stadiums, high-rise buildings, stair machines. 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per week.
See our 12-week training plan for week-by-week workouts.
3-1 Months Before: Intensify & Finalize
You're in the final stretch. Training intensifies, gear finalizes, logistics lock in.
Complete Gear Acquisition
You should own or have rental arranged for:
- Hiking boots (fully broken in by now)
- Sleeping bag (-15°C rated)
- All clothing layers (base, mid, insulation, shell)
- Trekking poles
- Daypack (25-35L)
- Duffel bag for porters (soft-sided, 60-90L)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Hydration system (3L capacity)
- Sunglasses (UV400, glacier glasses)
- Warm hat, gloves (liner + insulated), balaclava
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm
- First aid kit, medications
Test everything on training hikes. Don't show up with untested gear. Discover problems now, not at 4,000 meters.
Book Accommodation (Before/After Climb)
You'll need:
- Pre-climb (1-2 nights): Arrive in Moshi or Arusha day before your climb. Rest, attend briefing, final gear check.
- Post-climb (1-2 nights): You'll be exhausted. Shower, sleep, celebrate, recover before flying home.
Budget options ($30-60/night):
- Keys Hotel (Moshi)
- Kilimanjaro Crane Hotel
- Bristol Cottages
Mid-range ($80-150/night):
- Weru Weru River Lodge
- Aishi Machame Hotel
- Mount Meru Hotel (Arusha)
Many operators include airport pickup and hotel transfers. Confirm with your operator.
Purchase Travel Insurance (If Not Done)
If you haven't bought insurance yet, do it NOW. Prices increase closer to departure, and you need coverage in case of pre-trip illness or injury.
Consult Doctor About Altitude Medication
Diamox (acetazolamide): The most common altitude sickness prevention medication.
How it works: Speeds up acclimatization by increasing breathing rate, improving oxygen absorption.
Dosage: Typically 125-250mg twice daily, starting 1-2 days before ascent.
Side effects: Tingling fingers/toes, increased urination, carbonated drinks taste flat, rare allergic reactions (sulfa allergy).
Action:
- Schedule doctor visit 1-2 months before climb
- Discuss Diamox benefits/risks for your health profile
- TEST IT BEFORE THE CLIMB: Take Diamox on a training hike 2-3 weeks before departure to check for side effects
- Get prescription if you and your doctor decide it's appropriate
Read our complete Diamox guide for detailed information.
Note: Diamox is NOT a substitute for proper acclimatization. It helps, but choosing an 8-9 day route matters far more.
Intensify Training
You should be able to:
- Hike 6+ hours uphill comfortably
- Carry 6-8kg daypack without shoulder/back pain
- Climb stairs for 60 minutes without gasping
- Hold a conversation while hiking uphill (conversation test)
Final training push (4-6 weeks out):
- Increase hike duration to 6-8 hours (once per week)
- Add weight to pack (8-10kg) to simulate summit day
- Do back-to-back hiking days (Saturday + Sunday) to simulate multi-day trekking
- Practice hiking in all your gear (test layering system)
Taper 1 week before departure: Reduce training volume. Light hikes, stretching, rest. Arrive fresh, not exhausted.
Confirm Operator Details
2-4 weeks before departure, confirm:
- Exact start date and meeting location
- Airport pickup arrangements (time, contact number)
- Pre-climb briefing details
- Final payment deadline
- Guide and crew assignments (if available)
- Gear rental arrangements (if using operator's gear)
Get emergency contact numbers for your operator (WhatsApp, local phone).
1 Month Before: Final Preparations
The countdown is on. Handle last-minute details and get your body ready.
Final Gear Check
Lay out ALL your gear. Check off every item:
- Hiking boots (broken in, waterproofed)
- Camp shoes (lightweight sandals or sneakers)
- Sleeping bag (-15°C rated, tested)
- Sleeping mat (if providing your own—most operators supply)
- Base layers (2-3 sets top + bottom)
- Mid-layers (1-2 fleeces or lightweight jackets)
- Insulated jacket (down or synthetic puffy)
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Hiking pants/shorts (2 pairs)
- Underwear (4-5 pairs, moisture-wicking)
- Socks (4-5 pairs, merino wool or synthetic)
- Warm hat (beanie)
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Sun hat or cap
- Gloves: liner gloves + insulated gloves/mittens
- Daypack (25-35L)
- Duffel bag (for porters)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Sunglasses (UV400)
- Hydration bladder or water bottles (3L total)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm (SPF)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper)
- Medications (Diamox if using, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, personal prescriptions)
- First aid kit (blister treatment, bandages, antiseptic)
- Camera, phone, portable charger
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)
- Passport, visa documents, insurance card
- Cash for tips (USD small bills: $250-350 total in $5, $10, $20 denominations)
If anything is missing, buy or rent it NOW. Don't wait until 1 week before departure.
Create Packing List
Two packing systems:
- Duffel bag (for porters to carry): Sleeping bag, extra clothes, insulated jacket, toiletries, camp shoes. Max 12-15kg (check your operator's limit).
- Daypack (you carry): Water (3L), snacks, rain gear, fleece, camera, sunscreen, first aid. Keep it light: 5-8kg max.
Practice packing 2-3 weeks before departure. Make sure everything fits and you're under weight limits.
Pre-Acclimatization (Optional)
If you live at sea level, consider:
- Altitude training mask: Limited benefit, but some climbers use them.
- Sleeping at altitude: If you can spend time at 2,000-3,000m before the climb (hiking in mountains, staying in mountain towns), it helps.
- Hypoxic tents/chambers: Expensive, limited availability, mixed research on effectiveness.
Realistically: Most people can't pre-acclimatize. The best strategy is choosing an 8-9 day route with proper acclimatization built in. That matters far more than any pre-trip altitude exposure.
Test Diamox (If Using)
If you're taking Diamox for altitude sickness prevention:
- Take it on a training hike 2-3 weeks before departure
- Observe side effects (tingling, frequent urination, taste changes)
- Confirm you don't have allergic reaction
- Adjust dosage with doctor if needed
Do NOT wait to test it on the mountain. Discover problems at home, not at 4,000 meters.
Arrange Tip Money
Industry-standard tipping (8-day climb):
- Lead guide: $20-25/day ($160-200 total)
- Assistant guide(s): $15-20/day ($120-160 total)
- Cook: $12-15/day ($96-120 total)
- Porters: $8-10/day per porter (4-6 porters typically, split among group)
Total per climber: $250-350 depending on group size and crew size.
Currency: USD cash in small bills ($5, $10, $20). Bring crisp, new-ish bills (Tanzania is picky about condition). No torn or heavily worn bills.
Get cash 2-4 weeks before departure. Your operator will explain tipping ceremony on summit day.
Confirm Flights & Print Documents
2 weeks before departure:
- Check in online for flights (if available)
- Print boarding passes, itineraries, confirmations
- Print hotel confirmations
- Print travel insurance policy card
- Print vaccination records (yellow fever certificate required)
- Print operator booking confirmation
Keep digital copies on phone/email AND physical copies. Redundancy saves headaches.
The Week Before: Final Countdown
You're almost there. Stay healthy, finalize logistics, prepare mentally.
Final Fitness Taper
Do NOT overtrain the week before departure.
- Light cardio: easy walks, gentle cycling, swimming
- Stretching and mobility work
- Rest days: 2-3 full rest days in the final week
- Sleep: Prioritize 8+ hours per night
Arrive fresh and rested, not exhausted from last-minute training.
Avoid Getting Sick
Protect your health:
- Avoid crowds and sick people
- Wash hands frequently
- Stay hydrated (3-4L water per day)
- Eat well (fruits, vegetables, lean protein)
- Get enough sleep
- No alcohol 3-4 days before departure (dehydrates you)
- No hard partying or risky activities (now is not the time to break a leg)
A pre-trip cold or flu can ruin your summit chances. Stay healthy.
Hydration & Nutrition Prep
Start hydrating NOW:
- Drink 3-4L water per day in the week before departure
- Urine should be clear or pale yellow
- Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol (dehydrating)
Eat well:
- Balanced meals with carbs, protein, healthy fats
- Avoid drastic diet changes
- No extreme weight loss attempts (you need energy reserves)
Jet Lag Preparation
If flying internationally (8+ hour time difference):
- Start shifting sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure
- Go to bed 1-2 hours earlier/later (depending on direction of travel)
- Use melatonin to adjust sleep cycle (3-5mg, 30 min before bed)
- On the flight: sleep when it's night at destination, stay awake when it's day
- Upon arrival: get sunlight exposure, stay awake until local bedtime
Arrive 1-2 days early to acclimate to time zone before starting your climb.
Pack Your Bags
3-4 days before departure:
- Pack duffel bag (for porters): sleeping bag, clothes, insulated jacket, toiletries
- Weigh it: max 12-15kg (check operator limit)
- Pack daypack (for you to carry): water system, snacks, rain gear, camera
- Keep daypack light: 5-8kg
- Pack carry-on: valuables, medications, passport, change of clothes (in case checked bag is delayed)
Airline baggage limits:
- Most international flights allow 1-2 checked bags (23kg each)
- Carry-on: 7-10kg (varies by airline)
- Check your airline's policy
Final Operator Contact
24-48 hours before departure:
- Confirm airport pickup time and location
- Save operator's WhatsApp or local phone number
- Confirm hotel for pre-climb night
- Ask about pre-climb briefing time
Have backup contact methods (email, alternate phone number).
On the Mountain: Daily Checklist
You're on the mountain! Follow these daily practices to maximize summit success.
Hydration (The Most Important Daily Task)
Drink 3-4 liters of water per day. Every. Single. Day.
- Dehydration worsens altitude sickness
- Guides will chant "Maji, maji" (Swahili for "water, water")
- Urine check: pale yellow = hydrated, dark yellow = drink more
- Drink even when you don't feel thirsty (altitude suppresses thirst)
- Hot tea, soup, and electrolyte drinks count toward daily intake
On summit night, hydration is critical. Drink before you start, sip during ascent, rehydrate immediately upon descent.
Pole Pole (Go Slowly)
"Pole pole" (pronounced poh-lay poh-lay) = Swahili for "slowly slowly"
This is your mantra. Your guides will repeat it constantly. Listen to them.
- Walk deliberately slow—slower than feels natural
- Take small, steady steps
- Breathe deeply and rhythmically
- No racing ahead (burns energy, worsens altitude sickness)
The climbers who go slow summit. The climbers who rush turn back sick. Pole pole.
Eat Even When You're Not Hungry
Altitude suppresses appetite. Force yourself to eat:
- Breakfast: oatmeal, eggs, toast, fruit, tea/coffee
- Lunch: packed lunch (sandwich, fruit, snacks)
- Dinner: soup, rice/pasta, protein, vegetables, tea
- Snacks: energy bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit (carry in daypack)
You burn 4,000-5,000 calories per day on Kilimanjaro. Eat to fuel your body. Even if food tastes like cardboard, eat it.
Listen to Your Body
Daily symptom check:
- Mild headache: Normal. Drink water, take ibuprofen, monitor.
- Severe headache (doesn't improve with meds): Tell your guide immediately.
- Nausea: Common. Eat light, drink water, rest.
- Vomiting repeatedly: Red flag. Tell your guide.
- Dizziness upon standing: Normal at altitude. Stand slowly.
- Can't walk straight: Medical emergency. Descend immediately.
- Shortness of breath at rest: Normal at altitude. If severe or accompanied by chest tightness, tell your guide.
Never hide symptoms. Guides can help if you tell them. They can't help if you suffer in silence.
Sleep Strategy
Sleep is hard at altitude (thin air, cold, unfamiliar tent). Maximize rest:
- Wear earplugs (camps can be noisy)
- Layer clothing for warmth (hat, base layers in sleeping bag)
- Use sleeping bag hood and cinch it snug
- Place water bottle in sleeping bag to prevent freezing
- Pee before bed (midnight bathroom trips in freezing cold are miserable)
- If you wake with headache, sit up for 10-15 minutes (improves oxygen flow)
Even poor sleep helps. Rest when you can.
Summit Night Checklist
You'll wake at 11pm-midnight. Be ready:
- Layer up: Base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, shell, warm hat, balaclava, two pairs of gloves
- Headlamp: Fresh batteries, backup batteries in pocket
- Hydration: Insulated water bottle or bladder (standard bottles freeze). Pre-fill with warm water.
- Snacks: High-energy foods (chocolate, energy gels, nuts) in easily accessible pockets
- Trekking poles: Essential for stability on scree
- Personal items: Tissues, hand warmers (optional), camera
Summit night pace:
- Even slower than pole pole. Glacial pace.
- Breathe: in through nose, out through mouth, deep and rhythmic
- Rest step technique: pause with weight on downhill leg, breathe, then step
- Take breaks as needed: 30-60 seconds every 20-30 minutes
- Focus on the feet in front of you. One step at a time. Don't think about the summit—just the next step.
After the Climb: Recovery & Celebration
You made it! (Or you gave it your best.) Now recover properly.
Immediate Post-Climb (Days 1-2)
- Shower: Glorious hot water. Take your time.
- Eat real food: Pizza, burgers, whatever you've been craving. Your appetite will roar back.
- Sleep: 10-12 hours. Your body needs it.
- Hydrate: Continue drinking 3-4L water per day.
- Stretch: Gentle stretching, foam rolling if available.
- Celebrate: You climbed Kilimanjaro. Enjoy the accomplishment.
Collect Your Summit Certificate
If you summited:
- You'll receive an official certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park
- Signed by park officials
- States your name, route, summit date
- Two levels: Gillman's Point (5,685m crater rim) or Uhuru Peak (5,895m true summit)
Frame it. You earned it.
Tip Your Crew
On the final day or post-climb, you'll gather for the tipping ceremony:
- Guides distribute tip envelopes
- Give tips privately or as group (operator will advise)
- Cash in USD: $250-350 total per climber
- Thank your crew. They carried your gear, cooked your meals, ensured your safety. Tip generously.
Write a Review
If you had a good (or bad) experience, help future climbers:
- Leave review on Google, TripAdvisor, operator's website
- Be honest about operator quality, guide performance, summit success
- Mention crew by name if they went above and beyond
- Photo evidence helps (summit photos, camp life, crew)
Reviews help ethical operators thrive and warn climbers away from bad ones.
Recovery Timeline (1-4 Weeks Post-Climb)
Week 1:
- Rest, sleep, eat well
- Light walking only (no intense exercise)
- Expect fatigue, soreness, possible altitude hangover (headache, fatigue)
Week 2-3:
- Gradually resume light exercise (walking, cycling, swimming)
- Avoid high-intensity workouts
- Listen to your body—don't push hard
Week 4+:
- Return to normal training routine
- Full recovery typically takes 3-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning my Kilimanjaro climb?
Start planning 6-12 months in advance. This gives you time to research routes, book with reputable operators (spaces fill up 4-6 months ahead for peak season), train properly (8-12 weeks minimum), arrange visas and vaccinations, purchase or rent gear, and book affordable flights. Last-minute climbs are possible but often mean compromising on route choice, operator quality, or paying premium prices.
What is the most important item on the Kilimanjaro checklist?
Route selection is the single most important decision. An 8-9 day route like Lemosho or Northern Circuit gives your body time to acclimatize, resulting in 85-95% summit success rates. Short 5-6 day routes have 50-65% success rates. No amount of training, gear, or determination can overcome poor acclimatization. Choose a longer route—it's the difference between summiting and turning back sick.
How long does it take to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?
Physical training requires 8-12 weeks minimum to build hiking endurance and cardiovascular fitness. However, total preparation (booking, gear acquisition, visa/vaccinations, travel arrangements) takes 3-6 months. If you're starting from sedentary fitness, give yourself 12 weeks for training. The goal isn't to become an athlete—it's to comfortably hike 4-6 hours per day uphill for a week.
What should I do 1 month before climbing Kilimanjaro?
One month before departure: finalize gear (test everything on training hikes), book travel insurance with high-altitude coverage, confirm flights and accommodation, start altitude pre-acclimatization if using Diamox (test it first), create final packing list, break in hiking boots completely, arrange tip money in small USD bills, confirm operator details, and intensify training with longer hikes carrying a weighted pack.
What documents do I need for Kilimanjaro?
Required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), Tanzania tourist visa ($100 single-entry, obtainable on arrival or online), yellow fever vaccination certificate (required if arriving from endemic countries, recommended for all), travel insurance policy covering high-altitude trekking to 6,000m and emergency evacuation, printed flight itineraries, hotel confirmations, and operator booking confirmation. Keep digital and physical copies of all documents.
