Like anything in life, we are always looking to improve and progress, and nothing changes when it comes to adventure. I first started climbing mountains in the UK and quickly found myself seeking out more challenges. This began in the military across the Middle East, and then I wanted to take on bigger mountains—those where reaching the summit would take time, and where altitude was a consideration. This is where Kilimanjaro comes in. Here is all the information you need to know.

The first challenge to consider is actually getting there. Kilimanjaro now has an internationally known airport with links to Doha and other major airports, making it usually accessible with just two flights from your airport.

The other big challenge when taking on adventures is learning the skills needed to complete them. For most big mountains, you need to consider travelling over snow, crevasse rescues, using ropes, and more. For Kilimanjaro, you don’t need to worry about higher-level skills. It is a trek from the base of the mountain to the summit.

Camping can be a big challenge for newcomers to big adventures. However, the amazing teams on the mountain make it feel easy. Here is an example of how we have made camping easier on the mountain:

• Large stand-up tents to sleep in
• Foam sleeping mattresses
• Your own hot showers at the camp
• Private clean toilets
• Large heated mess tent for relaxing and eating meals
• Private chef cooking Western food
• Morning wake-up with coffee/tea
• Our team carries all your kit and tents up to the next camp

All of these things mean you don’t need to be a camping expert to feel comfortable on the mountain.

As mentioned above, there’s no need for highly technical skills to reach the summit. You can trek from the foot of the mountain to the summit. There is one section where you need to use your hands to help, which is the Barranco Wall.

The Barranco Wall involves some small scrambling. Our team of guides will be with you during all of the more difficult sections. In fact, we led a client across the Barranco Wall who was walking backwards for charity. Hopefully, this gives you an idea of the difficulty.

Finally, the weather rarely gives you major challenges. Having worked on Kilimanjaro a lot, I’ve only had one ascent with extremely heavy winds. But with a small change of plan and some amazing clients, they all managed to summit. The worst conditions most people deal with is a little rain lower down the mountain and the cold of summit day, when we trek through the night.

The mountain offers a vast array of routes to the summit, ranging from 4 days all the way to 10 days via the Northern Circuit. We choose the Lemosho route and spend 8 days on the mountain. This is because, in our opinion, it offers the perfect blend of acclimatisation versus not spending too long camping on the mountain. Each route offers different challenges. In fact, we have had clients climb one route and then return to us to do it again on a different route!

We also love the Lemosho route because every day on the trek is so different—from rainforests to alpine deserts. It never gets boring. It also offers the chance to climb high and sleep low (twice), which is a huge help for acclimatisation.

This video should show you how amazing the views are on Kilimanjaro. Usually, after the third day on the mountain, you are above the clouds, offering the most amazing sunrises and sunsets.

The change in terrain gives you a lot of variety that other big mountains often can’t match. From the local farmlands and tribes at the foot of the mountain, through the rainforest, over the plateau, across the alpine desert, and finally onto the summit!

Tanzania is a country rich in culture. It is home to over 100 different tribes, although the tribes now mix and work together. There are three dominating tribes in the area: the Maasai, Chagga, and Meru tribes. Each tribe has specific skills they are known for. For example, the Maasai are known for keeping cows and being fierce warriors. You will see them on the roadside, walking alongside their cows and carrying their sticks. In fact, they believe no one else should own cows!

During the climb, you are immersed in the culture. Our team teaches you some of the local language, and you walk alongside our huge team of porters, guides, and chefs. Here is a video from our latest climb, where, at 4,600m, the team were treated to some amazing local songs! It’s our little way of motivating everyone before we head for the summit.

Obviously, if you spend the money to travel and do the expedition, you want to make it to the crater of Kilimanjaro. We really like the altitude profile of the mountain because it increases the likelihood of summiting and reduces the chance of getting ill. Unfortunately, you can’t fully control this, and we would highly recommend climbing for more than 5 days to avoid increasing the chances of altitude sickness.

Finally, the rescue procedure on the mountain is well formulated, with easy and fast descents off the mountain. There are also options for helicopter pick-up in case of any major health issues.

You don’t want to embark on an epic adventure without it being a little challenging. We genuinely believe Kilimanjaro is a bit undersold. It is a tough mountain to climb. No matter what level of fitness you have, you’ll be proud of the efforts required to summit. To be totally transparent, aside from adjusting to the altitude, the first 5 days on the mountain can feel like a huge holiday—music, singing, slow, beautiful treks, and three hot meals a day. But on summit night, you really have to earn it. Waking up at 11pm, headtorch on, and then a slow trek through the night to the summit.

On summit day, you can often be trekking for up to 12 hours—don’t forget how high the mountain is! But when the sun rises over the horizon, it all becomes worth it. It’s the most amazing feeling ever, and the views are incredible. Here’s another video from the summit sunrise.

I love wildlife, and Tanzania is genuinely one of the best places to see true wildlife in the world. It’s a bit of a mecca for safaris, and you’ll get to experience some of it during the climb.

On the drive around to the Lemosho route, there’s often an opportunity to see wildebeest and even giraffe on the roadside. When you begin the climb through the rainforest, you’ll hear the barking sound of Colobus monkeys!

There are two species of monkeys you’re likely to see: the Blue monkey and the Colobus monkey. Higher up the mountain, you’ll see different bird species and often eagles!

Finally, the cost. We love big mountains, but we know they often come with a hefty price tag. Kilimanjaro offers an amazing experience, climbing a big mountain at a fraction of the usual cost.

If you want to learn more about the climb, you can book a call with me by clicking here, and you can find out more about our group climbs here.

Don’t waste any time—get yourself out to Tanzania to climb the highest mountain in Africa!