1. High Altitude and Oxygen Levels

One of the biggest hurdles on Kilimanjaro is the thin air at high altitudes. As you ascend, oxygen levels drop significantly:

• At sea level, oxygen levels are 100%
• At Kilimanjaro’s summit, oxygen levels are around 50%

This decrease can cause altitude sickness, leading to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. The key to overcoming this is proper acclimatization, which is why longer routes (7+ days) are recommended.

2. Physical Endurance and Trekking Distance

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, but it is a physically demanding trek.

• The journey takes 5 to 9 days, depending on the route.
• Daily trekking time ranges from 4 to 8 hours, with the summit night requiring 10 to 14 hours of hiking.
• The trek covers diverse terrains, from dense rainforests to rocky alpine deserts.

Good physical fitness, endurance, and mental resilience are essential for success.

3. Harsh and Unpredictable Weather

Kilimanjaro’s weather is highly unpredictable. Climbers pass through five climate zones:

• Rainforest (hot and humid)
• Moorland (cool and misty)
• Alpine Desert (dry and windy)
• Arctic Zone (freezing cold, with snow and strong winds)

Temperatures near the summit can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower, making proper clothing and layering crucial.

4. The Summit Push – The Toughest Part

The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is the most difficult.

• The summit push begins around midnight, with temperatures well below freezing.
• Climbers trek for 6 to 8 hours in darkness, battling exhaustion and altitude sickness.
• Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the descent back to lower altitudes is equally exhausting.