Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a goal for many adventurers, but success depends on more than just showing up with hiking boots and determination. At 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), Kilimanjaro is a serious high-altitude objective that requires thoughtful preparation. If you’re considering a Kilimanjaro expedition, avoiding these five common mistakes can make the difference between reaching the summit and turning around early.

If you’re looking for a professionally guided experience that minimizes these risks, check out our Kilimanjaro expedition — built on years of high-altitude expertise.

1. Underestimating Acclimatization

Many climbers make the mistake of thinking Kilimanjaro’s non-technical nature means it’s an easy mountain. But altitude sickness is the #1 reason people don’t summit.

Choosing a rapid itinerary without proper acclimatization days is risky. Instead, prioritize routes and guiding services that build in time for your body to adjust to the elevation. Alpenglow’s expedition uses the Rongai Route, which is longer than many other itineraries but dramatically increases success rates because it emphasizes slow, steady ascent and critical rest days.

2. Bringing Improper or Incomplete Gear

Weather on Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. You’ll hike through five climate zones — from humid rainforest to arctic summit conditions — and if you’re not prepared for freezing temperatures, wind, and rain, you’ll suffer.

Common gear mistakes include:

• Inadequate rain protection (jackets, pants, pack covers)
• Not enough insulation for summit day (think down jacket, warm gloves, and hat)
• Poor footwear choices (worn-out boots or shoes without ankle support)

Our Kilimanjaro gear list (scroll down to the gear section) ensures you pack exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less. If you’re unsure, reach out to our team; we’ve guided countless climbers to the summit and know what works.

3. Neglecting Physical Preparation

Kilimanjaro doesn’t require technical climbing skills, but it’s still a physically demanding expedition. Summit day, in particular, can involve 8–12 hours of hiking at altitude.

Too often, climbers assume they can “tough it out,” only to find that their lack of endurance or leg strength holds them back. Start training months in advance, focusing on:

• Long hikes with elevation gain
• Stair climbing or hill repeats
• Endurance workouts like running, swimming, or cycling
• Strength training for legs, core, and balance

Our guides recommend training like you’re preparing for a long-distance backpacking trip, with added focus on hiking uphill with a pack.

4. Failing to Take Summit Day Seriously

Even if you’ve done well throughout the trip, summit day is when everything comes together — or falls apart.

Mistakes climbers make on summit day include:

• Not eating enough during the climb (you’ll need calories to keep moving)
• Starting out too fast and burning out early
• Ignoring symptoms of altitude sickness, thinking they can “push through”

A professional guide will set an appropriate pace, monitor your health, and ensure you’re eating and hydrating enough. That’s one reasonclimbing with IFMGA/AMGA-certified guides like Alpenglow’s can make a major difference when it matters most.

5. Choosing the Wrong Guide Service

The right guide service is crucial to your Kilimanjaro experience and safety. Many operators offer bargain prices but cut corners on acclimatization, food quality, guide training, and emergency response.

At Alpenglow Expeditions, we combine our Himalayan and Andean expedition expertise to give climbers a high-altitude experience that maximizes safety and summit success. Our guides are internationally certified and trained in wilderness medicine and high-altitude protocols — not to mention they know how to keep morale high with good food and a supportive environment.

👉 You can learn more about our approach to Kilimanjaro, including the team, route, and strategy, on the official expedition page.

Final Thoughts

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure, but success depends on preparation and the choices you make long before you step foot in Tanzania. Avoiding these five mistakes will give you a far better chance of standing on the roof of Africa and enjoying every step of the way.

Ready to climb? Join our Kilimanjaro expedition here, or reach out to our team to learn more.