Everything You Need to Know about a Kilimanjaro Expedition

A hike is typically a long walk in the great outdoors. Most hikers stick to popular, well-worn trails and walk these distances for both pleasure and exercise.

A climb implies using all of your effort to move upwards, like when you climb a tree. In return for all that hard work, you’re rewarded with a stunning view from the top.

Mount Kilimanjaro is equal parts hike and climb.

It’s as challenging as a climb, but thanks to the specific travel routes and the help of our expert guides, anyone can cross this trek off their bucket list.

Pick up any travel guide of must-see destinations in Africa and Kilimanjaro is bound to rank high on the list.

We think everyone should consider a Mount Kilimanjaro trek because:

When was the last time you accomplished a difficult feat you were a little bit scared of taking on in the first place?

Few things in life are as rewarding as climbing a mountain, let alone the tallest mountain in Africa. Climbing Kilimanjaro is an amazing experience you’ll remember and talk about for the rest of your life.

To reach the top of Kilimanjaro, you’ll need to hike through five unique climate zones each with their own weather patterns, vegetation, and animal life.

Many people don’t even get to explore this many different climates in their entire life!

You’ll trek through a hot and humid rainforest at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, then traverse the heath and moorland before an alpine desert. Then you find yourself working your way up to the snow-capped peaks of the glacial Arctic zone at the summit.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to stand on top of the world, the Kilimanjaro may be the closest you’ll get to that wish.

As you rise above the clouds, the unmatched scenery will steal your breath away — and that won’t just be the altitude.

Despite being the largest mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is a favorite for first-time climbers. That’s because you don’t need any technical climbing experience to reach the summit.

Anyone in relatively good health can make it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro as long as they have a positive mental attitude and build up their stamina and strength before their trip.

Did you know that 60% of travelers who set out to conquer Kilimanjaro never make it to the top?

Here at Tusker, we believe if you set your mind to climbing Kilimanjaro, we’re going to do our best to make it happen.

To increase the success of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, follow these Tusker-approved tips:

We are the only company to establish a comprehensive medical training course for our guides. Designed by Tusker founding guide and high altitude expert, Eddie Frank, the course is taught to Tusker guides every year and recognized by high altitude doctors worldwide.

You should never attempt to climb Kilimanjaro in record time. We plan each of our climbs to last between 8-10 climbing days so your body has time to adjust to the changing altitude.

We do this because, if you ascend Kilimanjaro too fast, you could be hit with acute mountain sickness (AMS). This could bring unwanted symptoms like a headache, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

We allow you to take a few days trekking from camp to camp as your dedicated porters set up everything you need, giving you ample time to bask in Mount Kilimanjaro’s glory and keep the effects of altitude sickness at bay.

Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and your chances of making it to the top are the best when you partner with the right climbing crew.

This means that you shouldn’t just choose the cheapest Kilimanjaro guides you find on an internet search.

With over 40 years of experience, Tusker helps 98% of our climbers reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Each climb is led by our own highly skilled staff of expert guides using our own support crew and gear to ensure the highest safety standards and protocols.

If you’re up for the challenge, learn why climbing Kilimanjaro is better with Tusker here.