What Climbing Kilimanjaro Twice Taught Me About Training—and How Hike for Life Can Help You Prepare
How Colorado Trails—and a Little Humility—Prepared Me for Mt. Kilimanjaro (Twice)
By Melody, Hike for Life Guide
I had no idea how much hiking Colorado trails would prepare me for the Mt. Kilimanjaro hike. Turns out, living at 6,000 feet and enjoying hiking as a hobby was exactly the foundation I needed.
But maybe you’re thinking: I don’t live in Colorado, and I definitely don’t hike trails with much elevation.
That’s okay.
Melody at Uhuru Peak circa 1994
My Kilimanjaro hike actually started more than 30 years ago. I was a high school senior living in Kenya when I joined a week-long trek to Tanzania’s tallest peak.
Back then, I was a kind-of athlete, relatively fit (fast food wasn’t a thing and snacks were a luxury), and completely clueless about hiking prep. I borrowed too-small boots, packed cotton everything, and hoped for the best.
And somehow, I made it to the summit. It wasn’t pretty—altitude sickness was rough, and the public toilets were even rougher—but I did it.
I’ll never forget the feeling of standing on Uhuru, the highest of the peaks of Kilimanjaro, which rises to 19,341 feet (5,895 meters)—that’s how tall Kilimanjaro truly is.
Fast forward to my mid-40s, when I had the chance to co-lead a group up Kilimanjaro again. Like childbirth, I had forgotten the nitty-gritty details and enthusiastically said yes.
A few decades—and a lot more trail time—had taught me the value of being prepared.
This time, I came ready—with actual hiking gear, shoes that fit, and the wisdom to train ahead of time. Let me tell you, those three things made all the difference.
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to live at high elevation to prepare for the peaks of Kilimanjaro. The tallest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones—Uhuru Peak—rises to 19,341 feet, making it the highest point in Africa. So, when considering how tall is Mt. Kilimanjaro, remember this impressive height.
While how tall Kilimanjaro may seem daunting, proper training makes reaching the summit entirely achievable.
Pikes Peak at dawn: a Colorado warm-up for Kilimanjaro’s summit push.
How To Prepare for a Trek like Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro—Especially if You Don’t Live at Altitude
start by moving your body
Every member of our team trained for over six months.
We hiked. We walked. We lifted weights and added yoga. It wasn’t about being the fastest; it was about building the kind of endurance that comes from “time on feet.” That’s something my running coach, Lisa Rainsberger, always preached: the more time you spend on your feet in training, the better you’ll handle the real thing.
This kind of commitment is what climbing Kilimanjaro training really looks like—not just high altitude cardio but building stamina, mental grit, and mobility.
But it’s not just about mileage.
It’s about training smart—and covering the essentials that keep you safe and steady on the trail.
A HFL guest and one of our amazing guides at Pikes Peak Summit
The Five Essentials for Hiking
At Hike for Life, we teach what we call the Five Essentials on every guided hike: hydration, nutrition, protection, navigation, and mitigation. These five areas are the foundation of any successful adventure, whether you're tackling a local 14er or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
We were served ginger tea and filtered water for every meal and snack!
Hydration
Hydration is more than sipping water now and then—it’s understanding how elevation and exertion affect your body.
During training hikes, we practiced drinking water consistently and learned how to supplement with electrolytes, especially on long climbs. Trust me, it matters.
Regular snack breaks are crucial for energy.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another game changer. You don’t need a fancy sports nutrition degree to know how to fuel your body with snacks it can rely on.
While the trekking company you hire provides amazing meals (at least that was my experience), you’ll still want to train with the snacks you plan to eat on the mountain.
For me, that meant salt and vinegar almonds, Clif Shot Bloks, and peanut butter M&Ms.
Training with these helped my body—and my stomach—stay comfortable and fueled during the Mt. Kilimanjaro hike.
Protection
Protection means layers that breathe, protect you from wind and sun, and keep you comfortable when temperatures shift.
This time around, I had legit hiking gear—not cotton sweatpants—and it made a world of difference. Sunscreen, hats, gloves, rain gear: it’s not just about comfort; it’s about resilience.
When hiking Colorado trails, layers are everything—and this approach works well for most mountain excursions, including climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Start with a moisture-wicking tank top, then add a long-sleeve shirt you can shed as the day warms up. A down vest keeps your core warm without adding weight, and a rain jacket doubles as a windbreaker.
Don’t forget the essentials: a hat and gloves (even in summer), wool socks that stay warm when wet, and sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners to handle rough terrain.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are your best friend in ever-changing mountain weather.
Navigation
Navigation doesn’t always mean map-and-compass skills. On Kilimanjaro hikes, guides lead the way, but in Colorado and other training environments, it's essential to know how to read a trail, use a GPS app, and stay oriented.
At Hike for Life, we teach guests how to pay attention to surroundings, recognize trail markers, and feel confident navigating independently.
Mitigation
And perhaps the most overlooked essential: mitigation—what to do when something goes wrong. We hope your hike goes smoothly, but things can happen: rolled ankles, altitude headaches, blisters, weather changes.
On our Colorado hikes, we practice responding to challenges so your brain and body remember what to do. It's not about fear; it's about preparation.
What Else Do You Need for Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro?
Melody and a fellow hiker with one of the amazing guides at Kibo Hut, right before the final summit climb.
Good gear matters
At the very least, invest in a backpack that fits well and doesn’t chafe, and use trekking poles.
One couple on our Mt. Kilimanjaro hike had to be extra mindful—she was diabetic, and her husband (not a hiker!) took on the critical role of solar battery porter for her insulin pump. Their gear system and communication made all the difference.
For a comprehensive packing list, check out our Pikes Peak gear guide.
While not exclusively designed for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, it is an excellent baseline for what to prepare.
don’t forget terrain training
Go up, down, across stairs, and on uneven ground. Throw in some calf raises and functional warm-ups, and your future hiking self will thank you.
If you can swing it, come to Colorado and hike at altitude.
HFL guide and guest hiking down Pikes Peak after a successful summit
Join us for a guided hike up Pikes Peak. You’ll get firsthand experience in how your body responds, test your gear in real-time, and practice those Five Essentials with guides who are cheering you on every step of the way.
Some of our Hike for Life guests are training specifically for climbing Kilimanjaro. Others are simply aiming for confidence, skills, and strength on the trail.
But all of them are getting stronger—physically and mentally—for the challenge ahead.
Because what we do isn’t just about getting to the top of a mountain—it’s about building the skills and the mindset to hike for life.
Melody and her team successfully at Uhuru Peak
And when summit night on Kilimanjaro comes—when the stars are overhead and the trail ahead is steep—you’ll want your brain and body to remember all those training days. You’ll want that voice in your head to say, “You can do this.”
For me, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro as an adult was both humbling and empowering. I learned that a midlife body moves slower. But like they say in the military: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
Along the way, I learned a few things that changed how I hike and connect with the outdoors, which I explore more deeply in Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Lessons.
I’ve seen it firsthand: the preparation we do here in Colorado shows up when it counts most.
The mountain may be far away, but your readiness can start right now.
Common Questions About Climbing Kilimanjaro
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Most summit treks take 6 to 9 days, depending on your chosen route and how well you acclimate. The longer the route, the better your chances of success.
which route should I take to climb Kilimanjaro?
There are several established routes, each with its own flavor. I’ve actually done two of them—first when I was 18, and again in my 40s.
Marangu Route (5–6 days): This was my first experience climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Called the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s the only path that uses hut accommodations instead of tents. It’s often seen as the easiest because of its gentle slopes and shorter duration—but I’ll be honest, that quick ascent didn’t make it feel easy. I still remember the altitude sickness and very basic toilets.
Rongai Route (6–7 days): When I returned to Kilimanjaro decades later, this is the path I took. It starts from the north, near the Kenyan border. It’s drier, quieter, and more gradual at the beginning—making it a great option for those seeking solitude, a gentler start, and a less crowded summit push. I found this route to be more scenic and a better fit for my slower, more thoughtful pace.
Machame Route (6–7 days): Known as the "Whiskey Route," it’s one of the most popular options. It’s steeper and more physically demanding than Marangu or Rongai but offers some of the most stunning views.
Lemosho Route (7–8 days): A longer trail that allows more time to acclimate. It’s scenic and more remote early on, then merges with the Machame Route.
Northern Circuit Route (8–9 days): The longest option, offering the best acclimatization and panoramic views across the mountain.
how many miles do I hike each day?
Made it up and down safely!
The daily mileage varies by route, but the overall Kilimanjaro hike typically spans 6 to 9 days. Each day leading up to the summit, you’ll hike to your next camp, rest for a few hours, and then complete an acclimatization hike—climbing a few hundred feet higher than camp, staying there for 30 to 45 minutes, and then descending to sleep.
These short hikes are crucial to help your body adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Also important to know: climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro isn’t a solo adventure. The Tanzanian government requires all hikers to be accompanied by a registered guiding service.
Your guiding team plays a vital role in setting a smart pace, monitoring your health, and supporting you every step of the way.
Sunrise along the Rongai Route
How do I actually prepare to make it to the top of Kilimanjaro?
Successfully reaching the summit depends far more on your preparation than just the days on the mountain. Training consistently for at least six months before your Kilimanjaro hike—building endurance, strength, and acclimatization skills—is what truly sets you up for success.
With solid training behind you, those 6 to 9 days become a challenge you’re ready to meet safely and confidently.
Your journey to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro starts long before you reach the summit. At Hike for Life, we’re here to help you build the skills, endurance, and confidence you need—step by step.
Whether you join us for a guided hike up Pikes Peak or one of Colorado’s stunning 14ers, our experienced guides teach you the essentials of safe, smart hiking.
We focus on everything from pacing and gear to hydration and navigation, so when you stand beneath the stars on Kilimanjaro’s slopes, you’re ready to fully embrace that incredible, life-changing experience.
With the right preparation, your Kilimanjaro adventure won’t just be about reaching a mountain top—it will be a rewarding journey of growth, strength, and unforgettable memories.