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Kilimanjaro Hiking Preparation

Oserok Trips | Tanzania Day Tours & Multi-day Tours

How to prepare for the climb

A Kilimanjaro climb is a very special type of adventure, beyond a traditional vacation. Unlike popular beach vacations or simple hiking tours, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires certain preparations. After all, this adventure takes hikers to the highest point of Africa at 5,895 m/19,340 f. This is often the highest altitude many climbers to ever achieve, making this trip a true adventure of a lifetime. In this way, Kilimanjaro adventures are dangerous and unless the trekking party is staffed by the professional guides and equipped with proper equipment, the hikers are exposed to certain high altitude-related risks.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CLIMBING MT. KILIMANJARO

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may be a feature on many traveler’s bucket list (over 30,000 people climb to the summit every year), but it’s no easy feat and it’s essential that you are prepared. Here are a few tips to get you started, but for more information on how to get ready for your mountain adventure, we recommend that you read our beginner’s guide to Kilimanjaro trekking.

FITNESS TRAINING (PRE-CLIMB TRAINING)

The old saying is that ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ This can hardly be more true than when you are taking on a challenge such as Kilimanjaro. Start your pre-climb training early, then build it up gradually. There are lots to consider here. When should I start, what activities should I be doing? Should I train alone, or get specialist help? What about my diet?

Everyone is different, so there is no single correct answer. But simply ‘doing nothing’ is not an option. The day after you have decided to climb, that’s the day to begin your training!

Here are 4 things you can do to prepare and train for Mt Kilimanjaro.

HIKING GEAR (KILIMANJARO PACKING LIST)

Camping equipment and food is provided and carried by the porters, but it is wise to invest in and bring quality hiking gear (clothing, footwear etc.) In order to be safe and comfortable throughout your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to bring important gear and supplies with you. We have put together a comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing list to help you prepare for your climb.

Trekking Kilimanjaro involves five main climate zones, from the warm, humid forest and lower slopes, to the bitterly cold summit zone, with glaciers, ice, and snow. You need to be prepared for all Kilimanjaro weather conditions: sunny, windy, and rainy.

VACCINATIONS & TRAVEL INSURANCE

Don’t take any chances with your trip. It is crucial to ensure that you are up-to-date with vaccines when you visit.

And don’t leave your vaccine planning until the last minute – you should be checking your vaccine status and thinking about what you need, well before your departure date. And if you are not sure, do consult your doctor or vaccination clinic.

Also, there are many good reasons for having good travel insurance, but to book a trip with us, it is an absolute requirement.

MEDICAL CHECKS

Climbing Kilimanjaro is tough – not dangerous, but it needs to be treated with respect. And that involves consulting with an expert – your doctor – to make sure that you’re fit and good to go. Medical checks are vital when climbing Kilimanjaro. That’s why we at Oserok Trips recommend undergoing medical checks for all our Kili climbers.
There are no shortcuts with this, you need to know if there’s any condition that might hamper the progress of your journey to the summit. And we at Oserok Trips need to know of any medical conditions you may have.

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro With

Oserok Trips

We are a premier Kilimanjaro trekking Tours company with Years of combined experience on the mountain, we specialize in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We run our own trekking operations, staffed with expert mountain guides, and do not act as a booking agent for other companies. We will give you comprehensive advice on packing, fitness, expected weather and trail conditions, and be by your side every step of the way – all the way to the Summit of Kilimanjaro! We will also bring you to the airport after the adventure of a lifetime.

Why book with Oserok?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Words From Our Happy Clients

EXCELLENT
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Based on 145 reviews
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Bob H
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Serengeti safari without the rush It was a 7 day family safari with us and our 2 adult children. We all had a fantastic time helped by Alpha and Josephete being excellent driver and guides. They seemed to be able to predict where animals were heading and be there. Rather than using the radio and following the crowd, we took it slow and saw so many more animals and birds that we would have otherwise missed. We stopped for a bird, saw several others, then realised we were right next to 6 dik diks that were almost invisible in the scrub. We saw 2 crossing events and other unexpected interactions like an elephant chasing off 3 lions and elephant baby’s cavorting and playing with each other. We saw a serval cat and followed it for a while then saw it pounce and catch dinner. Circle of life in action. The daughters got right into bird spotting and both the guides were very knowledgeable and helpful and quick with identifying, while not being worried to contradict and make suggestions. Both of them were conscientious and sensitive to our needs on the whole safari and we had a wonderful time. I would recommend them to anyone wanting a great safari experience.
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Ambassador710997
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Expertise and care by a true professional. We had an incredible family trip to Marangu waterfalls and a safari in Tarangire National Park, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Alpha. From the very beginning, Alpha took the time to understand what we wanted from our trip. Rather than pushing a particular itinerary, he gave us all the information we needed, explained our options, and helped us choose what would work best for our family and the time we had. Throughout the trip, he embodied the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the Tanzanian people. His knowledge of the wildlife, culture, plants and local area made every part of the journey more meaningful. He is Masai after all!). He welcomed our endless questions, never rushed us, and always made sure we had plenty of time to enjoy each stop and capture great photos from the best locations. On safari, Alpha and his team were exceptional. Their ability to spot wildlife was incredible- they noticed animals we would never have seen on our own. They thoughtfully chose different routes to avoid the crowds, giving us better viewing opportunities and a much more authentic experience. Thanks to their expertise, we saw an amazing variety of wildlife and had far lots of great sightings. What impressed us most was that their care extended beyond the tour itself. When we experienced a hotel mishap, Alpha stepped in to help, even though it wasn’t his responsibility. That level of genuine care says a great deal about the kind of person he is. His entire team was equally friendly, professional, and dedicated to making our experience special. Together they made our visit to Tanzania truly unforgettable. We wholeheartedly recommend Alpha to anyone visiting Tanzania. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, genuinely caring, and passionate about sharing his country, look no further. We will definitely be back, and when we do, Alpha will be our first call
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Martin M
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An unforgettable Kilimanjaro trip We chose Oserok Trips for our 7-day hike in Kilimanjaro. We wanted to do this adventure with a local company and we were not disappointed. The guides from Oserok, Francis and Daniel, were great as was the rest of the team who had a great time with us. I remember only fond memories of this experience with a small professional team that put us in a family atmosphere during this incredible week. Asante sana kaka!
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Fatiha B
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Go with your eyes closed Stayed in June 2023 and June 2024. Very nice meeting! Top organization. Alpha introduced us to its culture and region, with such kindness. We shared some great moments. Very nice discovery. I recommend. Asante sana. Fatiha
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David R
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Hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro My father and I went on a tour to the Materuni Falls with Alpha, our guide and had a wonderful time 😎 Alpha has allowed us a fantastic guided tour of the magnificent surroundings of Mount Kilimanjaro!
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Inoek V
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Had a great day Together with my daughter we did trips and tour to the waterfall with Alpha van Oserok, with lunch at a Chagga tribe and with a coffee ceremony. Alpha picked us up at our hotel and together we walked to the waterfall. Along the way he explained a lot about all the plants, trees and animals that could be seen there. He is a relaxed and extremely experienced guide and we had a great day.
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Jen K
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Trip of a lifetime! Thank you Alfa!! We cannot say enough about our incredible Tanzania adventure safari!! Alfa curated an 8-day safari to include a first day visit to the hot springs and local eatery, then 6 days on safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mayanara, and a visit with a bush tribe and an iron working tribe. The lodgings and food were lovely and the weather was perfect! It was an amazing cultural experience for our family as well as a stunning photo safari in this lovely country. We saw the Big 5 in close proximity and countless other animals. Alfa and his driver Renatos were knowledgeable, attentive, engaging and professional….they made the trip extra special and we are extremely grateful for the memories we made. Asante sana!
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Travel543451
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Perfect activity, amazing tour leaders We were a group of 5 people with just half-day until leave Moshi. We made a walking tour in Rau Forest. We enjoy a lot lesrnig about nature and species (birds, monkeys, ancient trees). Alpha and his team (lebahati) adjust our activity according our plans and we were always in touch to make It Easy. 100% recommendable
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Julieta J
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This place is not very touristy yet, but we went to it thanks to the agency that knows unknown places We also did our tour to Lake Chala with the Oseroktrips agency and our guide was Alfa. I was amazed by this walk full of incredible views. We always walked at our own pace and always felt safe. Beautiful views and wonderful memories will live in our hearts
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Julieta J
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A long walk but with a path full of beautiful views and nature “This tour was a fabulous day. I would recommend it to anyone. Francis and Jackie, the tour guides, were very kind, friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour. Happy with this tour and many thanks to Oseroktrips, the best travel agency.

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If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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