Kilimanjaro Climbing: Routes, Tips & What to Expect

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list adventure. Here's your complete guide: **Popular Routes** - Machame (6-7 days): Most scenic, excellent acclimatization - Lemosho (7-8 days): Beautiful, less crowded - Marangu (5-6 days): Only route with huts, easier but lower success rate - Rongai (6-7 days): Northern approach, less traveled - Northern Circuit (8-9 days): Longest, highest success rate **Training Tips** Start training at least 2-3 months before your climb. Focus on cardiovascular fitness, hiking, and leg strength. Altitude is the biggest challenge -- fitness helps but doesn't prevent altitude sickness. **What to Expect** Days start early (6-7 AM). You'll hike 4-8 hours daily. Temperatures range from 30°C at base to -20°C at summit. The final summit push starts at midnight.