Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the greatest adventures in the world. It’s not just about walking up a mountain—it’s about preparing your body, your mind, and your plan. One of the biggest reasons people fail to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is because they made common training mistakes.
In this guide, we will show you what these mistakes are and how to avoid them. Whether you’re climbing soon or just starting to prepare, this blog will help you get ready the right way.
What is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Before we dive into training tips, let’s understand what Mount Kilimanjaro is.
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Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa.
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It is located in Tanzania, in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
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It stands at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
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It is not a technical climb—you don’t need ropes or climbing equipment.
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You walk or hike to the top.
This makes Kilimanjaro a popular choice for first-time high-altitude hikers.
Why Training Matters Before a Kilimanjaro Climb
Many people believe that climbing Kilimanjaro is just about having the right gear and booking the right tour. But training is just as important. The mountain is high, the air is thin, and the hike is long. A lack of preparation can lead to altitude sickness, fatigue, or even having to turn back before reaching the summit.
What Are Common Training Mistakes to Avoid?
Let’s explore the top training mistakes people make when preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and how you can do better.
1. Not Starting Training Early Enough
Mistake: Waiting until a few weeks before the climb to start training.
Why It’s a Problem: Your body needs time to build strength and endurance. You also need time to adjust to long hiking days.
Better Option: Start training 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you don’t hike regularly. Begin with short hikes and increase the distance every week.
2. Only Doing Gym Workouts (and Skipping Hikes)
Mistake: Spending all your time in the gym on treadmills, weights, or machines.
Why It’s a Problem: Kilimanjaro is not a gym—it’s a mountain trail with uneven paths, rocks, and slopes.
Better Option: Train by doing real outdoor hikes with a backpack. Try walking on different types of terrain, such as rocky paths and hills.
3. Not Training With a Backpack
Mistake: Hiking or walking without wearing a backpack during training.
Why It’s a Problem: On Kilimanjaro, you’ll carry a daypack with water, snacks, layers, and camera gear. If you don’t train with a backpack, you may get sore shoulders and back pain.
Better Option: Train with the same backpack you plan to bring. Start with light weight and slowly increase it.
4. Ignoring Altitude Training
Mistake: Not preparing for high altitude or thinking it’s not important.
Why It’s a Problem: Mount Kilimanjaro height means the air gets thinner as you go up. You may feel dizzy, tired, or get altitude sickness.
Better Option: While you can’t train for high altitude directly unless you live at elevation, you can:
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Choose a longer route (like Lemosho or Northern Circuit) to give your body time to adapt.
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Practice slow hiking and deep breathing.
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Spend time at moderate altitudes before your trip, if possible.
5. Overtraining or Burning Out
Mistake: Training too hard, too often, or not giving your body time to rest.
Why It’s a Problem: Overtraining leads to injuries, fatigue, and loss of motivation.
Better Option: Include rest days in your weekly plan. A good rule: Train 4–5 times per week and rest 2–3 days.
6. Skipping Cardio Exercises
Mistake: Only focusing on strength training and skipping cardio.
Why It’s a Problem: The climb requires long hours of walking and hiking, which is mostly a cardio activity.
Better Option: Include activities like:
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Brisk walking
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Hiking
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Stair climbing
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Cycling
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Swimming
These build the lung strength and stamina needed for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
7. Not Doing Any Leg or Core Training
Mistake: Ignoring leg muscles and core strength in your workouts.
Why It’s a Problem: Weak legs and core can make climbing difficult, especially on steep slopes or long descents.
Better Option: Add exercises like:
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Squats
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Lunges
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Step-ups
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Planks
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Sit-ups
Strong legs and core will help you hike better and recover faster each day.
RELATED ARTICLE: Are There Specific Exercises to Prepare for High Altitude?
8. Not Practicing Multi-Day Hikes
Mistake: Training only with short day hikes.
Why It’s a Problem: On Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll hike for 5–8 days. If you’re not used to back-to-back hiking days, you may struggle.
Better Option: Plan 2–3 weekend trips with consecutive hiking days. This teaches your body how to recover and hike again the next day.
9. Ignoring Footwear and Socks
Mistake: Wearing brand-new boots during the actual climb.
Why It’s a Problem: New boots can cause blisters and pain, ruining your climb.
Better Option: Break in your boots weeks before your trip. Use the same socks you plan to wear on the mountain to test comfort and avoid blisters.
10. Forgetting About Mental Training
Mistake: Thinking the climb is only physical.
Why It’s a Problem: Your mindset is just as important. Bad weather, cold nights, and tired legs can affect your motivation.
Better Option: Train your mind too:
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Stay positive
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Set small goals each day
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Practice patience and flexibility
Mental toughness will help you reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Other Helpful Tips for Kilimanjaro Preparation
To make sure you’re 100% ready for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, keep these additional points in mind:
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Sleep well before your trip.
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Eat healthy meals to fuel your body.
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Stay hydrated during training and on the climb.
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Use trekking poles—they reduce knee pressure and improve balance.
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Don’t rush! On the mountain, “Pole Pole” (slowly, slowly) is the best pace.
What Happens If You Don’t Train Properly?
If you don’t prepare well, you risk:
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Altitude sickness
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Fatigue
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Muscle pain
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Not reaching the summit
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Losing time, money, and motivation
Many Mount Kilimanjaro deaths are caused by poor preparation and not recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness. While it’s not a technical climb, mountain Kilimanjaro still demands respect.
About the Climb: Quick Facts to Know
Here are some useful facts for anyone planning to climb:
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Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located? It is in Tanzania, East Africa.
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Mount Kilimanjaro elevation: 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
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Mount Kilimanjaro country: Tanzania
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Mount Kilimanjaro hike duration: 5–9 days, depending on the route
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How high is Mount Kilimanjaro? Over 19,000 feet
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How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Most people choose a 6–8 day itinerary for better acclimatization
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Flights to Mount Kilimanjaro: You can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Routes to Consider
If you’re serious about avoiding mistakes and improving your chances of success, the route you choose is very important.
Popular routes include:
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Lemosho Route – Great for acclimatization and beautiful views
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Machame Route – Popular and scenic
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Northern Circuit – Longest route, best for avoiding altitude sickness
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Marangu Route – Only route with hut accommodation
Is Kilimanjaro Safe?
Yes, but safety depends on:
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Choosing the right tour company like Seko Tours
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Having the right guides
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Training well
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Knowing the signs of altitude sickness
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Taking your time
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro With Seko Tours
At Climb Mount Kilimanjaro by Seko Tours, we help you prepare from the start. From choosing the best route to giving you training support, we’re here to guide your journey to the top of Africa.
We believe every climber has the power to succeed—with the right training, plan, and mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
A: It is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) high.
Q: In what country would you find Mount Kilimanjaro?
A: Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, East Africa.
Q: What type of volcano is Mount Kilimanjaro?
A: It is a stratovolcano with three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Q: When did Mount Kilimanjaro last erupt?
A: It hasn’t erupted in thousands of years. The last major activity was about 360,000 years ago.
Q: Is Kilimanjaro evil?
A: No. This is a local myth. Kilimanjaro is a peaceful and spiritual mountain to many Tanzanians.
Q: How was Mount Kilimanjaro formed?
A: It was formed by volcanic activity. Lava and ash built up the mountain over time.
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-changing adventure, but only if you train wisely. Avoid the mistakes listed here, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful summit. Remember, preparation is key!
Take your time, train your body, and believe in your journey.
Plan your dream Mount Kilimanjaro hike with Seko Tours today!