7 Hard Truths about Climbing Kilimanjaro (That Nobody Wants to Hear)

If you visit any Kilimanjaro operator’s website, you’ll get the impression that climbing Africa’s highest peak will be a fun, exciting adventure that will yield grand memories of one of the most epic achievements in your lifetime.
We won’t disagree with that notion. But there are negative aspects to tackling Mount Kilimanjaro that guide companies don’t like to talk about, but nevertheless need to be understood.
In this video, we discuss the hard truths about climbing Kilimanjaro that often go unspoken.
Understanding these hard truths about climbing Kilimanjaro is essential for everyone with aspirations to scale this peak. We share these facts, not to deter you or scare you away, but to paint a realistic picture of what you might face on the mountain.
As a Kilimanjaro guide company, naturally we want you to come to Tanzania and climb with us. But we also want you to have all the information you need to make the best decisions.
Visit the most complete and accurate website on climbing Kilimanjaro at UltimateKilimanjaro.com. We believe that the more you know, the better prepared you will be.
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Join our Kilimanjaro facebook discussion group: / ultimatekilimanjaro
VIDEO CONTENTS
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - #1 You won't feel good all the time
2:02 - #2 You might not summit
3:52 - #3 The weather can make you miserable
5:08 - #4 It’s going to be pretty expensive
6:54 - #5 You’ll have to deal with crowds
8:20 - #6 You’re never 100% safe
10:31 - #7 You’ll probably wish you were at home at some point
12:04 - Final thoughts
ABOUT ULTIMATE KILIMANJARO
Ultimate Kilimanjaro® is, quite simply, the #1 guide service on Mount Kilimanjaro.
With more than 15 years of experience, Ultimate Kilimanjaro® has a proven expertise on Mount Kilimanjaro. We lead over 150 climbs per year, with more than 1,000 adventurers climbing with us annually. Literally thousands of climbers have stood on the top of Kilimanjaro with us. Our clients have included celebrities, film makers, senators, ambassadors, authors, journalists, and even the world record holder for the oldest person to summit.
All agree, you won’t find a better Kilimanjaro outfitter.
Our expert guides, high quality standards, and focus on safety have made us the top choice for thousands of customers from all over the world. In short, we know what it takes to get you to the summit - in an safe, fun, and affordable way.
Thousands of people have stood on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with us.
Won’t you join us on the Roof of Africa?
Email us at: [e-mail]
www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com
/ ultimatekilimanjaro
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[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

For everything you need to know about climbing Kilimanjaro, visit 👉www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com

[@user-lt1mq2jy5p]

Reached summit,2wks.ago..age 76,so you too can do it! Pole,pole

[@stephenkelleher3557]

Quite hard hitting Kevin, but very true having just done it.

[@drem6908]

I did not summit on my first attempt in July this year due to severe AMS/HAPE. I made the very painful decision to turn back at Barafu Camp, just below the summit. Hoping to give it another go in 2024. The mountain will always be there.

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

You made a smart decision. Best of luck on your next climb!

[@saikumarmani8842]

@drem6908 did you take diamox?

[@PNWParkRanger]

No shame in turning around. Just beyond Barafu Camp is when I felt the altitude the worst!

[@johnofdebar4071]

It was points 3 and 7 for me: I did the Lemosho route end of December 2023 and it rained for 2 days (Point 3) during the most scenic points of the route: Lava tower and the descent to Baranco Camp, which lead me to point 7 (I wish I was home) Also the final ascend, beginning at midnight, the weather was horrible with a snow blizzard. At dawn, when I reached the summit the blizzard did not stop so I made a couple of Photos at Uhuru peak and then I just wanted to get the hell out of there. Moral of my story: do the climb in the DRY season (Jan-Feb) and you just might enjoy it at the summit

[@ethanway1367]

All of this is very true. Just summited in October (aged 51) and I can attest you really got out there what needs to be known by everyone attempting the climb. Thank you!

[@TinyJ8191]

Thank you for this!

[@BM-ms3gr]

Excellent vid, 100% agree to everything you said based on your experience. At some point at some summit push you will ask yourself; what am I doing here, why did I spend my precious money doing this.

[@pawko261074]

Can’t wait to be there,we are on 10 th of FEB,thank you for all tips

[@kw8282]

Helpful video🎉! Thank you for posting!

[@philiphicks2530]

Great video, strips the climb to the basic facts. But nothing beats sunrise at Gillman Point. Makes all the hardship worth it. Keep creating these informative videos. Looking forward to coming back to Kili for a second time.

[@janetdixon5917]

I cannot wait.

[@sergelevesque7043]

Thank You! :-)

[@marcussheffield7221]

Climbed in 1971. Aged 17. Without guides, I would not have made it. Switchbacks near summit were brutal. Loose ground. Would walk length of switchback and collapse into sleep. Guide would wake me.

[@marcussheffield7221]

Cost 700 shillings back then. $100 perhaps. No crowd at all.

[@PonyPoison]

Good video but honestly these are things that could be said of any high mountain adventure 🤷🏻‍♀️ It is what it is.

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

Certainly, these truths apply to nearly every multi-day, high altitude hike. This video is for mostly for those who do not have relatable experiences in the outdoors and therefore might be unaware of what to expect.

[@linzoid1862]

All to take photos for the most part 😅

[@mr.panellisneighborhood]

Thoughts on this climb for someone with Multiple Sclerosis?

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

If you google MS and Kilimanjaro you will see people who have successfully climbed with it.

[@Funky420Infotainment]

damn you have a bad track record 3 fails on one mountain. LOL

[@Ultimate-Kilimanjaro]

Two fails, then success! But the Cascades are known for its bad weather. 50% of the commercial climbs on Mount Rainier's are aborted due to weather/avalanche risk.