Climbing fitness

The climb itself is non-technical, and can be viewed as an extended hike. Each day leading up to the summit you will walk for 4-8 hours, slowly climbing in elevation. Your legs will tire. Summit night in particular will push you. The weather gets harsh as you enter the arctic zone; your water supply will freeze if not stored under your coat. Yet despite the chill, high altitude is the most challenging part of this climb.

When training, hikers are encouraged to push themselves to the limit, in order to test their mental strength and fortitude. A large portion of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is a mental game where you HAVE to think positive thoughts in order to succeed.  Hikers who are training should focus mainly on aerobic exercise - running, hiking, and stair climbing are all great options.  

You should complete 3-6 mile long walks, or 2000-3000 stair steps, at least three times a week.  

To round out your fitness profile, it is also beneficial to add in some circuit training (lifting weights) or HIIT workouts (High Intensity Interval Training).  

• Circuit Training helps build the muscles in your legs Circuit Training - it is best to strengthen the muscles in your legs at least two times a week. 
• High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - these workouts focus on completing short, high intensity bursts of exercises. You can check out an example of a HIIT workout here. 

The best predictor of summit success is completing a milestone fitness achievement. For example, attempting to run a half marathon. It is a big test of your mental and physical strength. If you can break beyond your previously imagined physical limits, and succeed - we KNOW you’ll have it in you to make it to the top of Kilimanjaro!

Repetition is key in preparing your body for the journey. Following a workout similar to the schedule below is a great way to prepare! We encourage you to start this training schedule 8 weeks before your departure, to build up necessary endurance.