6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was one of the most thrilling and humbling experiences of my life. But I’ll be honest — I was surprised by how many little things I didn’t know until I was actually on the mountain. If you're planning your trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, this list is for you. At Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris, we believe in preparing trekkers thoroughly, and these six tips are things we always share with our clients before they begin their journey.

1. Every Single Camp Is Cold

No matter which Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route you choose, the temperatures at camp are cold — really cold. Even the first few camps at lower elevations get chilly at night, and as you ascend, it gets downright freezing. At Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris, our Mt Kilimanjaro climb packages include high-quality gear recommendations or rental options to make sure you're warm and well-equipped every step of the way.

2. You Find It Hard to Sleep

Despite being physically exhausted, many trekkers struggle with sleep at altitude. Between the thin air, cold temperatures, and early summit pushes, restful sleep can be rare. Our guides on Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours are trained to help you adjust, with breathing tips, altitude advice, and night-time routines that can make a real difference.

3. Your Skin and Lips Take a Beating

The dry mountain air, strong sun, and wind exposure can leave your skin and lips cracked and sore by day two. Bring SPF lip balm, heavy moisturizers, and sunscreen. As part of your trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, we’ll provide a full packing list to help protect your skin from the extreme conditions.

4. You Need to Pee All the Time

One surprising effect of altitude is increased urination — and when you’re also drinking 3–4 liters of water a day, it adds up fast. Nighttime bathroom trips in the cold are no joke. We suggest a few practical solutions (like pee bottles or funnels) that our Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour guides will gladly explain — yes, this is normal, and yes, we’ve all been there!

5. The Water in Your Hydration Pack Freezes on Summit Day

On summit night, temperatures can fall below -20°C (-4°F), and hydration tubes freeze quickly. We recommend wrapping the tube inside your jacket or using insulated bottles. Our Mt Kilimanjaro climb packages always include summit prep sessions where we walk you through this and other high-altitude challenges.

6. You Feel ‘Off’ When High Up the Mountain

Once you get above 4,000 meters, you may feel “off” — headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite. That’s altitude sickness creeping in. That’s why our Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes are carefully selected to allow time for proper acclimatization. At Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris, we always prioritize safety, and our guides monitor your condition daily to keep your climb safe and successful.

Beyond the Climb: Reward Yourself with a Safari

Once you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro, don’t head home just yet. Combine your adventure with one of our unforgettable Tanzania safari tour packages. Whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti or exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris can help you create a complete African adventure — mountain to savannah.

Start Your Journey with Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris

Ready to climb Africa’s highest peak and experience the best of Tanzania? Our expertly crafted Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours and Mt Kilimanjaro climb packages are designed for safety, success, and unforgettable memories. Reach out to Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris today — and take the first step toward your adventure of a lifetime.