How to train for Kilimanjaro (and what not to bother with)

2026-06-02 · Trekking

Long walks on hills, in the boots you will wear. Most of the rest is noise.

What the climb actually asks of you

Six to seven hours of walking a day for a week, on uneven ground, carrying a light daypack, at altitude. It is not steep for long and it is never technical. Endurance and durable feet matter far more than power or speed.

The training that works

One long walk a week, building to six hours on hilly ground with a 5–7 kg pack. Two or three shorter sessions in between — walking, cycling, swimming, anything that keeps your heart rate up for an hour. Start three to four months out.

Break your boots in properly

More summit attempts are ended by blisters than by altitude. Wear the exact boots and the exact socks you will climb in for at least 50 km beforehand, including a couple of long descents — that is what wrecks toenails.

What you cannot train for

Altitude. You cannot prepare for it at sea level, and being very fit sometimes makes it worse because fit people walk too fast. On the mountain, go slower than feels natural — pole pole is not a slogan, it is the method.