The roof of Africa, guided safely

800m – 1,800m

Cultivation Zone

The trek begins among farmland and villages at the mountain's base, where the climate is warm and the terrain gentle.

1,800m – 2,800m

Rainforest Zone

Dense montane forest, home to colobus monkeys and rich birdlife, with cooler air and frequent mist.

2,800m – 4,000m

Moorland Zone

Heather and giant lobelias give way to open moorland, with dramatic swings between hot days and freezing nights.

4,000m – 5,000m

Alpine Desert Zone

A stark, rocky landscape with little vegetation and thin air — acclimatization matters most here.

5,000m+

Arctic Summit Zone

Rock, ice, and glaciers lead to Uhuru Peak — the roof of Africa.

Build your fitness

Regular cardio and hiking with a loaded daypack in the months before your climb makes a real difference on summit day.

Break in your boots

Wear your hiking boots on multiple training walks beforehand — the mountain is the wrong place to discover a blister.

Pack in layers

Temperatures range from tropical heat at the base to well below freezing at the summit. Layered clothing lets you adjust as you climb.

Go slowly

On the mountain, a slow, steady pace ("pole pole" in Swahili) helps your body acclimatize and is the single biggest factor in reaching the summit.

Stay hydrated

High altitude increases fluid loss. Drinking regularly throughout each day's trek helps reduce altitude-related symptoms.

Talk to your doctor

A pre-trip medical check, including a conversation about altitude sickness medication, is worth doing well before departure.