Kilimanjaro Summit Challenge: Why It’s Not Just a Hike But an Epic Adventure

The Kilimanjaro Whiskey Route was successfully summited, where we witnessed an incredibly spectacular sunset at the top of Africa. There weren’t many Chinese on the trip, but almost every Chinese encountered admitted that they shouldn’t have blindly believed the notion that “anyone with legs can make it” as touted on Xiaohongshu. The challenges aren’t just about altitude and altitude sickness but also:

1. From the second day’s campsite onward, nighttime temperatures drop drastically, leaving many unable to sleep due to the cold.
2. When crossing the 4,200m saddle, rain, snow, and hail are highly likely. Many lose motivation here due to lack of experience or inadequate gear.
3. Summit day starts at 11 PM or midnight, requiring six continuous hours of climbing—definitely exhausting.
4. On summit day, the descent involves a 2,900m drop on loose gravel, which is brutal on the knees.

Key takeaways and advice:
1. Before departure (before heading to Africa), confirm tent and sleeping bag specs with your local operator or guide—ensure the tent is alpine-rated and the sleeping bag’s temperature rating is sufficient. At 4,000m+, a flimsy tent or inadequate sleeping bag will ruin you!

If your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough, bring a sub-zero one—it’s worth it.
2. Near the 4,200m saddle on Day 3, free car rescue is available. If struggling, communicate with your guide to descend. Beyond this point, helicopter evacuation from the 5,000m base camp costs $5,000.
3. Bring a thick face cover and goggles—summit day is windy and freezing.

4. Good hiking boots, trekking poles, and knee pads are crucial! DM for a detailed gear list.
5. Women can adjust their cycle with medication—several had to abandon the climb due to their period.
6. Braiding hair beforehand helps manage the six days without washing.
7. If you’ve never hiked before, reconsider.

The trip is expensive, and without adequate fitness or gear, it’s miserable—hard to enjoy. Seeing people dragged by guides was heartbreaking. Despite Kilimanjaro’s strong support, failing to summit after suffering is a huge letdown.

Personally, Day 3’s rain and snow felt comparable to the Nyiru-Adin and Everest East Slope routes—it’s tough. Honestly, it’s not just “having legs”; solid fitness and proper gear are essential.

DM for a gear checklist or help reviewing your equipment!