t can’t be that hard, after all Chris Moyles did it?  The truth is though that Kilimanjaro isn’t technical and most people can force themselves up with enough determination. So what can you expect…

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#1. Expect headaches. Virtually everybody who climbs Kilimanjaro suffers some of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (LINK TO AMS PIECE), usually in the form of a light headache, loss of appetite and mild nausea. Do expect to suffer these symptoms at some stage on the climb (come prepared with ibuprofen)

#2. Expect cold. Temperatures at the peak are frequently as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius and your last nights’ sleep at base camp (at an altitude of approx. 4,600m) will in sub-zero temperatures. Assuming you are properly equipped with a good sleeping bag and sufficient technical clothing layers (LINK TO KIT LIST) then this shouldn’t be a problem.

#3. Expect to walk very slowly. To survive the altitude you are forced to walk slowly, very slowly. On summit day you’ll have 6-8 hours of continual slow ascent. To picture it, imagine walking up a stair case slowly for 6 hours. Because of the pace it is manageable for most people, but only if you have the patience and determination to keep going.