How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro as a Woman: My Honest Experience + Training, Gear & Altitude Tips
Habiba here, founder of Trekking Pals, and a few years ago, I did something wild: I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. It was one of the most physically and mentally demanding experiences of my life, but also one of the most rewarding.
In this blog, I’m walking you through everything I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro as a woman. I’ll talk about choosing the right route, training tips, gear you need, how to deal with altitude sickness, and how to mentally prepare for summit day.
Why Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet. It’s on the bucket list for thousands of adventure travelers. For me, it was much more personal being born and raised in Africa (Morocco). It was much more than just a climb. Climbing Kilimanjaro, or any difficult mountain for that matter, isn’t just about getting to the top. It’s about who you become along the way.
When I first saw that snow-capped peak rising above the clouds, it took my breath away. Not just for what it was, but for what it represented, a challenge, a calling, an adventure, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And let me tell you: if I could do it, you can too.
Choose the Right Route (It Can Make or Break Your Summit)
There are seven official routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Each has different difficulty levels and success rates. If your goal is to reach the summit and return safely, I highly recommend choosing a route that gives your body enough time to acclimate.
I did the Machame Route over 7 days, and I think it’s one of the best options out there, especially for first-time climbers. It has a high success rate (over 80%) when done over 7 days. More time on the mountain means more time for your body to adjust.
Avoid rushed 3–5 day climbs. The elevation gain is massive (you start around 6,000 feet and go all the way up to 19,341). Give your body grace and time to adapt.
The longer routes, like Lemosho, are also great for acclimatization and tend to be less crowded, offering more solitude and connection with nature.
Training for Kilimanjaro (Start at Least 3 Months Out)
You don’t have to be in the best shape of your life to climb Kilimanjaro, but training makes a big difference. I trained for three months before the climb. Here’s what worked for me:
Cardio & Endurance: Running, incline treadmill, stairmaster
Strength: Legs, core, and carrying a backpack
Weekend hikes: We picked trails with elevation gain and did 1-2 long hikes a week, which not only paid off on summit night up Kilimanjaro but also allowed me to explore incredible trails in the United States.
If you can hike in boots while carrying a pack on steep terrain, you’re ahead of the game. Try to simulate the climb as much as possible: hike in your gear, carry weight, and don’t avoid the hard trails. That’s where you build stamina, resilience, and get to know your body and how it reacts to high elevation.
The best way to train is to mimic the conditions on the mountain. If you live near mountains, hike at elevation. If not, look for trails with at least 2,000–3,000 feet of gain.
And if you’re living at sea level or don’t have access to hiking trails at elevation, consider taking a pre-trip to a moderate-altitude destination before your Kilimanjaro adventure to get your body used to thinner air.
Be Altitude Smart: It Affects Everyone Differently
Once you pass 8,000 feet, you might start experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness: headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It’s different for everyone.
Before your climb, talk to your doctor about altitude. Many travelers opt for Diamox (acetazolamide), which is a prescription medication to help with high-altitude sickness. It helps your body adjust to high altitude. I didn’t take it for smaller hikes, but for Kilimanjaro I used it, and I’m glad I did.
Also, bring painkillers like Advil or ibuprofen, especially for nighttime headaches. And remember, to hydrate like it’s your job.
My headaches on Mount Kilimanjaro, especially starting the day before summit night, were pretty intense despite taking Diamox, and adding to that, starting my period before summit night. It was not the most pleasant time.
Try to eat even if you lose your appetite, and get sleep even when it’s cold and uncomfortable. Altitude affects digestion, rest, and mood. The best defense? Slow pace, good nutrition, and honesty with your guides and team regarding how you feel.
Gear You’ll Use (Test It All First)
Don’t wait until the start of your trek to find out your boots give you blisters.
Train with the same shoes, backpack, and trekking poles you’ll use on the mountain. Wear your base layers and outer layers on hikes. Make sure your gear fits, functions, and feels good.
Invest in good layers! temperatures vary from hot and humid at the bottom to freezing at the top.
Packing for Kilimanjaro shouldn’t be a last-minute affair, which is why it must be done months before your trek so you can test your gear and make sure you’re comfortable in it.
Test everything. Your gloves. Your jackets. Your water bladder. Your head lamp. You want to feel confident in your gear so you’re not stressing about discomfort during the trek when it’s a bit too late to make any adjustments.
Want a full breakdown of what I packed and what worked for me? Check out my detailed packing list for Kilimanjaro with tips for women and my favorite trail-tested items.
Food, Hydration & What No One Tells You
You’ll be fed well on the mountain, at least I was! And that’s what we do for hikers joining our Trekking Pals Kilimanjaro Treks, but altitude can kill your appetite. I had to force myself several times to eat even when I didn’t want to.
Bring your favorite snacks from home just in case. Electrolyte packets and comfort snacks made a huge difference for me when I just couldn't put any food in me. Hydration is key.
Lack of water = fatigue, headaches, and amplified altitude side effects.
If I were to do Kilimanjaro again, I would bring a small thermos with me for hot water or a hot drink on some summit nights.
Trust Your Guides and Communicate Honestly
This is so important. Your guides have done this hundreds of times. If they say slow down or turn around, listen. And most importantly, don’t hide how you’re feeling.
You’ll have daily simple health checks. If you had a rough night or feel off, speak up. It helps your guides make the right decisions for your safety. Things can quickly change from good to bad. The best thing you can do for yourself and your team is to speak up when you’re feeling off.
This adventure isn’t just about racing to the summit or pushing yourself beyond your limits, but it’s about knowing when to pause, rest, and ask for help. And the best guides and team? They’ll create a safe space for you to do that.
Summit Day: The Mental Game
Summit night starts at midnight or a few hours after that (each guide plans it differentlY). You hike in the dark, in the cold, for hours. It’s the most difficult part of the whole trek, physically and mentally.
I had moments of doubt. I asked myself why I was doing this. But I reminded myself of my "why," of the months of training, and all the effort it took to get there. My team and my guides lifted me, and I dug deep to keep going.
What helped me:
Counting steps and breathing in rhythm
Asking for help when I needed it
Having a summit mantra (“One step at a time”)
Tuning into music or silence, depending on what I needed
Expect tears. Expect joy. Expect moments of quiet disbelief when the sun rises and you see the glacier ahead.
When you reach Uhuru Peak, it’s emotional and powerful. I felt blessed, strong, and lucky to be standing on the roof of Africa.
What About Periods on the Mountain?
Let’s be real, it is not fun to climb a big mountain on your period. It’s exhausting but doable.
I usually get severe PMS, and it’s been the case for me for years. A lesson learned from my trek up Kilimanjaro is to do a better job of tracking my cycle and avoiding climbing during my periods. I know it’s not always accurate, but I would at least try to plan it outside of that window to the best of my ability.
Here is how to best prepare, should you be climbing on your period.
Bring:
Your favorite products (pads, menstrual cup, etc)
Biodegradable wipes
Ziplock bags for used items (pack it in, pack it out)
Hand sanitizer and travel soap
Talk to your guide if you need extra time at breaks. It’s nothing to be ashamed of; it’s part of being a woman on a mountain.
Final Words
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as a woman is an incredible feat, it’s beautiful, and absolutely life-changing. You don’t have to be a pro athlete. You just need a plan, the right mindset, good training, and a little help from your guides and team.
If you’re planning your climb, we would love for you to join our community and join us on a climb. Drop a comment below or connect with me through www.travelwithtrekkingpals.com. And if you want more tips like this, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
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