Daily Schedule on Mt. Kilimanjaro

For the camp staff, each day begins long before sunrise. While you’re still in your sleeping bag, the team is already busy preparing hot water for your washbasin, along with tea, coffee, and other beverages to help wake you up. As the first light of day breaks over the horizon, a friendly wake-up call from one of the staff will signal the start of your day. A warm basin of water will be brought to your tent to wash your face and brush your teeth, followed by a hot drink to help you shake off the chill.

After your morning routine, it’s time to get ready for the day ahead. You’ll need to repack your duffel bag and daypack, taking only what you need for the day’s hike. Roll up your sleeping bag and double-check that all your gear is packed before leaving your tent, fully dressed and prepared for the trek.

Breakfast is served in the mess tent, where the entire group will gather for a briefing, followed by a nutritious meal to fuel you for the journey ahead. Daily medical checks will be done to ensure everyone is fit to continue, and this is a good time to refill your water bottles or hydration reservoirs.

Once everyone is given the green light, we’ll head out on the trail, typically around 8 a.m. We’ll keep a slow and steady pace, with frequent rest stops for you to catch your breath, eat a snack, and take in the stunning views of the mountain. Your guides will keep the group together, constantly reminding you to go “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) to ensure proper acclimatization and prevent unnecessary fatigue.

While you’re hiking, the team will remain behind to break camp and prepare for the next stage of the trek. They’ll likely pass you during the morning, moving ahead to establish the next campsite.

If you start feeling any symptoms like a headache, nausea, or disorientation, it’s important to let your guide know immediately. Keeping an open line of communication ensures everyone’s safety.

A stop for lunch will be made along the way. Some days, we’ll enjoy a hot lunch in a mess tent, while other days we’ll have a picnic, depending on the weather and the day’s schedule. We aim to complete most of the hiking in the morning, so the afternoon trek is usually shorter and easier.

Upon arrival at camp, your tent will be set up, and your duffel bag will be waiting inside. It’s important to change out of any damp clothing, whether from rain or perspiration, and then roll out your sleeping bag to let it “fluff up” for maximum insulation. Afterward, head over to the mess tent for a tea-time snack and a hot beverage.

On some afternoons, we’ll do an acclimatization hike to a higher elevation as part of the “hike high, sleep low” protocol. Other days will be designated as rest days, where you can relax and prepare for the next stage of the climb.

Dinner will be served early, followed by another medical check and a briefing for the next day. Afterward, most climbers settle into their sleeping bags for an early night’s rest, while others might stay up for a bit, chatting or journaling. The mess tent is a comfortable space to unwind, catch up on your diary, or enjoy a bit of reading before heading to bed.