Why Most People Who Fail on Kilimanjaro Fail

Roughly two thirds of people who attempt Kilimanjaro reach Uhuru Peak. The third who do not are, in our experience, rarely the unfit ones. Marathon runners turn back and sedentary sixty-year-olds summit, and the reasons are consistent.

Too few days. The single biggest factor. A five-day Marangu climb has a summit success rate well under half; an eight-day Lemosho climb is well over eighty per cent. Acclimatisation is a function of time at altitude and almost nothing else. Every day you add buys you a meaningful increase in your chances, and the money saved by a shorter climb is the worst economy on the mountain.

Going too fast. Pole pole — slowly, slowly — is not a local pleasantry, it is the instruction. Fit people ignore it because the pace feels absurd at 3,000 metres, then find out why at 4,600. If your guide keeps asking you to slow down, they are not being cautious; they are watching you spend something you will need later.

Not drinking. Three to four litres a day. Altitude suppresses thirst, the air is dry, and dehydration produces symptoms almost identical to altitude sickness — headache, nausea, exhaustion. A meaningful number of people who turn back with 'altitude' are simply dry.

Not eating. Appetite disappears above 4,000 metres and summit night starts around midnight after a day of walking. People who have not eaten run out of fuel at the worst possible point on the climb. Eat when you do not want to.

The one that is genuinely bad luck. Some people acclimatise poorly regardless of fitness, preparation or pace, and there is no way to know in advance. If your guide tells you to descend, descend. Altitude sickness turns serious quickly and the mountain will still be there.

What actually helps. Book eight days. Walk slower than feels sensible. Drink more than feels necessary. Eat when you have no appetite. Consider Diamox, having discussed it with your doctor beforehand rather than on the mountain. And do not book a summit attempt for the day before an international flight — you will want the buffer.