Hi! I’m Matt, a travel consultant at I Artist Adventure. At our company, we believe deeply in experiencing every journey we offer—so when the opportunity came to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, I jumped at the chance. This October, I’ll be tackling the Western Approach, one of the most scenic and successful routes to Africa’s highest peak. Here’s how I’m preparing for this life-changing climb—and how you can too.

Weekend Training: Hiking with Purpose

Every weekend, you’ll find me on New England’s trails, simulating the conditions I’ll face on Kilimanjaro. That means hiking with my full daypack—around 4 liters of water, snacks, gear, and clothing layers. The good news? On the mountain, I won’t have to carry much more. I Artist Adventure's experienced porters handle the heavy lifting: tents, food, camp equipment—even a private toilet tent. That leaves me (and our guests) light and focused on the trail ahead. Kilimanjaro demands endurance, not mountaineering skills. It’s a multi-day trek averaging five miles a day at a steady incline. The terrain is varied and stunning—rainforest paths, volcanic ridges, and the iconic Barranco Wall. With a bit of commitment and the right support team, it's absolutely achievable. Want my advice? Find your nearest hiking trail, break in your boots, and start walking. Consistency builds confidence.

Weekday Focus: Prioritizing Cardio

Cardio is key. Four months out, I made running and walking a part of my daily routine. Most evenings, I lace up and hit the pavement in Boston. Some mornings too—whatever it takes to stay consistent. I’m not chasing speed; I’m chasing endurance. Every week, I check in with myself:
  • Am I stronger than I was last month?
  • Am I recovering faster?
  • Is the distance getting easier?
Kilimanjaro rewards progress, not perfection. As a colleague once said, “You don’t need to be an athlete. You just need to be committed.”

Weekend Cross-Training: Stairs to Uhuru

When trails aren’t an option, I train on stairs. Harvard Stadium is a favorite. I climb with my pack fully loaded—just like I will on the mountain. Even stair-stepping at the gym helps. Many I Artist Adventure clients use a Stairmaster or elliptical for similar results. Another great option: Fit For Trips, a personalized fitness program designed for adventure travel. As one of our guests, you get an exclusive discount to kickstart your training the smart way.

Weekday Check-In: Travel Health & Safety

Altitude is serious. Luckily, the Western Approach gives our guests extra acclimatization days. I Artist Adventure guides are certified Wilderness First Responders and monitor every trekker throughout the climb. Still, I visited a travel doctor to review my medical history and ensure I’m prepared. We always recommend our climbers do the same—especially if you have pre-existing conditions or want peace of mind.

Weekend Gear Prep: Packing Like a Pro

Last weekend, I started laying out my gear—duffel, layers, hydration systems, and warm-weather wear. Thanks to I Artist Adventure’s thorough packing list, I already had most essentials. Some items—like gaiters or sleeping bags—can be rented in Tanzania, saving luggage space and money. I still might upgrade a few items (hello, Nano Puff jacket) but I’m packing light and smart. Pro tip: always pack a full change of clothes in your carry-on. Lost luggage can happen, and the mountain won’t wait!

Post-Climb Plans: Safari in Style

After my summit, I’ll trade trekking boots for binoculars on our classic Tanzania safari. Imagine this:
  • Watching giraffes in the private Eastern Serengeti, dubbed “Giraffic Park”
  • Witnessing the Great Migration thunder across the Serengeti plains
  • Exploring Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife-rich caldera, home to rhinos, elephants, lions, and more
With luxury Nyumba camps, gourmet meals, and starlit skies, it’s the perfect reward for a week of hiking. If you're climbing Kilimanjaro with I Artist Adventure, we always recommend pairing your trek with a world-class safari—it’s the ultimate Tanzanian double feature.

Every Day: Staying Motivated

What keeps me going? The image of standing on the summit—Uhuru Peak—gazing over the clouds at sunrise. That moment is worth every early run, every sore muscle, and every step uphill. But also, the trail itself. The Western Approach is Kilimanjaro at its most majestic. From Shira Plateau to Lava Tower to the Barranco Valley, the journey is as beautiful as the destination. So as I prep, I remind myself: Believe in the process. Trust the training. And know that with I Artist Adventure by your side, your chances of summit success are among the highest on the mountain. I’m ready. Are you?