Climbing Kilimanjaro Age Restrictions
If you are older than 10 years old, you can climb Kilimanjaro. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to climb past 3,100m (10,170ft) on Mount Kilimanjaro. This is due to the health risks and lack of understanding of symptoms related to high-altitude environments.
However, special permission may be granted to climb past this point, but it must be obtained ahead of arrival from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authorities.
Requirements for Climbing Kilimanjaro As a Child
For a child under 10 to be granted special permission to climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the following conditions must be met:
• The child must be accompanied by the parents or official guardians.
• The child and parent must have significant experience with multi-day trekking.
• The child must have had experience with high altitude in the past and must not have presented symptoms of altitude sickness.
• The parent must have experience hiking in high altitude and be known to acclimatize well.
Training Requirements
In order to prepare for the ascent of Kilimanjaro before getting to Tanzania, it is wise to do lots of hiking and trekking, preferably in high altitudes, to simulate similar environments to what is on Kilimanjaro. This will help you figure out if you enjoy the experience and help your body prepare for the challenge.
Which Kilimanjaro Company to Choose
Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the leading climbing companies on Kilimanjaro and we have experience with taking young children up the mountain. It is advised to contact us ahead of time with your situation and we should be able to give you the steps you need to take and probably facilitate the whole process.
Parental Fitness
It is essential for any parent to have a high level of fitness when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro with a child. The parent may need to carry the child for parts of the journey and thus, needs to have the strength to carry their own daypack and the child as well.
Health Checks
It is also advised to visit a pediatrician before committing to the mountain and to make sure that proper safety precautions and medical checks are taken during the climb.
The Youngest and Oldest Kilimanjaro Summiteers
Coltan Tanner currently holds the record for the youngest Kilimanjaro summiteer at 6 years, 1 month, and a few days old. Anne Lorimor holds the record for the oldest Kilimanjaro summiteer at 89 years and 37 days.
Conclusion
Climbing Kilimanjaro with a child is possible, but it is essential to take precautionary steps and plan ahead if you want to provide your family with a safe and successful climb. It is recommended to travel with experienced Kilimanjaro guides, like Climbing Kilimanjaro who do medical checks on the mountain, and listen to advice from a professional pediatrician.
