How These Hikers Trained To Summit Mt Kilimanjaro

At Summit Strength, we’ve helped many, many hikers successfully summit Mt. Kilimanjaro through structured training, expert education, and personalised coaching. With the right preparation and support, our clients consistently achieve fantastic results on the mountain.​

Below, you’ll find a collection of real Kilimanjaro success stories from hikers who trained with us and went on to conquer one of the biggest bucket-list adventures of their lives.

Training For Kilimanjaro: Summit Strength Reviews

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"I just returned from a successful climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro! I am beyond amazed that I had ZERO knee pain, or physical pain of any kind, on the trip.

As someone with a history of over-use injuries and intense knee pain on descents, I though my long-distance hiking days were behind me (at 32!).

Rowan put a structured, easy to follow, and comprehensive plan into place that helped me gain strength, endurance, and mobility in the months leading up to my trip. I am so excited that I can hike without pain, it has me already planning my next mountain adventure.

​I have the deepest gratitude for Rowan and all he does. I’m so thankful to have found my way back to an activity I love.  I can’t recommend working with Rowan enough!"
​- Jen

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I had the most incredible experience with Summit Strength. It may sound dramatic, but Rowan gave me my life back.  

I am an avid hiker and suddenly developed iliotibial band syndrome in both knees.  Walking became painful and hiking was impossible.  

After countless failed treatments including steroid injection, acupuncture, physical therapy, rest, Ki release, shock wave therapy, multiple Amazon purchases, chiropractic treatment and massage therapy, my knees were unimproved.  

I was devastated and started to believe the pain would never resolve.  During one of many internet searches, I found Summit Strength.  The testimonials gave me guarded hope.  I’m a doctor, so this seemed too good to be true.  Rowan’s plan was very gradual and focused on strengthening each lower extremity separately. Initially, this helped me walk the dog without pain.  

Then, on Christmas Eve, I was able to do the first hike without pain. It was a glorious moment for me.  I was so grateful for Rowan’s expertise!  The training continued and the hikes became longer and more difficult.  Again, no pain!  

I had signed up for a trip to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro prior to joining Summit Strength, because I kept thinking the knee pain would get better.  Now that dream seemed attainable. Rowan kept modifying my training and his education series on altitude/mental fortitude prepared me for the trek.  In August, I summited Mt. Kilimanjaro!  

I just completed my first solo backpacking trip and I’m preparing for the Tour du Mont Blanc.  None of this would have been possible without Summit Strength.  Thank you so much Rowan for giving me back the physical ability to enjoy the outdoors!
- Rhonda

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"Six months ago I decided to make a bid for the top of Kilimanjaro. I am 67, and I nearly died twice in 2020. I had some health issues and injuries to overcome, and I knew that in order to get to the top of Kili, I needed to do everything I could to train properly. I searched for podcasts about hiking and climbing, and that's when I discovered Rowan Smith and Summit Strength. I listened to every podcast on the list, and some I listened to twice. I loved Rowan's "no nonsense" approach to training and decided to sign up for his online personal training program. It was the best decision I could have made. 

As a former runner, I struggled for years with what I thought were running injuries. I soon learned in Rowan's program that my injuries weren't from running—they were from improper training, imbalances and weaknesses. Within two weeks of Rowan's program, the "running injuries" I'd been living with for 30+ years were gone, and they still are. 

The 12-week training program Rowan developed for me was based on a physical assessment and was tailored to my personal preferences and goals. It included training for strength, cardio, and endurance. Some of the workouts were really hard, but Rowan was always supportive and flexible. The training also included information on high-altitude hiking, nutrition, Acute Mountain Sickness, diaphragmatic breathing, and keeping a positive mental attitude. His training is all evidence based, and he presents both sides of an issue on controversial topics.

On September 24, I summited Kilimanjaro, reaching Uhuru Point (19,341-foot elevation) just after dawn, and it was epic. I will never say it was easy (it wasn't), but Rowan's training prepared me well. I had the strength I needed, and I never had any muscle soreness or injuries. Having practiced belly breathing during cardio training was especially helpful, as I was struggling for breath near the top of the mountain. I don't know if I would have made it to the top of Kili without Rowan's help. He made me so much stronger than I ever was. Signing on with Rowan was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."
- Susan 

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"Rowan has been training me for well over a year now. This period has covered a trek to Everest Base Camp last year and a trek to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this. For both treks I have felt really well prepared.
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Rowan tailors his sessions and there has been a fantastic and structured build up to each trek. The result was I found the trek last year went really well and this year was all good too! No headaches at all and it is all down to the great training and advice before hand. The breathing techniques and the practice prescribed really helped!"
- Steve 

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A successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro at age 68! Could not have done it without Summit Strength.

I did exactly what they asked me to do week after week and I made it. No injuries, no pain. Coped with altitude!
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I would highly recommend them!
​- Roz

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I hired Summit Strength to help me complete two specific adventures of hiking Iceland's Laugavegur Trail and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

I have nothing but the highest praise for Summit Strength, and especially Rowan. 

Prior to engaging Summit Strength, I was frustrated with my local gym/trainers that didn't seem motivated to help me develop a specialized program focused on my specific upcoming two adventures. 

 I have always led an active and athletic lifestyle, although not necessarily one that included extensive hiking or mountain climbing.  Working with Summit Strength, I was able to get a workout plan developed that was specialized on my individual needs and set me up for success with my upcoming goals.  

As I worked through the successive six months of workouts, I could feel the steady improvement in my fitness and readiness and knew I was doing the right things.

 It is no surprise that thanks to Rowan, I was able to successfully complete an amazing five day hike of Iceland's Laugavegur Trail in June 2024 and ultimately reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro through the eight day Lemosho Trail in Oct 2024 ... a dream come true!!
- Treci 

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"Rowan is such an amazing trainer. He is incredibly passionate about what he does and always pushed me to my full potential.
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My fitness level after the duration of my training was the best it had ever been which made summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru a real breeze.

I'd really recommend having Rowan as a trainer as he really loves what he does and knows exactly how to make you achieve your fitness goals no matter how big or small."
- Ariella 

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"Just wanted to let you know I successfully summited Kilimanjaro on February 7. It was extremely difficult for me as I got a high fever and flu-like illness one day before the summit attempt. 

I credit lots of the training and nutrition information in your course for helping me overcome this obstacle as well as the mountain itself. Thanks mate!"
- William 

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"Even though I had a short time to get ready for a Kilimanjaro trek, Rowan helped me to get the most of it.  The sessions not only helped me to improve my fitness level, but he gave me lots of helpful tips for the trek and his great knowledge and recommendations helped me to drop my eating habits. Train with Rowan! 10/10 recommended.”
- Silvia 

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"I first hired Summit Strength to help with trek readiness for my Kilimanjaro Climb. The process involved some great, concise, workout programs with a mix of cardio, strength and stretching specifically designed to target trek readiness in a short amount of time. Would I work with them again? Yes!  I feel like I am in the best possible place to take on my challenge!"
- Anneke

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"After a mate invited me to climb Kilimanjaro for September 2018, I approached Rowan for some help in preparing me for what for me was the unknown.

I had had significant experience in competitive marathons, triathlons and as a life long swimmer. I had coached and played hockey at high levels. I had firm ideas about diet, preparation for competition and tapering.

But I knew nothing about training and preparing for high altitude trekking.

I picked the right man. Rowan listened, then planned a periodised program over 4 months that accommodated my hockey training and playing workload.

He challenged me to develop the core and hip strength that he believes is necessary for high altitude trekking.

He prepared me for the challenges of training for and trekking at high altitude. We talked about diet and eating at high altitude. We talked about (legal) drugs. Rowan is an experienced trainer and altitude specialist."
​- Phil

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"Rowan really helped me prepare for Kili. He identified which muscles groups needed the focus, worked on breathing techniques and build my aerobic fitness, as well as giving practical tips on trekking and climbing."

​- Hamish 

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"I worked with Summit Strength to prepare to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

Very professional and experienced. When I reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, I realized I would have really struggled, and maybe wouldn't have made it if I hadn't done the Summit Strength training plan.

I would definitely work with Summit Strength again, and would also highly recommend them.  The main reason for me was the professionalism and knowledge.  I also liked that the training was flexible, and it could be worked around to suit your lifestyle."

- Collette 

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"I started working with Summit Strength to help towards climbing Kilimanjaro in November to raise money for Sydney Children's Hospital. 

Rowan is a legend, super passionate about trek fitness and super knowledgeable. Found my weaknesses and I can feel a huge difference in the areas we have been focusing on. 

From our initial consultation, I have loved every minute training with Rowan (apart from his end of sesh finishers :-))  If you have a trek planned, training with Rowan is a must!"

- Steve 

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"This is to say huge thank u to Rowan for getting me ready for Kili summit.

I had a bad knee and generally weak legs for years, spent a fortune on various physios with very little improvement. He asked me to trust him and following 5 months of training I was the only one in our group whose knees coped with all the steep downhills for hours with no pain.

I loved your program. It was easy to follow, made me spend more time outside and super convenient for a working mom. Sorry, if this sounds like an advert. I am just grateful I stumbled upon u on Facebook all the way from UK and u made my dream come true!"

- Oksana 

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How Our Hikers Got Fit And Strong For Kilimanjaro 

Each of these hikers came to us with a big dream. They wanted to climb and summit Kilimanjaro. But each of them has barriers and limitations which made them nervous...

Some had busy lives, and didn't have much time to dedicate to training in their week....

Some had a history of aches, pains or injuries that were causing them to doubt their ability to tackle the mountain...

Some had zero history of high altitude hiking and were incredibly nervous about how their body would handle the thin air...

And some just knew this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and wanted to give themselves the best chance of reaching the summit!

But with the right training, preparations and support, they were able to accomplish their dream.

At Summit Strength, we have helped hundreds of hikers over the years prepare for their high-altitude adventures.

How do we do it?

We apply specialised and personalised workout plans (covering strength training, cardio, hiking programming and recovery - everything your body needs to prepare for the mountain!)

We educate you on the topics you need to survive and perform at high altitude (such as nutrition and hydration tips, breathing techniques, sleep advice, pacing strategies and a range of other things)

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are a hiker preparing for Kilimanjaro and want to give yourself the best chance of a safe, successful, and enjoyable adventure, we would love to chat with you.

To learn more about our Online Personal Training For Hikers (which has helped so many hikers summit Kilimanjaro and countless other mountains), you can check it out here:

Online Personal Training For High Altitude Hikers

Yours in trekking,​

Rowan