The park's rule is simple: climbers must be at least ten years old to attempt the summit. Our view, from watching families on the mountain, is that the comfortable sweet spot starts around twelve: old enough for the walking days, old enough to communicate clearly about how they feel, which matters enormously up high, and old enough to bank the achievement as a permanent part of who they are.

There's a common misconception that being reasonably fit is enough for Kilimanjaro. It isn't. Here's the comprehensive training guide that actually prepares you for the mountain.