90 Year Old Summits Kilimanjaro
If you ever catch yourself thinking that you are too old to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, this story may change your mind.
On 13 July 2026, retired doctor and former TV medical expert Dr Art Ulene reached Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, on his 90th birthday. His summit is now widely celebrated as the oldest known ascent of Kilimanjaro and is in the process of being submitted to Guinness World Records for official verification.
For Adventure Out Loud, his climb is much more than a record. It is a powerful reminder that with the right preparation, support and mindset, big adventures are still possible well into your later years.
Kilimanjaro records keep getting older
Over the past decade, the story of the oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro has changed several times. Guinness World Records currently recognises American climber Anne Lorimor, who reached Uhuru Peak at 89 years and 37 days in 2019, as the official record holder and oldest woman to summit Kilimanjaro
Before Anne, the title had passed through several inspiring climbers:
Angela Vorobeva from Russia, who summited at 86.
Dr Robert Wheeler from the United States, who reached the top at 85.
Martin and Esther Kafer from Canada, who climbed together in their mid‑80s.
Each of these ascents pushed the boundary of what people thought was possible. Dr Art Ulene has now taken that boundary even further by reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit at 90, creating a new benchmark for older trekkers, and the latest world record.
How a 90‑year‑old prepared to climb Kilimanjaro
Ulene’s success was not an accident or a spontaneous decision. It was the result of deliberate training, careful planning and an experienced support team.
For his 90th‑birthday climb, he:
Spent months preparing his body for long days of trekking and high altitude.
Partnered with CareScout, a healthy aging organisation, to design a 15‑day Kilimanjaro itinerary, with 11½ days ascending and four days descending, that allowed for maximum acclimatisation.
Trusted an experienced Tanzanian guiding crew, who paced him slowly, watched his health closely and celebrated with him at the summit.
He describes the journey as both physically painful and deeply meaningful, but his approach stayed simple: put one foot in front of the other, repeat for thousands of steps, and never lose sight of the goal.
This is the same philosophy we encourage at Adventure Out Loud. The mountain rewards patience, humility and preparation, regardless of your age.
What older trekkers can learn from Ulene’s climb
If you are in your 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond and wonder whether climbing Kilimanjaro with Adventure Out Loud is realistic, Ulene’s story offers several important lessons.
Age is a factor, not a barrier
Your age does matter, but it is not the deciding factor. Your training, itinerary, medical advice and guiding team have far more influence on whether you reach the summit safely.Slow itineraries dramatically improve your chances
Longer routes and additional acclimatisation days give your body time to adjust. Ulene’s 15‑day plan is an extreme example, but the principle is the same. At Adventure Out Loud, we favour slower, carefully designed itineraries over rushed ascents, especially for older trekkers.trips.adventureoutloud+2Honest medical input is essential
Ulene is a retired doctor and took his health seriously. Older climbers should consult their doctors, explain the realities of high‑altitude trekking, and be prepared to adjust their plans based on professional advice.The right guiding team makes the difference
On Kilimanjaro, your guides are your lifeline. They manage pace, check your symptoms, and make safety decisions when you are tired or focused only on the summit. Adventure Out Loud works with trusted local guides who understand how to support both first‑time trekkers and older climbers.Your “record” is personal
You may not be aiming to become the oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro. Your personal record might be hiking higher than you ever have before, raising funds for a cause you care about, or proving to yourself that you can still take on big challenges.
How Adventure Out Loud supports older climbers on Kilimanjaro
Adventure Out Loud has been helping people summit Kilimanjaro since 2008, and many of our trekkers are not in their 20s or 30s. We specialise in responsible, small‑group adventures that combine world‑class trekking with meaningful social impact.
For older or less experienced hikers, we focus on:
Tailored itineraries that prioritise acclimatisation, rest days and realistic daily distances.
Pre‑trip support, including training advice and gear recommendations.
Local expert guides who have extensive experience with high‑altitude trekking and know how to respond to changing conditions on the mountain.
Impact‑driven adventures, where every step you take helps fund education for disadvantaged students through school, turning your summit into more than a personal goal.
This combination of safety, support and purpose is at the heart of every Adventure Out Loud Kilimanjaro trek.
Are you really too old to climb Kilimanjaro?
When we look at climbers like Angela Vorobeva, Anne Lorimor and now Dr Art Ulene, one message stands out clearly: “too old” is usually an excuse, not a fact.
You might be:
Too under‑prepared.
Too rushed for a safe acclimatisation schedule.
Too reluctant to listen to your body or your guides.
All of these can be changed.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a demanding mountain, but it is also one of the most accessible high‑altitude treks in the world for determined, well‑prepared hikers. The summit does not belong only to elite athletes or young gap‑year travellers. It is open to anyone who is willing to train, to respect the mountain and to climb with the right support.
If a 90‑year‑old can celebrate his birthday at Uhuru Peak, there is a very good chance that you can celebrate your own milestone there too.
At Adventure Out Loud, we would be honoured to help you plan that journey.
