Mount Kilimanjaro is often described using different words—hiking, trekking, or climbing—which can sometimes confuse beginners. In simple terms, a hike usually means walking on well-marked, relatively flat paths with little equipment needed. Trekking is a more challenging journey that may involve rougher terrain, longer distances, and some preparation in terms of gear and fitness. Kilimanjaro starts off easy enough for it to feel like a hike, especially on the lower slopes where the paths are wide and covered in forest. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more rugged and altitude increases, turning the experience into a demanding trek. Because you’ll be climbing to nearly 6,000 meters (about 19,341 feet), it’s also considered a mountain climb. Unlike technical climbs that require ropes and special equipment, Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, so no rock climbing or ice climbing skills are needed, but the altitude makes it serious and requires acclimatization.You’ll hear Kilimanjaro called all three, and in a way, they’re all correct. At the start, the paths are gentle and feel like a simple hike. As you go higher, the terrain becomes tougher, turning it into a trek. Because of its altitude and the need to adjust to thinner air, it is also considered a mountain climb — but unlike other high peaks, you don’t need ropes or special climbing gear.