2 main things to know about Mt. Kilimanjaro
Proper Acclimatization: On mt Kilimanjaro to prevent high altitude mountain illness due to inadequate of oxygen, which is why you need to acclimatize to the altitude.
In the higher altitude, atmospheric pressure there is low, and less oxygen is forced into the bloodstream with each breath. Therefore, one needs to breathe more quickly in order to maintain an adequate level of oxygen in the blood.
Slow and Steady: Your guides would like you to go “pole pole” – Swahili for “slow and steady.” It’s in their best interest, because you’ll give them good reviews if you make it to the top and avoid altitude sickness. But other members of your group may have a different definition of slow. When you start a climb, there is intense peer pressure to “stay with the group.” Don’t try to compete with the active adventurous mountaineers, if you try to keep up with them, they will make you weep on your first day.
Do not be tempted into speeding up because others are walking faster. Serious altitude sickness is more common in groups than it is during private climbs!
There is NOTHING to gain on Kilimanjaro by being the first.