Tech Tools to Enhance Your Trek to the Roof of Africa
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a true adventure—one that takes you through five climate zones and challenges both body and mind. While disconnecting from the digital world is part of the beauty, the right mobile apps and GPS devices can improve your experience without being a distraction.
Here are the best tools and apps to use while climbing Kilimanjaro, from offline maps to altimeters, journaling, wearables, and more.
Garmin Fenix Watch + Garmin Explore & Garmin Connect Apps
Best for: All-in-one altitude, navigation, fitness, and tracking
A Garmin Fenix series watch is one of the most powerful tools a trekker can bring to Kilimanjaro. It combines GPS tracking, a barometric altimeter, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more—all on your wrist.
Paired with Garmin Explore and Garmin Connect, you can:
- Preload GPX tracks of your route
- Monitor altitude, heart rate, and pace in real-time
- View ascent/descent stats without your phone
- Track your sleep and recovery at camp
- Sync your data for journaling and sharing later
Why it’s perfect for Kilimanjaro:
- Works without cell service
- Built-in offline topographic maps (select models)
- Rugged, waterproof, and built for altitude
- Long battery life in expedition mode (up to weeks)
- Some versions are solar
Pro tip: Download your route and maps in Garmin Explore before arriving in Tanzania. You’ll have access to full navigation even in airplane mode.
Gaia GPS App
Best for: Offline navigation and terrain tracking
Even though your guide will handle navigation, Gaia GPS is a fantastic tool to help you understand where you are on the mountain. You can download topographic maps ahead of time and track your progress using your phone’s GPS—even in airplane mode.
Why it’s great for Kilimanjaro:
- Works offline
- Displays elevation gain/loss
- It lets you record your route
My Altitude
Best for: Real-time altitude tracking
Altitude is everything on Kilimanjaro. Knowing how high you are can help you monitor symptoms of altitude sickness and stay aware of your ascent rate.
Why it’s great:
- Works offline
- Uses your phone’s barometric sensor or GPS
- No cell signal needed
Journey or Day One
Best for: Keeping a digital journal
Your Kilimanjaro climb will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Use Journey or Day One to document your thoughts, photos, and voice memos along the way—even without an internet connection.
Insight Timer
Best for: Meditation and calming your mind
Altitude and exhaustion can lead to restlessness at camp. Insight Timer offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep aids—all of which can be downloaded for offline use.
Snapseed
Best for: Editing summit photos on the go, Snapseed, a free app from Google, lets you adjust lighting, contrast, and sharpness with professional-level tools—perfect for editing your summit pics before sharing them once you’re back online.
Windy or Offline Weather Apps
Best for: Checking weather windows (while you still have service)
Before you lose signal higher up, apps like Windy, AccuWeather, or Garmin Connect (if synced via Wi-Fi) can help you track short-term forecasts.
A Note on Connectivity
There’s limited or no cell service on most of Kilimanjaro. Make sure to:
- Download everything in advance (maps, journal templates, meditations)
- Put your phone on airplane mode to save battery
- Bring a power bank or solar charger
Bonus: Don’t Forget Power!
We recommend:
- Anker PowerCore or Goal Zero solar charger
- Extra charging cables in a dry bag
- Turning your phone or watch off when not in use (or using expedition modes)
Final Thoughts
While you won’t be live-streaming from the summit, the right mix of apps and wearables can make your Kilimanjaro climb safer, more informed, and better documented. With a rugged Garmin watch, useful offline apps, and a little planning, you’ll be equipped to track every step of your journey to the top of Africa.
Need help preparing for your trek? Explore our Kilimanjaro gear lists, route guides, and climbing tips.