Can a first-time climber reach the summit of Kilimanjaro?

Yes. Many people climb Kilimanjaro without previous high-altitude or mountaineering experience. However, being a beginner does not mean the mountain should be underestimated. You need reasonable fitness, proper equipment, enough time to acclimatize, and the discipline to walk slowly. Choosing a longer itinerary like Northern Circuit route and Lemosho route which are generally a better approach than trying to complete the mountain as quickly as possible.