Photo: Brian Siambi
If you are an adventure junkie, climbing Kilimanjaro is probably one of the things you have or are yet to cross out from your bucket list. The majestic Kili’s summit stands at 5895m above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kyletaylor/
Where do I get started?
The ascent of Kilimanjaro kicks of at the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. This means that if you are not Tanzanian you need to get your travel documents in check.
There are several climbing routes to use when trekking the Kilimanjaro. Take a look and see which one best meets your hiking abilities and goals.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kyletaylor/
How do I prepare for the Hike?
A great deal of physical and mental preparation is required before undertaking this adventurous trek. Ensure you are properly equipped with the right gear and your travel/medical insurance is in place. Preparing a checklist before your summit attempt will help you keep track of your travel itinerary.
The summit climb requires a degree of fitness thus start training at least two months before embarking on the climb. You do not require mountaineering experience to climb the Kilimanjaro. Nevertheless, you will need to be comfortable walking 6-8 hours uphill a day.
Be sure to pick out climbing dates that do not coincide with the rainy season- preferably January, February and September.
Tips on taking on the climb successfully
Everyone taking on a challenge definitely wants to conquer it. Here are a few tips to help you during the summit climb:
- Go slowly so as not to over-work your body at high altitudes. At the end of the day, the hike is never a competition
- Be well hydrated to ward off altitude sickness
- Have the right climbing gear with you to complement your physical and mental preparedness
- Maintain a positive mental attitude. The climb may get brutal closer to the summit. Get friends to cheer you on and get to sing and laugh about moments
Get in touch with local guide services for Kilimanjaro hikes and create for yourself once in a lifetime experiences.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kyletaylor/
Fun Facts
- Tallest mountain in Africa and Tallest Free-standing mountain in the world
- Approximately 35,000 people attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro every year
- In June 2017 the highest soccer game on record was played by 30 female footballers from 20 nations, the game was played in Kilimanjaro’s volcanic pit and lasted the full 90 min.
- In May 2016, Pizza Hut set an official Guinness World Record when they delivered a pizza to the summit. The highest pizza delivery in the world. The pizza was kept hot in a specially built battery-powered delivery and was done as part of a PR campaign.
- The mountain’s snow caps are diminishing, having lost more than 80 percent of their mass since 1912. In fact, they may be completely ice free within the next 20 years, according to scientists.
