| 5 mins read
Robert Aps.
How does climbing Africa's highest mountain sound to you? If you believe it's a challenge that only experienced mountaineers are sane to dream about, then it's time to think again. Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is more accessible than many people imagine it to be. In fact, the youngest person to reach the summit was 7 years old and the oldest person on record is 85!
That said, the climb isn't a stroll in a hilly public garden; so, having proper guides is a must for the sake of your health and climbing goals. Here are a few points to consider for climbing the Kili, to ensure it is one of your best holiday decisions ever!
Scaling the Seven Summits
Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits: the highest mountains of each continent. Many ambitious mountaineers have a goal of climbing all the seven mountains. Of these, the Kilimanjaro has one of the easiest climbing conditions. For instance, you don't need advanced mountaineering gear that would be otherwise essential in climbing the Mount Everest. Yet, while Africa's highest peak may be the easiest, it sure isn't the lowest. Both Mont Blanc (4,810 m) and Puncak Jaya (4,884 m) aren't as tall as Kilimanjaro that stands at 5,895 m.
One mountain, five zones
While the trek is easier compared to the other Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro offers no less awe-inspiring trysts with nature as you ascend to the top. You will pass through a whopping five separate ecological zones within a span of just 2-3 days.
The first zone consists of a low countryside, where one can spot farming activities in the form of grasslands, plantations, and crop fields. People mainly grow yams, maize, and bananas there.
Between 1000-2800 meters, you will encounter lush tropical forests full of rich wildlife. Appreciate the scenery and wilderness, because the next three zones turn progressively more difficult for wildlife spotting.
Kilimanjaro's third zone stretches between the heights of 2800 meters and 4000 meters. Most of the landscape is dotted with tall heathers interspersed with alpine flowers and grass. This part of the mountain is too high for most animals, but lucky hikers have been able to spot civets and leopards.
The fourth zone is an invitation to a beautiful alpine desert, a very dry region that experiences temperature extremes more often than not. No big animals inhabit these heights and the limited fauna in the alpine desert has grown accustomed to 30-40-degree temperature fluctuations through a single year.
Kilimanjaro's fifth zone experienced from the height of 5,000 meters and up is an Arctic area featuring glaciers, ice cliffs, and the near-absence of life. Trekking through these five zones gives a deep understanding of Earth and its climactic impact; you can see the changing faces of nature as you climb higher and higher, ultimately ending your journey at 5,895 meters.
Kilimanjaro ... and a safari!
Many people try to book a longer holiday, so they can go on a Serengeti safari in addition to the Kili trek. Economically, this makes a lot of sense. If you are already paying for return flight tickets to Africa, then it's smart to experience as much as you can while there. Tanzania's huge Serengeti conservation area is great for seeing the Big 5 (lions, rhinos, wild buffalos, leopard, and African elephants) as well as witnessing the Great Migration, should you visit in the months of May to October.
Memories and achievements that are once in a lifetime
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a great idea for a holiday that will challenge you more than a typical vacation, and yet not be an over-the-top venture like climbing the dangerous peaks of the Himalayas.
Yes, you will experience endless sights of natural wonder, but that's only part of the experience. The memories made along the way, and the emotions experienced in taking on the challenge of climbing a mountain and making it to its summit, will infuse you with feelings of accomplishment and success. Dig into this reserve of positivity anytime you face difficult challenges in life: you can look back at the grit and determination you exemplified when you conquered the Kilimanjaro!
More than one way to the top
Kilimanjaro, like many other majestic mountains, has many different pathways to the top. You can choose the route and guide most suited to your physical strength and interest.
Scenic Machame is the most popular, though it can be crowded and more strenuous due to its steep incline. Lemosho is a longer route that merges in Machame, and promises remote terrain, wildlife and natural beauty. Umbwe route is an extreme way to reach the summit and shouldn't be planned without prior climbing experience. Marangu has gained more popularity in the recent years, and yet this may not be the best option considering the acclimatisation problems. Rongai route starts from the north, is the easiest of them all, though it is expensive and used by fewer guides compared to the other routes.
Choose your tour escort with care
As mentioned earlier, climbing one of Tanzania's biggest attractions does comes with its risks, from steep routes to inclement weather conditions. It's plain dangerous to go on your own, and private tours are the best option to experience Kilimanjaro's impressive terrain. Do your homework in signing up with a licensed knowledgeable tour guide, who provides package options so that you don't have to worry about small details that are easy to miss. Moreover, the best ratio is one guide for every person participating in the trek. Beware of operators that herd 20-30 people to the top with a skewed guide ratio; you would not like to make huge compromises on your safety and well-being in such circumstances.
Robert is a writer, entrepreneur, and photographer discovering the world while sharing the finds with his readers. He loves hiking and active holidays. Never says no to trying a new gelato flavour!