CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
Top reasons to ascend to the roof of Africa
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has always been a dream-come-true adventure for many people. Each year, it draws about 40,000 people from all over the world to trek its grounds. In fact, the record-breaking mountain has become increasingly popular that some people already call it “Everyman’s Everest.” But why is this a very popular mountain? Let's look at the top reasons to climb "Kili"!
1. One of the Seven Summits
Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the “Roof of Africa,” is one of the Seven Summits of the world. Standing at 20,000 feet, it is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Kilimanjaro is also one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, featuring lush green rainforests, snow-capped peaks, and a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitats.
2. Beginner-friendly
Of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is considered the easiest to climb and the least demanding. Trekkers don’t require technical skills, special training, or mountaineering equipment to reach the summit. You don’t even need prior climbing experience!
Realistically, Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude, long-distance trek. However, anyone who is reasonably fit and can acclimatise has a good chance of reaching the summit. In fact, according to Guinness World Records, the youngest person to climb to the summit was six years old, and the oldest was 86.
Kilimanjaro offers several route options with varying levels of difficulty, allowing you to match your ability with the route you choose.
3. An extraordinary journey
When people think of climbing the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, they often imagine the glacier-covered summit. However, the journey to the top is an out-of-this-world experience. It’s like walking from the Equator to the North Pole in just a matter of days, with Kilimanjaro providing breathtaking natural wonders and dramatic changes in vegetation.
In just over a week, trekkers can experience five climatic zones and six ecological zones. A lush green forest amidst a dry savannah? Check. A snow-covered mountain on the Equator? Check. Glaciers? Check!
4. Unique plants and animals
Wildlife on Kilimanjaro is diverse. As expected, more animals can be found in the forest zone than anywhere else on the mountain. If you’re lucky, you may encounter animals such as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, honey badgers, bush babies, and even black rhinos.
On the heath, moorland, and higher terrains, wildlife sightings are rarer, but you might spot species of mice, elands, duikers, bushbucks, and high-altitude spiders. Buffalos, leopards, and giraffes also occasionally wander along the slopes.
On the Shira Plateau, lions sometimes roam the area, and on the northern side of the mountain, particularly along the Rongai Route, elephants from Amboseli National Park in Kenya can be seen making their way up the slopes.
Kilimanjaro’s high altitudes have also created a habitat for unique life forms. Some plants found here are exclusive to certain areas of the Seven Summits, such as the delicate elephant flower, the groundsel plants, and the strikingly bizarre Kilimanjaro tree.
5. An unparalleled way to exercise
Staying fit and exercising is a great way to live a healthy life. But what could be more rewarding than trekking up an iconic mountain with jaw-dropping views? With amazing flora, fascinating fauna, and stunning scenery, a trek up Kilimanjaro is an experience you’ll never forget – an “exercise session” you’ll remember as the best of your life.
6. Great photo ops
It’s no wonder Kilimanjaro is a favourite among photographers and nature lovers. From wildlife shots and world-class birdwatching to thrilling adventures and breathtaking views from above, a photo from Mount Kilimanjaro is sure to be remarkable. No filter needed – just Mother Nature in all her glory.
Additionally, the mountain is well-maintained compared to other high peaks. Kilimanjaro remains clean, and despite the high number of visitors, the Park Authority has done a fantastic job preserving its wilderness.
7. Easy access
Adventurers from around the world can easily fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to reach this famous mountain. The airport is located between the towns of Moshi and Arusha, about a 45-minute drive away. From Moshi or Arusha, it’s another 45-minute drive to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.
Alternatively, you can take a charter flight from the airport to the park, a journey that typically takes about 30 minutes, with flights available daily.
What’s great about accessing Mount Kilimanjaro internationally is that travellers have plenty of options. Whether flying into Dar es Salaam in southern Tanzania, Nairobi in Kenya, or even Johannesburg in South Africa, local flights to Kilimanjaro are readily available.
8. A personal achievement
Successfully reaching the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain is not just something to tick off the bucket list – it’s an achievement you can feel proud of for weeks. Not only do you release a good dose of endorphins, but you also get to stand on top of the world.
Sparkling glaciers floating above a sea of clouds, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and your name recorded in a notebook kept in a wooden box at the summit – this is truly an accomplishment that will stay with you forever.
There are countless reasons to climb Kilimanjaro. If you’re interested in learning more or want to start planning your adventure, don’t hesitate to visit this page.
