Reasons To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro stands not only as the highest point in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain but also claims its place among the prestigious Seven Summits across the globe. Soaring to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro boasts a perpetually snow-capped summit, offering a breathtaking spectacle year-round.

This natural wonder showcases three distinct volcanic cones—Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo—each contributing to the mountain’s enduring allure. Mawenzi and Shira, both extinct volcanoes, present captivating features, with Shira revealing a collapsed structure that has evolved into the picturesque Shira Plateau. On the other hand, Kibo, the loftiest peak, remains dormant but holds the potential for future eruptions. Remarkably, Kibo’s last volcanic activity occurred approximately 360,000 years ago, adding a fascinating geological dimension to the allure of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro stands out as the most approachable and least demanding among all summits. It is renowned for its beginner-friendly nature, accommodating both intermediate and challenging treks. What sets it apart is that climbers do not require any specialized training, technical expertise, special equipment, or prior trekking experience to conquer its peak.

According to Guinness World Records, individuals as young as 6 and as old as 86 have successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro. Its allure extends globally, attracting a diverse range of people, including families, and earning its nickname, “every man’s Everest.”

Despite being a relatively easy mountain to trek, Mount Kilimanjaro offers a constant stream of excitement, challenges, and breathtaking scenery for trekkers at every step.

Featuring seven distinct routes, each with varying levels of difficulty, Kilimanjaro provides trekkers the flexibility to choose the route that best suits their experience, abilities, and available time. The routes are as follows:

•  Marangu (5-6 days; Difficulty level: Low) – Recognized for its unique hut accommodations.
•  Machame (6-8 days; Difficulty level: Medium) – Regarded as the most popular route.
•  Lemosho (7-8 days; Difficulty level: Medium) – Known for its scenic beauty.
•  Shira (7-8 days; Difficulty level: Medium) – Distinguished by the highest starting point.
•  Rongai (6-7 days; Difficulty level: Low) – Noted as the easiest route.
•  Northern Circuit (9-10 days; Difficulty level: High) – Acknowledged as the newest and longest route.
•  Umbwe (5-6 days; Difficulty level: High) – Identified as the shortest, steepest, and most challenging route.

In addition to the captivating scenery and awe-inspiring experiences, Mount Kilimanjaro is home to elusive yet remarkably vibrant wildlife. With around 140 mammals, 25 carnivorous species, and a plethora of birds, the mountain boasts a unique array of fauna, primarily due to its high altitude.

The lower slopes, within the mountain zone, harbor a variety of animals. Common sightings include buckbucks, elands, tree hyraxes, and playful primates such as baboons and blue monkeys. Lucky observers might also catch a glimpse of colobus monkeys, honey badgers, bushbabies, and even black rhinos.

As you ascend to higher elevations, elusive creatures like high-altitude spiders, duikers, and various mouse species may be encountered. Occasionally, large mammals like giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, and lions traverse the heath and moorland terrains, including the Shira Plateau.

Venturing further up the mountain reveals even more exotic wildlife. Distinctive flora, including plants exclusive to the Seven Summits, can be observed. Among the captivating life forms at high altitudes on Kilimanjaro is the enchanting Kilimanjaro tree.

The facilities surrounding the mountain are excellent. Pathways and trails are clearly designated, ground transportation is efficient, rental equipment is of high quality, and, most importantly, Mount Kilimanjaro remains unspoiled (in contrast to Everest, which suffers from littering issues). Park Rangers, guides, porters, and their teams have successfully upheld the cleanliness and preserved the wild beauty of the mountain.

Did you realize that while the entirety of the United States experiences 7 climatic zones, Mount Kilimanjaro boasts 5? Delving into the expedition beyond the spectacular snowy peak, Mount Kilimanjaro promises an otherworldly adventure. Comparable to traversing from the Equator to the North Pole within a few days, the transitions in scenery and climate evoke the sensation of “journeying through distinct realms in just a matter of hours.”

Here are the 5 climatic zones of Kilimanjaro:

• Cultivation: Encompassing farmlands, small villages, coffee and fruit plantations.
• Rainforest: Home to a majority of the wildlife.
• Heather-Moorland: Abundant shrubs and unique flora characterize this zone.
• Alpine Desert: A barren landscape showcasing volcanic rocks in diverse shapes and sizes, coupled with extreme temperatures.
• Glacier Summit: An arctic zone at the peak.

Many individuals ascend the iconic peak to commemorate significant life events such as retirement, marriage, graduation, and more. Beyond these notable milestones, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a compelling reason to beam with pride for months. You haven’t just conquered one of the highest summits globally, but you’ve also inscribed your name in a concealed notebook securely placed in a wooden box atop Uhuru Peak. This transforms your achievement into a piece of history—an enduring legacy that stands the test of time.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a haven for photography enthusiasts and nature admirers. It presents awe-inspiring landscapes, captivating plant life, and intriguing wildlife. Whether your goal is to capture the essence of the animal kingdom, document unique flora, or frame stunning panoramas, Mount Kilimanjaro encompasses them all – no additional enhancements required.

Due to the annual influx of 40,000 climbers to Kili, the regional economy is flourishing, contributing approximately $20 million annually. Consequently, individuals such as guides, porters, cooks, food suppliers, travel agencies, hotel personnel, and local merchants contribute to employment opportunities in an area that unfortunately continues to be among the most impoverished globally.

Mount Kilimanjaro boasts an enchanting remote wilderness, situated in close proximity to the Serengeti, one of the world’s most untamed safari parks. Despite Kili’s untamed character, it remains highly accessible to travelers worldwide.

For those wishing to explore Kilimanjaro, flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha, Tanzania is a convenient option. From Arusha, the mountain, nestled within Kilimanjaro National Park, is just a brief 45-minute drive away.

Alternatively, visitors can opt for a charter plane route or fly into other airports, then catch a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro.

Travelers can choose to land at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, southern Tanzania. From DAR, numerous transportation options are available to reach Kilimanjaro, ranging from domestic flights to public bus rides.

Another option is to fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. Similar to DAR, this route offers a plethora of options to reach Kilimanjaro and is often known for its cost-effectiveness.

Featuring breathtaking vistas, an otherworldly trekking experience akin to a journey from the Equator to the North Pole, and a perpetually snow-covered peak surrounded by dry savannah and incredible biodiversity, Mount Kilimanjaro is hailed as the “Greatest Natural Wonder of the World.

Choosing Mount Kilimanjaro as your next adventure destination, among the other 1,000,809 mountains globally, comes as no surprise. Its sheer magnificence and outstanding trekking opportunities establish it as an unbeatable holiday destination for anyone seeking great adventures! Explore Kilimanjaro Trekking for a glimpse of diverse itineraries.