Top Seven Reasons You Should Trek Mount Kilimanjaro
You’re sitting at your desk, likely at home, working on this month’s program, and you’re dreaming of a break. And after the year and a half you’ve endured, you want something really special.
I understand. And I have a great suggestion.
You should trek Mount Kilimanjaro.
Let me tell you why.
1. IT IS THE WORLD’S HIGHEST FREESTANDING MOUNTAIN
Plenty of summits are scattered all around the world, just waiting for trekkers. But at 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the tallest peak on the African continent, it is also considered the highest mountain in the world that isn’t part of an existing range.
Why bother with small hills when you could stand atop the highest point?
Walk up the western side of the mountain on the lemosho route, or trek via the machame route and explore the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. No matter which route you take, you’ll emerge on one of the highest points available in the world today.
2. YOU’RE ALREADY PREPARED TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
You don’t need high technical skills or fancy equipment to trek Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll need a talented guide, of course, and good camping equipment. And you’ll need to choose a Kilimanjaro trekking route that helps you avoid altitude sickness. But when the planning is done, you’re ready to get climbing.
Now, some people say the easiest mountain within the 7 summits is in Australia. But Mount Kosciuszko is just 7,310 feet tall. That’s barely a mountain, in my opinion.
If you’re looking for a non-technical hike that packs a lot of punch, Kilimanjaro Mountain is a natural pick.
3. EASILY EXPAND YOUR KILIMANJAJARO TREKKING ADVENTURE
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing might inspire your travel to Tanzania. But with the summit scaled, you have so much left to do and see.
Tanzania is a large country and beautiful packed with sights. Add to your climbing Kilimanjaro trip with one or all of the following:
- Tanzania wildlife safari: Drive thrwough the sprawling savannah during the day and watch wildebeests, zebras, flamingos, lions, and more. Spend your evenings surrounded by the sounds of nature from the comfort of your tented camp.
- Visit Zanzibar: Dip your toes in the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean and warm up on white, sandy beaches. Fill your days with snorkeling or diving, or other activities like a tour of Stone town or a walk through spice plantations, or just lounge on the beach all day.
Add-ons like these turn a Kilimanjaro climb into a weeks-long adventure that you’ll never forget.
4. TEST YOUR BODY AND MIND
You’re in control of your hike up Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll pick the best route, the dates, and the itinerary. But make no mistake. This is a climb that will push you to your limit.
You’ll spend days climbing Kilimanjaro, and the air will thin as you move. Reaching the peak is a true accomplishment. Everyone is moved by it. In fact, many trekkers cry as they approach the peak sign, some have chosen to scatter ashes of loved ones, others crack open a beer and start their celebration.
While this last year has been very challenging for many of us, it has felt much like Groundhog’s Day. We go to work (or work from home), we come home, we repeat. Getaway from this monotony and get back to adventure with a mountain hike.
5. YOU DESERVE CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
Did covid-19 force you to cancel your vacation plans? You’re not alone. In April of 2020, about 40 % of scheduled flights were canceled. And the industry has yet to recover.
While you were stuck indoors, you may have learned to bake sourdough bread. Perhaps you picked up knitting. Or maybe you built your family a sweet holiday spot in the backyard.
But none of these hobbies can truly take the place of vacation travel. You don’t get the chance to explore different cultures, sights and sounds when you’re stuck indoors or in your community. Take a vacation to a culturally and environmentally rich part of the world and really break free of routine.
If you’re still feeling concerned, and you aren’t ready to dive into crowded concert halls or packed cruise ships, that makes two of us! A mountain trek is a great solution, as you’re outside and can stay distanced from other trekkers. You’ll get the adventure with fewer risks.
6. IT’S A UNQUE DESTINATION
You may be ready to take just one vacation trip this year, so why not choose a destination that offers so much variety in its amazing scenery, unique plant life and unmatched views.
The mount Kilimanjaro offers:
- 5 climate zones – Climb through cultivated areas, rainforests, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the summit glacier zone, all in just one week. On some days you may even pass through 2 climate zones.
- More than 1,000 unique plants – See flora here that you just can’t find anywhere else in the world. If you’re a big fan of exotic plants, or telling your family or friends about things they’ve never seen, Kilimanjaro is the right destination for you.
- Stunning views – Trekkers often tell me they feel like they can reach right up and touch the stars when they’re close to the top. You’ll sleep under the full and bright southern hemisphere sky every night and you’ll see amazing sunrises and sunsets, too.
Few destinations offer so much variety in one place. Tanzania truly is special.
7. SEE THE GLACIERS ON TOP (BEFORE THEY’RE GONE)
Climate change is – unfortunately – very real, and Tanzania is not spared. Ice trekkers say they can see the damage firsthand. Treks they took just a decade ago aren’t possible now due to melting ice and snow.
Standing amongst towering glaciers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You feel awe at the imposing grandiosity of nature’s pure beauty.
But you really don’t have time to delay an adventure like this. The glaciers melt a little bit every year, and the holiday opportunity you take now could be completely gone in a few years.
PREPARE FOR KILIMANJARO ADVENTURE
Have I convinced you to travel to Tanzania to trek Mount Kilimanjaro? I hope so. It’s time to start planning your vacation. Find out more about all of the ways you can hike, and let’s make your dream come true!