Have we ‘peaked’ your curiosity? Over 50,000 people make the journey to Tanzania every year to take on Mount Kilimanjaro with dreams of reaching the summit. Kilimanjaro has actually become so popular among trained and aspiring mountaineers that it has been nicknamed the ‘Everyman’s Everest’ One of the famous seven summits, taking on this challenge would be an unbelievable accomplishment. But… do you have what it takes?
What are the Seven Summits?
The seven summits are the highest mountain’s of the world’s seven continents. From the Himalayan mountain range, to the remote and majestic peaks of the antarctic, to the plains of Africa- there is a mountain for everyone, or hey, if you’re feeling brave you could travel the world and climb them all!
Why Mount Kilimanjaro?
It’s one of the easiest
Deciding on which summit you should tackle comes down to a few important factors. Kilimanjaro is regarded as one of the easiest mountains of the seven summits to climb, because you don’t need any mountaineering experience (meaning first timers can give it a go) or technical equipment. And while children under 10 aren’t allowed in the park, the youngest person to reach the summit was 10 years old! It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it does mean it’s doable.
A Natural Phenomenon
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders: and you are sure to see things you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A snow covered mountain along the equator with a lush jungle an dry savanna, it feels like you are walking from the tropics to the North Pole in a matter of days! You will witness huge changes in both animal life and vegetation from one day to the next. And if you are super lucky you might spot a few Colobus monkeys climbing through the trees!
Time for a Safari
Another big advantage of taking to Mount Kilimanjaro is fitting in another bucket list worthy activity- an African Safari! Tanzania is home to the Ngorongoro Conservation, a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to one of the largest populations of mammals in Africa. Over 27,000 animals live in the crater and because it’s enclosed it means the hippos, lions, zebras, wildebeests and other animals don’t migrate- so you can visit all year round. Success!
Adventure!
Challenge yourself to do something totally different and exciting! Whether you go by yourself or with a group of pals, one thing is for sure- it’s going to be one hell of an adventure. Feel on top of the world because… you are LITERALLY on top of the world!
Quick Tips to Prepare
Take your time
The Tanzanian mantra ‘pole pole’ which is Swahili for ‘slowly, slowly’ will be echoed to you constantly by your guide. It’s important to take your time to avoid any cramping or pain at the beginning of your trip. Also walking slowly allows you to take in every second of the ever-changing landscapes of the Kilimanjaro ascent.
Get in shape before you go
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Get your heart rate up with any and all cardio exercises you can think of. The higher you go up Kilimanjaro, the higher the altitude- so just being there will be a workout, never mind the climb. So run like the wind, swim as far as you can, and bike like you’ve never biked before!
Buy the right gear
You will receive a list with the essential gear you need to pack for your trip- and the reason it’s named essential gear is because you can’t climb the mountain without it, so don’t try and cut corners! Some of the pieces you need can be pricey but you can rent a lot of the items you need, be sure to check what rental options are available and buy the rest.
Get snap happy
Bring your camera, to capture some of the most unbelievable views you won’t want to forget!
Could you take on Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the famous seven summits? We’ve got the trek for you!
