5 Reasons to Climb Kilimanjaro and Live the Dream
By Mark Whitman
Are you looking for some adventure in your life? Perhaps you want to take on a challenge that will really test the limits of your endurance. Mark Whitman of Climb Kilimanjaro Guide gives 5 reasons why climbing Kilimanjaro may be the adventure you are looking for.
I am always looking for challenges to set myself. In fact my bucket list just seems to get longer as I get older. One particular challenge that has really stuck with me, though, is trekking Kilimanjaro. Here are my 5 reasons why I think climbing Kilimanjaro is worth considering.
- Be able to say you have climbed the highest mountain in Africa
Standing at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Getting to the top of Kili is no easy feat! The climb itself is non-technical (i.e. a hike) but the altitude is extreme. Being able to say that you have summited Kilimanjaro is an achievement of note and one that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.
- See Tanzania, a country of limitless beauty
I have been fortunate enough to travel to over 40 countries in my life, 5 of which are in Africa, and I must say Tanzania is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and diverse that I have been to. Not only does the country house the highest free-standing mountain in the world, but it is also home to the majestic Lake Victoria, beautiful Serengeti plains and the marine wonderland of Zanzibar. Coupling your trekking trip with a safari, a visit to the Maasai Mara and diving excursion is a no-brainer, and makes for an adventure that promises to saturate your senses.
- Experience 5 climatic zones in 6 days
Trekking Kili involves climbing through 5 distinct climatic zones. At the beginning of your climb you will experience the intense beauty of tropical rainforests which gradually merge into a softer moorland setting. By day 3 on the mountain you will start being exposed to a harsh alpine lunar landscape that eventually gives way to desert glacial silt. The contrast between each zone is striking and makes for brilliant photo ops. But it is on summit night that the landscape comes into its own. Reaching the summit as the sun rises and being met with massive glistening glaciers is nothing short of extraordinary, and a sight to behold.
- Unleash your full potential
Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of those challenges that is difficult enough to make reaching the summit something that is exceptional, but not so difficult that chances of success are low, or worse, dangerous. If and once you conquer the Roof of Africa, you will experience a rush of satisfaction that if harnessed properly can be a catalysts for you to go on and tackle other ‘summits’ in your life, be they personal or professional. Kilimanjaro is one of those challenges that can really open up the door to unleashing ones full potential
- Raise money for charity
Trekking Kilimanjaro is a big challenge and with most big challenges come big fundraising opportunities. People in your life will recognise the scale of the challenge and will most likely give graciously to a cause that you decide to support. I know fellow Kilimanjaro climbers who have raised several thousand dollars and more for charity through their climbs. If you are looking to do something that will have an impact in your life as well as others, climbing Kilimanjaro is right up there.
To find more specific information about climbing Kilimanjaro see Mark’s guide.
Want to try your hand (and foot) on Kilimanjaro?
Find Trip Options to Tanzania Here.