The Summit, Mount Kilimanjaro |
A dormant volcano in Tanzania (East Africa), Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in the African continent. When it comes to climbing the mountain, Kili is a roller coaster of a climb. It is also known as the ‘walk-up mountain’ and hence, climbing on this highest free-standing mountain in the world is not a dream you cannot fulfil.
Well, to make it easier, the Flights Guru presents you a quick guide to help you decide if the Kili climb is suitable for you or not.
Location and Height
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania in East Africa on the border with Kenya. There are various predictable figures when it comes to its height. Usually, it is estimated to be 5895 meters (19,341 ft). And in case, you successfully reach the summit (which is not a piece of cake), then you obtain a certificate where this height is printed.
Climate and Local Culture
The climate is quite surprising. More or less, you can enjoy all kinds of ecological systems here (though all of them aren’t very pleasant). From the cultivated land, moorland, rain forest to alpine deserts and arctic summit; it’s a full-on interactive geography class (so it's informative, in case you missed few classes in school).
January-March and June-October are the best months to go trekking. Among them, January-March is colder.
The local language on mountain Kilimanjaro is Kichagga which is mainly spoken by the local Chagga community. English is widely spoken among the tour guides and some of the well-read members of the mountain crew.
Is The Mountain Dangerous?
Well, there is nothing on the mountain that will take your life. Although while moving ahead to a higher altitude area, most people feel sick and retire from trekking. There are no huge and dangerous animals that can scare the trekkers. Though there are elephants, cape buffaloes and other animals that can be potentially risky. Lightning strikes and rock falls may also happen but, they are occasional.
NOPE |
Trekking Time
Usually, it is about 5 days. Though, some groups trek for around 6 to 8 days in length. Most agencies refrain from selling 5 days trek packages. The reason being that it does not provide you ample time to acclimatise.
Also, the guides advise you to go “pole pole” (slow in Swahili) for a good reason.
Should You Be A Mountaineer To Climb Kili?
No, it’s not rocket science. You might not believe this but Kili’s climbing history includes many senior citizens (the oldest being 86 years old). In fact, wheelchair-bound Bernard Goosen made it to the mountain by crawling to the Summit without any assistance. And wait, HE DID IT TWICE (so where there’s a will, there’s a way).
OKAY? |
Talking about that, the youngest British citizen to climb Kilimanjaro is Zain Akrim. He climbed to the summit at 9 years of age in 2015. Therefore, if you are interested in the climb, you can take these guys as inspiration.
Wait, what? FACT! |
What Else Should You Know Beforehand?
In addition to the above-mentioned points, you should know few more things in advance.
• You cannot climb Mount Kili without any tour guide or agency. The park authorities made it compulsory in 1991 for all the climbers to sign up with an agency. Therefore, it is important that you choose the agency wisely.
• Since you need to cross almost every type of landscape, you should bring clothes according to what is comfortable in those weather conditions. From deserts, jungles to snowy locations; your eyes get to feast on almost everything.
• Toilet paper is a boon for the place.
• Food options differ from agency to agency but all of them essentially focus on wholesome and healthy food.
• .The staffs sing inspiring songs about Mount Kilimanjaro while trekking in the local language Swahili. The crew highly appreciates if you catch few words and hum along.
Well, there will be ups and downs while you climb to the summit, but it will let you see the most magnificent sceneries ever, offer overwhelming experiences and give lifelong memories to you.
Well, we hope these photographs could give you a snippet of the beauty that Mount Kili is. If you are interested, book the cheapest flights to Kilimanjaro here.
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