Is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth the hype?

You are probably thinking of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, then it hits you, is it even worth it? Well, picture this, it is the highest mountain in the whole of the African continent, offers unbeatable scenery, views of the African savannah plains beneath you, plenty of activities to partake around the mountain, and a chance to go on a safari prior or after your climb, seeing snow and acres of glaciers not only in Africa but on the equator where it is sunny through our, save for a few months, stunning destinations on the mountain and above all the achievement of reaching to the summit which is a great test of your perseverance. These are just a few milestones that come with accepting this challenge of climbing Africa’s rooftop, ranking fourth on the seven summits of the world.

The massive, snow-covered peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro soars above the scorching grasslands of Tanzania. Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s tallest mountains and the highest mountain in Africa, making it a goal for many hikers, athletes, and nature enthusiasts. But at a height of 19,341 feet and a failure rate of about 50%, reaching the pinnacle requires a lot of effort against overwhelming obstacles.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a climb that is totally worthwhile. Of course, there are risks involved with reaching the top, but they may be easily avoided by being prepared and taking the appropriate safety measures. Your chances of reaching the summit and receiving that breathtaking view considerably increase with the right preparations. Now begs the question…

Is it worth it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are a number of reasons why the average person should consider climbing Kilimanjaro and making it a worthwhile experience. You shouldn’t, however, venture off the sidewalks and up the mountainside. When climbing this peak, there are risks that can result in death, as well as easy but crucial safety measures that can be taken to avoid significant harm or potentially fatal circumstances.

Here is why you should climb Mount Kilimanjaro

There are a thousand and one reasons that we can possibly think of, for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on your bucket list, but here are just a few of the most compelling ones that will persuade you to put on your hiking boots.

Make your boots dirty and your soul clean

Is Mount Kilimanjaro on your bucket list? Do not hesitate to climb, just grab your boots and come down to Tanzania, because the experience is worth it and this majestic Kilimanjaro mountain packs a punch. The bonding that comes with our mountain guides will leave a long-lasting memory, and a sense of fraternity because, with Tranquil Kilimanjaro, you come as a guest and leave as a friend.

Among the Seven Summits

Conquering these seemingly insurmountable heights is the summit of climbing challenges. The Seven Summits are mountains that are regarded as the highest peaks in their respective continents.

Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest free-standing mountain in addition to being one of the Seven Summits.

As a result, ascending this mountain is an extraordinary and record-breaking feat that any ardent hiker would love to complete.

Possibly the Seven Summits’ Accessible Peak

Let’s be clear about one thing: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is difficult. Even if it is listed as one of the Seven Summits that are simplest to climb, it still won’t be easy.

The fact that Mt. Kilimanjaro does not require specialized gear or climbing techniques to reach the peak implies that it is actually relatively accessible considering its height.

Therefore, figuratively anyone could do it as long as they are physically fit enough to cover the almost 40-mile trip and are taught on what to expect from the hike.

The oldest and youngest people who claim to have scaled Mount Kilimanjaro have demonstrated this. Coaltan Tanner, who conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018, did so at the young age of 6, making him the youngest person to do so.

2019 saw Anne Lorimor, 89, break the previous record for the oldest climber of Kilimanjaro.

Don’t undersell yourself just yet, then. You may succeed too with the right preparation and resources.

The scenery, views, and probably the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen in your life

Africa’s terrain, natural richness, and wildlife are completely distinct, making it the ideal location for this amazing hike.

In Tanzania, you can observe red duiker and bushbuck, as well as majestic cape buffaloes, blue monkeys, and leopards that can be found all over the jungle. If you’re fortunate, you might get to see elephants walking alongside rivers.

Be careful to take in the fields and beautiful forests as you ascend the mountain before you vanish into the clouds.

See the glaciers before they melt away and disappear

Unfortunately, there are a number of special places that will change in five years.

Morning Glory’s hues will keep dwindling. Venice, a city of exquisite architecture and culture, will keep sinking, and Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped top will keep melting.

You might want to start arranging your adventure sooner rather than later if you want to have the authentic experience of going from the searing bush of the base to the freezing peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

What Risks May I Face When Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Any hiking trip, whether it is 5 miles or 40 miles, carries some danger. Learning about these hazards and what to anticipate in the worst-case scenario is the first step in planning for your hike to reduce them.

A little bit about Kilimanjaro’s formation

Three lava cones make up Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi and Shira, the first two cones, are extinct and have no potential of erupting. However, the mountain is classified as a dormant volcano because its highest peak, Kibo, is still capable of erupting.

Learn more about how Mount Kilimanjaro was formed

Is it likely that Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo will erupt as you are posing for your triumphant picture at the summit? The simple answer is, No. We have expounded here why Mount Kilimanjaro will not erupt anytime soon and why you should not be worried about it.

The last substantial eruption from the volcano occurred 36,000 years ago, and there hasn’t been any notable activity from it in about 200 years. However, as volcanoes are inherently unpredictable, it is possible that unanticipated activity could take place on Kilimanjaro.

Many climbers fail to reach the summit

Nearly half of the 35,000 people who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year will fail to reach the summit. Every year, between 10 and 30 people die on the mountain, and about 1,000 more are rescued.

These numbers may appear startlingly high given that this is meant to be the simplest of the Seven Summits to hike. This is due to two important factors. Altitude sickness and inadequate packing.

High Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness happens when someone climbs height too quickly before their body has had the time to acclimate to the new conditions, and is by far the most serious risk of trekking.

The body can be seriously harmed by the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations, which can result in headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, exhaustion, and dizziness.

Each person is affected by altitude sickness differently. While some people may only have minor cases, it could be fatal for others.

Usually, gradually descending relieves symptoms the quickest, thus terminating the hiking experience. Altitude sickness must be avoided at all costs; this topic will be covered in more detail later.

What Can I Do to Lower These Risks?

Nearly anyone can climb Mount Kilimanjaro, so the last thing you want after making the long journey to Tanzania is to be forced to return or descend due to an illness that could have been avoided or a lack of equipment.

Here is a straightforward precaution you may take to guarantee your safety as you ascend and descend.

1. Choose the best route that will lead you to the summit safely

There are six main routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, one of which begins on the mountain’s northern side and the others on its southern, all of which go to the summit, known as Uhuru Peak. You must decide on your route after deciding to climb Kilimanjaro. Some are longer for individuals who require the extra time to acclimatize as they gain elevation, while others are shorter for the elite hiker who can rush to the top and back.

We advise you to take the longer path unless you are a skilled athlete who has been acclimatizing and is accustomed to the mountain’s height variations.

You are less likely to experience discomfort as you acclimate to the gradual drops in oxygen as you ascend by setting out on a longer trip.

By doing this, you’ll significantly lower your chance of experiencing altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro, which forces the majority of trekkers to end their life-changing journey short.

Choosing the best route

2. Prepare and plan well

Proper planning and preparation are key to every Mount Kilimanjaro climbing success. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is like progressively moving from the tropical climate of the rain forest—which is only found at the equator—to the Arctic’s freezing tundra.

This mountain normally has a base temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a peak temperature of 20 to -20 degrees. You must be prepared for both scenarios. This calls for bringing along plenty of clothing, water, and food, which the company will supply, to survive the duration of the trip.

Considering that the hike lasts about a week, you will also require appropriate camping equipment, and survival gear (such as a first aid kit), and to top it all off, experts advise that the total weight of your equipment not exceed 30 pounds to make it easier on the porters.

The safe ascent of Kilimanjaro is impossible without some of these necessities.

So, before starting this long journey, be sure to look up lists and guides of what to bring. You shouldn’t stop once you’ve begun.

Read more on how to prepare and plan for your climb

3. Choose a trusted Kilimanjaro climbing company.

Your chances of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro safely and successfully will significantly enhance if you go with a trained mountain guide. These people will take care of you every step of the way because they have been trained and are experienced in the mountain’s pathways.

In addition to assisting you with navigation, they will make sure you have packed appropriately, have enough supplies for the trip, and have emergency contacts in case something goes wrong. You can be sure that the guides have your best interests in mind.

4. Make sure you have packed the right gear

Because they believe Kilimanjaro is a challenging walk that practically anyone can do, many untrained hikers go out on this 40-mile route without the necessary equipment.

Usually, it takes 5 to 9 days to hike up Mount Kilimanjaro from the base to the summit. To finish this climb safely, you might not need mountaineering equipment, but you will need a lot of food, water, which the guide service will supply, and basic hiking gear:

This is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need for Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, even minor errors, like not drinking enough water, can have serious repercussions, causing many hikers to abandon their ascent or, regrettably, to never reach the summit.

Check out the recommended Kilimanjaro gear list

Conclusion

The experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is unlike anything else most people will ever have. The panoramic views from this peak are really breathtaking, and its sheer height literally puts you in the clouds.

Bring your camera since you’ll be showing off this achievement to your friends and family for the rest of your life. One of the Seven Summits is unquestionably a wonderful experience, so long as you are well-prepared and completely aware of the risks this mountain poses.