Reasons to hike Mount Kilimanjaro

Why do 40,000 people a year seek to hike the world’s highest freestanding mountain, the highest mountain in Africa–a mountain so popular it has become known as “Everyman’s Everest”? Here are the top ten reasons, from the most practical to the most profound:

1. Kilimanjaro, a path to Conquer the seven summits. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point it is therefore a path and quite an adventurous one for you to conquer the seven summits. it can be climbed without technical skills or climbing equipment. In other words, a beginner without any experience in big mountains can safely and successfully make it to the top. 

Note: Technically, the easiest climb of the world’s Seven Summits is Kilimanjaro.

2. Kilimanjaro, a week’s walk from the equator to the north pole. Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain on the equator. Climbing Kilimanjaro is like hiking from the equator to the North Pole in a week, providing dramatic changes in vegetation and animal life day by day. Making it one of the world’s greatest wonders 

3. Kilimanjaro, a world on its own. Did you know that while the entire United States enjoys 7 climatic zones, Mount Kilimanjaro enjoys 5? Looking into the journey beyond the magnificent snowy summit, Mount Kilimanjaro guarantees an experience that is out of this world, the scenic changes in vegetation and climate create that feeling of “traversing through different worlds within just a few hours.” 

Here are Kilimanjaro’s 5 climatic zones

• Cultivation: Farmlands, small villages, coffee and fruit plantations
• Rainforest: Most wildlife can be found here
• Heather-Moorland: Shrubs and unique flora are everywhere
• Alpine Desert: Barren and unique landscapes featuring volcanic rocks in varied shapes and sizes, and also extreme temperatures
• Glacier Summit: An arctic zone

4. Kilimanjaro, a pristine getaway to connect with nature. Kilimanjaro is protected with many rules & regulations in place to ensure it remains original, clean & fresh. staying a minimum of four nights camping and walking through different vegetation is refreshing and will make you reconnect with nature, especially when coming from a major city.

5. Kilimanjaro, the mountain that inspires. Whether you want to inspire yourself or others towards a cause hiking Kilimanjaro can be it, Kilimanjaro belongs to Tanzania, the first nation in East Africa to win independence from colonial powers (it was then called Tanganyika).

Before independence in 1959, soon-to-be President Julius Nyerere said: “We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro which would shine beyond our borders giving hope where there was despair, love where there was hate, and dignity where before there was only humiliation.” Today, the summit is called Uhuru Peak–Uhuru is the Swahili word for “Freedom.”

Fact: President Nyerere went on to inspire freedom & liberate east & southern African countries

6. Kilimanjaro, a hot spot for studying climate change, global warming is one of the most debated topics with many arguing for & against it, from prominent global leaders to young activists all with great conviction to their arguments. The Kilimanjaro shrinking glaciers have been used for so long as evidence to support arguments for global warming therefore it is one of the best places for you to clear your doubts and take a stand.

7. Kilimanjaro, challenge yourself & be transformed. hiking Kilimanjaro is not very difficult but also not an easy task many hikers claim it is one of the most challenging tasks they have done both at a physical and mental level. when you climb Kilimanjaro and stand on the roof of Africa, you see the world in a different way. What seemed impossible in your life might just be doable.

A mountaintop is a place for vision, inspiration, and a new beginning. As the famous song by Juluka goes: “I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro, I can see a new tomorrow. I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro. I cast away all my sorrows.

Tip: Kilimanjaro is a worthy accomplishment to brag about 

8. Kilimanjaro, Picturesque & Stunning. the scenery from the trail start to the summit is amazing, from its green vegetation, and the kissing rock the summit. You will be rewarded with great scenes, views of sunrise, sunsets, the summit, and if planned well great view of the full moon

9. Africa’s best safaris, as you will already be in Tanzania a safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater is a worthy extension one not to miss considering these wildlife destinations are arguably the best in the world. However, they are just the tip of the iceberg with over 26 national parks in Tanzania 

Tip: Tanzania is home to half of the world’s lions.

10. Beach extensions(Zanzibar), Tanzania has a large coast but it is its archipelago islands of Zanzibar which are well known for clean, clear waters and stunning beach sunset views that you should not miss going to, especially after taking the Kilimanjaro challenge.