Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most desirable mountain destinations in the world; 50,000 people make the ascent every single year.
Will you be one of them?
Kilimanjaro is open for adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced mountain climber or if you’re in a large group. The mountain offers so many options, including multiple routes, that make it one of the most accessible peaks in the world.
The mountain takes nothing and gives those who reach its peak everything. Let’s talk about why you should book your trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
There are a thousand reasons to climb Kilimanjaro. We’ll tempt you with just nine of them.
1. Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb is a Great Starter Trek
Mountaineer or not, touching the top of each of the Seven Summits sounds amazing. But other mountains require technical skills, specialist gear, and a whole lot of courage.
No one is saying Kilimanjaro is easy — it’s a tough climb with its own risks including altitude sickness and rockslides. However, it requires no technical skills to summit the mountain and your mandatory guides are there to help if things get hairy.
Kilimanjaro takes the better part of a week to get up and down, but for new mountaineers or even casual hillwalkers, it’s the perfect introduction to high-altitude climbing.
2. It’s Accessible (For Rural Africa)
Kilimanjaro is the roof of Africa, and it’s very remote. But because of its location among some of the world’s most amazing protected parks, the area around Kilimanjaro has excellent infrastructure, making it easier to get started and providing a relaxing experience after you’ve finished your climb.
Bonus: there are several airports to choose from within a few hours of the mountain. Kilimanjaro International Airport is practically at the base of the mountain and accepts flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa on airlines like:
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Kenya Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- RwandAir
Accessibility is a big deal in Africa, where one internal flight can double the price of your journey.
3. You’re Contributing to the Local Economy
The local area from Arusha to Moshi benefits as interest in their local mountain spreads around the world. Because the park mandates guides and already charges a steep fee, you’re contributing to conservation efforts to protect an incredible and vital ecosystem.
On that note, be sure to choose a reputable travel agency to organize your hike. The lowest prices may seem like a bargain to you, but they too often translate into poor wages, usually below the minimum mandated wage, for those who make your hike possible: porters, cooks, and other staff.
4. It’s a Great Way to Generate Attention
Local media love a Kilimanjaro climber. If there’s a cause close to your heart, consider a hike in the name of what you’re most passionate about.
Whether you want to raise some money or generate attention to a specific cause, a photo of you in your mountaineering gear at the summer of one of the world’s highest mountains will always make the papers.
5. You’ll Get an Active Safari
Safaris in Africa are done by jeep, bus, or plane. Either way, you’re sitting down. While these safaris are incredible on their own, they can be highly impersonal — and for a good reason. The animals you see are protected from you and you from them.
Although you’re in nature, you’re not of nature until you begin your ascent up Kilimanjaro. On the mountain, you’ll experience an incredible ecosystem full of fauna that you’ve seen only on the Discovery Channel.
You’ll see monkeys, ravens, and even the occasional buffalo. More importantly, you’ll be up close and personal with these animals as you continue your journey.
Kilimanjaro offers the chance to interact with wildlife, but sightings do tend to be rare. If you want a real climbing safari, make time for Mount Meru located in Arusha National Park.
6. It’s the Centerpiece of Two Incredible Countries
The Kilimanjaro area is in the northern part of Tanzania not far from the border with Kenya.
Geographically, the region is vast and is much larger than it appears on the map. However, it makes an excellent base for exploring both Kenya and Tanzania.
7. Climbing Kilimanjaro Is Perfect for Groups
On some hikes, large numbers only hold you back, but not a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. You can climb it on a private tour or as part of a group of up to 10.
Make it a trip for friends, family, or a mix of both. Alternatively, give it a go with a group of strangers and return a week later with friends for life.
8. Options for Luxury or Rustic Treks
Are you an adventurer known to bivvy on the side of mountains at home? Or is your idea of camping closer to a Holiday Inn Express?
Regardless, you have options.
While there is no Four Seasons on the side of the mountain, luxury hotels are growing in the surrounding area — high-end tours are available. For those willing to spend the extra money for the comforts of home, you’ll get things like:
- Walk-in sleeping tents
- Heated mess tends
- Extra toilets
- Showers
- Gourmet food
- Bottled mineral water
- More porters than you know what to do with
These tours make Kilimanjaro as simple and as comfortable as possible, so you don’t look worse for wear after your vacation.
Want the bare minimum? That’s available, too.
Either way, do your best to ensure your tour companies are reputable, abide by the laws, and pay everyone who helps you on your journey fairly.
9. Set an Example for Reducing Environmental Impact
Mountain climbing on Kilimanjaro impacts the local environment, but Tanzania and conservationists have found ways to battle the impact by introducing policies like massive fines for dumping.
Every major mountain destination should follow suit, but not all do. By choosing a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, you’re choosing a win for the environment and sending a message to travelers and governments all over the world about the right way to climb a mountain.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Book Your Adventure Today
Climb Mt Kilimanjaro and experience what it’s like to completely alter your life over the course of seven days.
From beginning to end, Kilimanjaro will challenge you and ultimately change you. Whether it’s because you’ve managed what you thought was impossible or through the bonds you form with everyone on your climb.
There are so many reasons to climb to the roof of Africa, what are you waiting for? Ask us how to book the perfect African adventure holiday.