9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Kilimanjaro (Now!)

Every year, about 50,000 people from around the globe trek to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. As Africa’s tallest mountain, it entices climbers, hikers, and everyone in between to visit.

The views from the mountain are spectacular. You will have endless opportunities to capture photos of breathtaking vistas, unique animals, and beautiful vegetation.

When you visit Mount Kilimanjaro, you’re visiting one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Experience almost every type of climate as you ascend and descend the mountain. When you complete your journey, you will have an unforgettable sense of accomplishment.

Want to learn more? Here’s why you should visit Mount Kilimanjaro now!

Why You Must Visit Mount Kilimanjaro

Do you enjoy hiking and climbing mountains? Have you thought about visiting Mount Kilimanjaro before? Whether you answer yes or no, here are 9 compelling reasons why you should visit this iconic African mountain.

1. It’s One of the Seven Summits

The Seven Summits are 7 of the world’s most iconic mountains and the tallest mountains from each of the 7 continents. This includes mountains such as Mount Everest in Nepal and Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) in Alaska, United States.

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the easiest mountains to climb out of the Seven Summits. You don’t need any special mountaineering gear, ropes, or any previous mountaineering experience. People ranging from ages 6 to their mid-80s hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in the past.

But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks. It’s important you prepare, listen to your body, and pay attention to your surroundings while climbing any mountain.

2. A Very Well-Maintained Mountain

Kilimanjaro National Park is one of the cleanest and best-maintained mountains in the world. Park rangers take great care to ensure no one leaves trash behind. Rangers weigh all bags entering and leaving the park and fine those who’s bags are too light after the hike.

The mountain also has a limit of 7 trails and no roads. There are outhouses along each trail to keep waste off the trail. Even though there’s a high number of people who visit Mount Kilimanjaro each year, the trails are always pristine.

3. See Fascinating Wildlife

While the views from the mountain are breathtaking, you can also witness Mount Kilimanjaro’s beautiful and unique wildlife. As you ascend the mountain, you may see the rare birds and mammals that only live in the high altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, most of the wildlife lives in the forests at the base of the mountain. Here you can find buckbucks, tree hyraxes, elands, and many primates such as the baboon. If you’re lucky you may see a black rhino, honey badger, or a bushbaby.

4. Remote and Accessible

Sitting close to the wild Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro features a remote wilderness. However, it’s also very accessible. Surrounding the mountain is a great support infrastructure offering hotels, gear shops, and ground transportation.

As you hike the mountain, there are plenty of huts and places to pitch your tent along the way. As mentioned above, there are simple outhouses for hikers to use to help keep waste off the trail. You can enjoy both a remote yet comfortable wilderness as you hike up Mount Kilimanjaro.

5. Mount Kilimanjaro is A Natural Wonder

Mount Kilimanjaro sits at the Earth’s warm equator. But snow covers its tall peaks.

Around the mountain is a lush green forest. However, just beyond the forest are miles of dry savannah.

The variety of different climates makes this mountain a natural wonder. While hiking, you can experience a warm tropical forest and the wintery peaks all within a single week. You’ll see drastic changes in plant and animal life each day you hike.

There are 2 very unique and fascinating plants you must see as you hike Mount Kilimanjaro. They are the exquisite elephant flower and the beautiful Kilimanjaro tree—Africa’s tallest tree.

6. Study Climate Change

Among the throngs of people hiking Mount Kilimanjaro are scientists studying the effects of climate change. The biggest sign is the mountain’s rapidly melting snow peaks and glaciers, 80% of which melted since 1912. Many scientists believe the glaciers could melt and vanish by 2033.

Scientists also study the biodiversity of the varying climates found around and on the mountain. Climate change affects the habits and populations of the mountain’s animals and vegetation. Mount Kilimanjaro is a must for any scientist researching climate change.

7. Feel a Sense of Accomplishment

Not everyone makes climbs mountains. And even fewer make it to the top. Hiking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is a great personal accomplishment.

There are many reasons why people visit and hike Mount Kilimanjaro. These can include milestones ranging from graduation to marriage or retirement. Making it to the peak of this mountain is just as big of an accomplishment as your other major milestones.

When you reach the top, you have the opportunity to sign your name in a secret notebook. On Uhuru Peak, you can add your name to the hidden notebook, marking yourself as a part of history.

8. Contribute to the Local Economy

When you visit Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need to pay for a place to stay, a tour, and any other gear or food you might need for your journey. The support infrastructure surrounding the mountain employs thousands of local residents.

Many locals work as hiking guides, staff hotels, own local stores, and produce food in the area. Visiting Mount Kilimanjaro allows you to contribute to a thriving local economy in one of the world’s most impoverished countries.

9. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a Worthy Cause

Another major reason people climb this mountain is for a cause, charity, or raise awareness. What a great way to do something you love while helping others.

People have raised money to fight cancer. Others climbed the mountain to raise awareness about autism.

Some people with disabilities climb Mount Kilimanjaro to show how having a disability doesn’t have to be a limitation or prevent them from doing what they love. You have the opportunity to make your hike to Mount Kilimanjaro a selfless act.

Plan Your Visit to Mount Kilimanjaro

Whether you have a love for hiking, a need to accomplish something great or want to help others, you must visit Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a remarkably beautiful place that will leave you with long-lasting memories and a personal sense of accomplishment.

Are you ready to plan your next African adventure? Let’s get in touch and start planning your next big trip.