A man who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 8 hours

A man who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 8 hours : Mt. Kilimanjaro’s highest point can be reached in five to nine days, but Tanzanian athlete Gaudance Lekule, who was born in Tanga, did it in just eight.

As if this weren’t enough, he completed the record-breaking 65-hour run from Tanga port city to the snow peak of Africa’s tallest mountain on August 21. Lekule is utilising his physical prowess to highlight Mt. Kilimanjaro as one of Africa’s top tourism destinations. By doing this, the 37-year-old is also encouraging environmental preservation.

He expressed his delight at this at his post-mountain media conference at Marangu. He clarified that the objective of his most recent summit attempt was to promote Mt. Kilimanjaro as a well-liked vacation spot in Africa and elsewhere.

He said his goal was to make the mountain a popular tourist destination in Tanzania and throughout Africa. His climb to the snow summit from Tanga expanded his horizons as a Tanzanian and an athlete. He observes and appreciates the beauty of his home country through sports.

Reason for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Gaudance Lekule’s primary reason for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is to spread awareness about the need to safeguard glaciers because they are in risk. Environmentalists are alarmed by the swift deterioration of what is frequently described to as Africa’s rooftop.

The area of ice on Africa’s tallest peak has decreased, according to recent studies, from 20 square kilometres in 1980 to fewer than two square kilometres at the moment. Lekule asserts that the swift glacier retreat noticed shows a direct connection between Mount Kilimanjaro’s environment and activities taking place further downstream in the Tanga region.

These include activities like farming, water supply, fisheries, and electricity production that are damaging Africa’s fabled rooftop. He thinks that environmental deterioration in the soil and plants below Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes is partly to blame for what is happening to the mountain’s summit.

The Importance of Glaciers

When it comes to ecosystems, the climate system, and the overall balance of the environment, glaciers are very important. Since glaciers are vast frozen water reservoirs, they are a natural source of freshwater. They provide an essential source of water for both communities and wildlife when they break during the warmer seasons and release freshwater into rivers and streams.

Additionally sensitive indicators of climate change are glaciers. Temperature and precipitation patterns have an impact on their size and range. Thus, glacier retreat and melting are now seen as a definite indicator of rising temperatures and altering climatic conditions.

Particularly those found in polar regions like Greenland and Antarctica, they aid in controlling sea level. Sea levels rise as a result of the ocean receiving more seawater as a result of glaciers melting and releasing icebergs into it.

The rate of sea level rise brought on by glacier melt also accelerates, affecting ecosystems and coastal towns. The UN has encouraged nations to act quickly to protect the remaining glaciers, stating that many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Yellowstone and Kilimanjaro National Park, will undoubtedly lose their glaciers by the year 2050.

The warning was issued after an examination of 18,600 glaciers at 50 World Heritage sites, covering a combined area of nearly 66,000 square kilometres (25,000 square miles), revealed that glaciers at a third of the sites were “condemned to disappear.”

Can beginners climb Mount Kilimanjaro

It is possible for beginners to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; many first-timers always go back for another ascent. However, they must be mindful of the weather and what to anticipate while climbing. Kilimanjaro is one of the most well-known high-altitude hikes in the world, rising to a height of more than 5,000 metres.

The renown of Kilimanjaro is due to the fact that it is the tallest peak in the world that can be reached by foot. There are no requirements, such as the need for ropes, specialised climbing equipment, or prior knowledge.

In October and November, during the brief rains, is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Alternatively, you can climb the mountain in the shoulder season, which runs from March to June. You’ll observe that during the dry months of July through September, there are many of people and it turns chilly, windy, and dusty.

For novice climbers of Mount Kilimanjaro, a certain level of fitness is required. The climb to the peak is difficult, although it is not very gruelling. Thus, Machame is a well-liked path to climb Kilimanjaro. It passes by Stella Point. This is the ideal route to go if you want to camp there. For a novice climber, it is also the quickest and simplest.

What to carry

However, you should be equipped with the necessary items, which must comprise the following:

Trekking poles, hiking boots, a 70-liter main rucksack, and a sleeping bag for 20 degrees. Insulated trekking gloves, pants and a winter jacket 30 to 40 litre daypack sleeping pad.

How hard is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The paths on Kilimanjaro are not particularly steep, thus most days are not particularly difficult. The summit night, however, is particularly challenging because it is the coldest and windiest time of your ascent.

Approximately 4,084 feet of elevation and a descent of over 7,000 feet. It can take 12–14 hours on foot.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro

It takes five to nine days to complete the lengthier routes to Uhuru on Mount Kilimanjaro. The longer you spend acclimatising on the mountain, the better your chances are of reaching the peak. Less than five days on the trek results in the lowest success rate at the top. However, carrying all of your gear is one of the most challenging components of long-distance, multi-day walks.

For novice climbers of Mount Kilimanjaro, the weight on their backs causes them to move more slowly. However, the majority of tour guides prefer to carry the majority of the walking-related gear, including tents, chairs, and tables.

In the evening, Uhuru Point’s temperature can drop as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius).The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is unique due of its elevation.

What Is the Price of Climbing Kilimanjaro?

For $2,440 to $6000, you can experience a nine-day, seven-day ascent to the summit. The price of climbing equipment is just one factor that affects how much it costs to scale Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, watch out for both outrageously expensive and absurdly inexpensive packages. Cheap implies a compromise, which you shouldn’t take a chance on. On the other side, excessive costs offer absolutely no value for the money.