Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth it
Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth it : The massive, snow-covered peak of Mount 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 Kilimanjaro’s pinnacle requires a lot of effort against overwhelming obstacles.
Kilimanjaro climbing is not inexpensive. The hike can easily cost more than $5,000 per person when you factor in the cost of the gear, the park permit, the flights, the hotels, the guides, and gratuities. And due to this it begs and raise the question of whether the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro is worthwhile. Climbing 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.
There are a number of reasons why the average person should consider climbing Kilimanjaro and make 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. We’ll go through what makes climbing Kilimanjaro unique in this article so you can choose whether or not the Roof of Africa is worthwhile for you.
WHY CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
There are many reasons to put climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on your African bucket list, but here are just a few of the most compelling ones that will persuade you to put on your hiking boots.
It’s one of 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 on 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, Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth it.
Arguably the most accessible of the Seven Summits
Let’s be clear about one thing: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is difficult. Even if it is listed as one of the Seven Summits that is easiest 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 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. In 2019, Anne Lorimor, 89, broke 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 Natural Beauty of its Environment
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 Ice Cap Before it melts
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 ARE THE RISKS OF 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, Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth it
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano.
Three lava cones make up Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi and Shira, the first two cones, are extinct and have no potential to erupt. However, the mountain is classified as a dormant volcano because its highest peak, Kibo, is still capable of erupting.
Is it likely that Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo will erupt as you are posing for your triumphant picture at the summit? No. 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.
High Rates of Failure
Nearly half of the 35,000 people who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year fails 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
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness happens when someone climbs 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, and 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.
HOW CAN I REDUCE 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 home 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 the Roof of Africa-Mount Kilimanjaro.
Choose the Best Route
There are almost 6 routes and they all make their way 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, Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth it.
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.
Pack appropriately.
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, 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. A 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, Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro worth it
Get the right Kilimanjaro outfitter and guide company.
Your chances of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro safely and successfully will be significantly enhanced if you go with a trained mountain guide. These people will take care of you every step of the way because they have extensive training and experience on the paths up this mountain.
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.
Packing list is Key for a Successful Climb
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 and water, which the guide service will supply, and basic hiking gear includes the following:
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bag
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- A first aid kit
- Headlamps
- Extra clothes
- Shelter
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.
Final Reflections/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.
