In 1985, American businessman Dick Bass turned the primary particular person to climb the “Seven Summits” – the very best peak on each continent. Everest is clearly the very best mountain that Bass climbed within the course of, and arguably the toughest, however even novice hikers can tick off one of many Seven Summits by climbing Kilimanjaro – a dormant volcano and the very best level on the continent of Africa. The ascent of Kilimanjaro is non-technical, and in the event you’ve received the requisite health and dedication, you stand a superb probability of reaching the summit!
For European climbers, the journey to Kilimanjaro is easy, with direct flights from a number of European hubs instantly into Kilimanjaro Worldwide Airport and a minimal time zone change. From the airport, an evening within the city of Moshi is adopted by a brief drive to one of many well-known gates on the foot of the mountain, after which it is time to go climbing!
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Kilimanjaro has a number of routes, with the Machame route being the most well-liked. No matter which route you intention for, permit no less than per week to summit the height – ideally longer. We not too long ago had an article on Strava Tales about the right way to acclimatize to excessive altitude, and I might advocate studying that earlier than reserving a visit to Kilimanjaro. To summarise the important thing factors, go slowly, take as lengthy over your acclimatization as doable, and take heed to your physique. Kilimanjaro is an objectively secure mountain with dependable climate and mellow terrain, however a shocking variety of individuals die on its slopes – nearly completely as a result of so many trekkers rush their acclimatization and hike themselves into altitude illness. Solely push larger up the mountain when your physique is prepared for it!
You possibly can climb Kilimanjaro at any time of yr, however remember that there are a few wet seasons, specifically from March to Might and in November. Apparently sufficient, the sheer measurement of Kilimanjaro and its prominence in opposition to the peaks round it (Kilimanjaro is the fourth most topographically outstanding mountain on the planet) implies that it creates a lot of its personal climate, and the northern aspect of the mountain will get far much less rain than the southern aspect. Each side can get chilly although, so do not be fooled by the nice temperatures in close by Moshi – Africa’s highest mountain can get critically chilly! Snowfall is feasible at any time of yr however is extra prone to happen in the course of the wet seasons.
One of the crucial fascinating options of Kilimanjaro is that climbing it leads you thru a collection of climatic zones, and experiencing these is likely one of the highlights of the journey. The ascent of Kilimanjaro begins at 800 meters above sea stage, and also you enter a brand new climatic zone roughly each 1000 meters you climb. The bushland on the lowest a part of the mountain quickly provides option to rainforest, after which, one other 1000 meters larger, you enter the heather/moorland zone. That is the final climatic zone with any greenery, so savour being amongst residing issues for the final time till you are on the way in which again down! Above the heather/moorland, you enter the alpine desert, after which, on summit day, you are into the appropriately named arctic zone. As that identify would possibly counsel, it is fairly chilly proper on the prime of Kilimanjaro, doubly so as a result of climbers start their summit try in the midst of the night time to maximise the quantity of daylight they must play with. In addition to offering most daylight, getting up early additionally means you could watch one of many sunrises for which Kilimanjaro is so well-known. Large, seemingly infinite plains encompass the mountain, and watching these slowly fill with orange glow is surreally lovely.
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When you rise up early sufficient, transfer shortly, and are in a position to summit at first mild, the nice trails on Kilimanjaro imply you could then descend remarkably quick and may simply end up again within the decrease climatic zones by the top of your summit day. I can bear in mind standing on the barren summit of Kilimanjaro at dawn and going to mattress that night time amongst dense timber, with a pair of monkeys fortunately swinging above my tent! The paths on Kilimanjaro are all in glorious situation and do not current any technical challenges. This is not a lot comfort if you’re grinding them, but it surely permits you to shortly get right down to hotter temperatures and thicker air shortly when heading house!
While you exit one of many gates on the foot of the mountain, seize your summit certificates and head right down to Moshi for chilly drinks and sizzling showers!
Try this detailed overview of Kilimanjaro’s Machame route:
The ascent of Kilimanjaro sounds like an incredible experience, especially with the different climatic zones you pass through. It’s interesting to see how varied the environment can be.
I appreciate the emphasis on acclimatization. It’s crucial for anyone planning to climb at high altitudes, and it’s often overlooked.
Kilimanjaro’s unique weather patterns are fascinating. I didn’t realize it creates its own climate. That definitely adds another layer to the climbing experience.
It’s great to know that there are non-technical routes available for climbers of all levels. I might consider this as my first big hike!
The description of watching the sunrise from the summit is captivating. It must be a breathtaking view worth the effort!