Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: The Very Peak of Success

There can be no better feeling than looking down upon the Tanzanian landscape from 19,341 feet in the air, having arrived on Uhuru Peak at the very top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Such an accomplishment is needless to say, a once in a lifetime experience, no words can ever truly describe it.

The idea of climbing Africa’s tallest mountain may sound like an incredibly taxing endeavour best left to mountaineers, but you’ll be surprised just how stimulating and tranquil a trek up Kilimanjaro can be. Naturally you must have the will and strength to undertake such a task, but with the help of skilled professionals, expert climbing companies have made this venture more like a holiday than an extreme sport.

When geologists, Hans Mayer and Ludwig Purtscheller first attempted to climb the mountain in 1889, it was a daunting and uncertain mission, but within recent years climbing Kilimanjaro has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction to people all over the world.

Even celebrities have made the voyage in the name of charity. In 2009, as part of the Red Nose Day Challenge, a range of stars ranging from Chris Moyles to Cheryl Cole made the journey up Kilimanjaro and agreed it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of their life.

There are six individual travel routes to navigate your way around the mountain. The shortest three of these six treks are the Morangu, Rongai and Machame routes. A more experienced climber will be able to use a more difficult track when travelling, such as the Lemosho, Umbwe, or Northern Circuit courses. On average it takes from 5 to 9 days to climb and then return to the base of Kilimanjaro so there will be plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxation along the way.

It is understandable for an inexperienced climber to feel apprehensive about scaling the mountain, but an easier route such as the Marangu has several huts situated throughout, all equipped with cooking facilities, bathrooms, and electricity for travellers who love their home comforts. All tour expeditions will of course be accompanied by trained professional guides who will be on hand to help with any troubles or queries you have. More and more people are making the trip to Kilimanjaro every year in search of an experience like no other.