Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Worth It?

Kilimanjaro is a famous spot for mountain climbers in East Africa. It's both a mountain and a volcano - a standalone mountain while also being a dormant volcano.

Mountain climbers like going up Kilimanjaro because there are several routes they can try and enjoy as they climb up to the peak of this tall mountain.

Why Should You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Is climbing really worth it? Many doubts come to mind, especially if you're just beginning your hiking journey. There are a lot of adjustments you should consider and be aware of.

So, what is it in for you when you conquer Kilimanjaro?

One way to know if something is actually worth it is the experience you will acquire. Aside from being able to brag about the hike, it's a memory you'll always remember.

Invest in this experience and prepare everything to avoid mishaps. Tour operators such as Altezza Travel are guides and companions you can rely on in your mountain climbing journey.

An Unforgettable Nature Experience

A natural wonder, Mount Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain on the equator with an ocean of green forest surrounded by dry savannah. The mountain's high altitudes have also been a home for strange and unique life forms like the dainty elephant flower and the peculiar Kilimanjaro tree.

The tour operators will help you see and experience the place's natural beauty as you travel on your selected route. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered the highest mountain in Africa, with its peak rising 19,341 feet above the savanna in Tanzania. The Kilimanjaro National Park also protects the mountain's forest-covered lower slopes and plains, which are home to elephants, buffalos, and antelopes.

The landscapes, sights, and animals will make you feel one with nature - even the small details of your climb during the day and even during the night. The hike alone is already worth it even before you get to the top.

More Interesting Facts about Mount Kilimanjaro

Besides the alluring nature that resides in the mountain, here are other interesting facts that make climbing the famous Kilimanjaro worth it:

One of the Seven Summits

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the renowned Seven Summits globally, along with the famous Mount Everest. Indeed, checking and completing one of the summits from your bucket list is worth it!

Has Three Volcanic Cones

Kilimanjaro actually has three volcanic cones, namely: the Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo. Mawenzi and Shira are both extinct, but Kibo, which is the highest point, is dormant and may erupt again. Its last activity was about 200 years ago, with its last major eruption happening 360,000 years ago.

Has Five Climate Zones

When climbing up, you get to experience the five climate zones of the Kilimanjaro: Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, and the Arctic. Because of these diverse climate zones, you can see and experience almost every kind of ecological system on the mountain, such as cultivated land, rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit.

Right Spot for Studying Climate Change

Kilimanjaro is also known for its snow-capped summit, but the glaciers start to diminish and rapidly shrink as years pass by. Researchers and scientists are working on the remaining ice in order to understand why it is happening.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park was founded in 1973. Housing several wildlife and fauna, it was established to protect the mountain. It was later assigned as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Tips for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

If you have decided to go and challenge yourself with attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and see for yourself if it is really worth it, here are some points for you:

Prepare

Prepare for necessary things beforehand. Choose the right equipment, drink enough water, pick experienced tour operators, know your lodging, and other preparations and things you think you will need.

Adapt

Do not rush - moderate pace is essential for good acclimatization. Altitude sickness is common, especially when you're hiking to high places. It hinders full enjoyment of the adventure. There is no wrong in going slowly to adjust to the climates and heights of the mountain.

Listen

Since you would have tour operators or guides, take advantage of all of the information they will give you. Keenly listen to them. Listening and following what they say will make everything easier and safer for you, your guide, and the whole of your group.

Enjoy

The most important part of the journey is its end - the summiting. But that does not mean that the experience is not as important. Find joy in everything, even if it is hard. Be strong and conquer.

Everything about Mount Kilimanjaro just makes it worth it to climb. The feeling of satisfaction and pride when you reach the summit is worthless, and the experience of climbing for several days makes for a better tale and an even better memory.