Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. The mountain is a major tourist attraction site in Tanzania. In fact, the mountain is shared by two countries, Tanzania and Kenya. But Tanzania has the largest share of the mountain. It is estimated that more than 40,000 people visit this mountain.
The climb takes from five to nine days, depending on the route and how much time you take to acclimate to the altitude. All tourists must register at the base and climb with a licensed guide. And at a cost of several thousand dollars, this isn’t something you do on a whim. This is one for the bucket list.
People always have different reasons for climbing the mountain. There are those that climb the mountain to raise funds for charity while others scale the heights to celebrate personal accomplishments. If you have not yet visited this world wonder, below are some reasons why you should add Kilimanjaro to your travel bucket list.
- Diverse Climate Zones
Hiking on the slopes of the mountain gives you an opportunity to go through five unique ecosystems – from rainforest to alpine desert to arctic snowcap – all packaged into one landmark. At the foot of the mountain, you get a spectacular view of savannah grassland plains that are occupied by common wild animals such as elephants, leopards, gazelles, wild beasts, warthogs, cheetahs and baboons among many others.
Tall trees are found in the area that’s slightly above the savannah. As you go higher, you will come across some shrubs that will also diminish at some point, leaving you with bare rocks. It’s these sandy rocks that will lead you to the peak that’s filled with ice. Since the weather is extremely cold in the higher areas of the mountain, you should carry a heavy jacket and some gloves to help you stay warm.
- Easily Accessible
Although the mountain is located in a remote area of the country, it’s strategically located close to an international airport. In fact, there are many roads that link the mountain to other means of transportation. The other advantage is that you don’t have to worry about where you will eat or sleep. There are actually many establishments that are conveniently located within the mountain that provide all these services. You can also hire mountain climbing gear from these businesses. For more details, check out Kandoo Adventures.
- Inspiration
Mount Kilimanjaro is regarded by many as the roof of Africa. You can actually enjoy a spectacular gaze of the world below while at the peak of the mountain. In fact, you are able to see Africa from a different angle. The environment is very welcoming. The authorities discourage people from dumping their waste in the mountain. Your bags will be searched by authorities when you are going up and down the mountain. If your bags weigh less than what was recorded when going up, the tour operator will be fined heavily. This is because the waste that’s disposed in the wild has a negative impact on the environment.
- Experience Different Cultures
There are many tribes in Tanzania. Some of them actually reside at the foot of the mountain. While there, you will be able to listen to the interesting sounds of their languages, fashion and try their mouth-watering dishes. The locals will tell you many stories about their cultural practices which will help you learn more about their beliefs. And if you have some money to spare, you will be able to buy some wares such as sandals, bracelets, necklaces, beaded clubs and dresses to bring back home.
