This is a guest post.
There are instances in your life that define you: the moment you realize you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, the moment you realize how big the world is, and the moment you find the strength to go out and conquer whatever it is you want. For many, finding themselves and experiencing these defining life events happens when they’re either ready to travel, or while they’re already on the road. As Africa’s highest point, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro definitely qualifies as a defining life moment, and JustFly reviews everything you need to know about realizing, and reaching, both the literal and metaphorical summit of the mountain.
Where is Kilimanjaro?
For those who are unsure of where the mountain is, Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the northern region of Tanzania, on the eastern shores of the African continent. The country is a renowned tourist destination that welcomes millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy the country’s lush wildlife, spectacular beaches, and of course, climb the highest peak on the continent.
Why should you hike it?
There are plenty of reasons why people seek to conquer mountains and gaze onto the world from their highest peaks. It’s not only a physically rewarding journey, but also a mental one. Climbing the mountain will test your body, your mind, and spirit, but knowing that you can conquer the climb is definitely a life-altering moment.
Climbing the mountain with those closest to you is also a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Sharing these moments with the people who matter most to you creates a bond that you’ll never forget. Climbing up the 19,000-foot high mountain is an experience unlike any other, and should be experienced if you could.
When should you go?
There’s never a better time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro than the present! That being said, due to global warming and the effects of climate change, it’s predicted that within 20 years, the rapid elevation in temperature will melt the mountain’s snow caps, effectively making this 200,000 year old volcano subject to human negligence. In this case, planning your trip to climb the mountain sooner rather than later is essential.
The best time to climb the mountain is between the months of December through February, when the mountain is both warm and clean, making camping relatively easy. That being said, the warm weather is prone to make the ground muddy and wet, which in turn makes the climb more difficult. If you think you’re brave enough to weather the colder temperatures, then going between July and September will make for better climbing conditions.
How long will it take?
The length of the climb depends on a variety of factors according to JustFly: which route you decide to take, how climbers are feeling, how quickly you can adjust to the altitude change, etc. A typical climb can take anywhere between 6 to 9 days to complete (meaning you reach the Uhuru Peek), the majority of which is spent climbing up the mountain. The more popular routes tend to be overcrowded but offer spectacular views that gradually change over the course of the climb (hence why it’s more popular).
Author bio: Olivia Taddio is a writer, traveler, and adventure seeker based out of Montreal, Canada. She currently works for Momentum Ventures as a digital marketing strategist.