Hear about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kylie Chenn, the founder and CEO of Acanela Expeditions, about what you should know about climbing the tallest mountain in Africa.
Kylie says, “Kilimanjaro means white mountain which makes sense because it is, I think, the only white mountain, snow-covered mountain in Africa. There’s all sorts of travelers out in the world and Kilimanjaro is very attractive for many especially adventure travelers because it is the 7th summit, the tallest mountain in Africa, technically speaking the tallest free-standing mountain. Because of those accolades alone, a lot of people want to climb it. Not to mention that it’s a hard climb, it’s challenging, but it’s not technical, it’s not dangerous. Anyone who is in good physical shape can do it. It’s along the equator. It’s in a beautiful country, one of the best nations to go on safari, the Serengeti. Yes, it’s a climb. Yes, it takes time. It’s challenging but it’s not off-limits to anyone. And that’s exciting for a lot of people.”
Kylie has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro 3 different times so she is no stranger to Kilimanjaro. She shares how t prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro and what to expect day by day on a 5-day journey through the 5 different climatic zones on the mountain (cultivation, forest, heather-moorland, alpine desert, and summit).
It is difficult to get permission to climb Kilimanjaro solo, so most visitors will travel in a group with a guide and a support crew. With a support crew, you don’t need to worry about carrying a heavy backpack or cooking! If you hike on the most common route (the Marangu route) there are huts you can stay in.
It all leads up to that last rather long day that leads you from the last camp (the Kibo Huts) hours before dawn to climb in the dark to Gilman’s Point where you will watch the sunrise. Most of the group will then continue on to Uhuru Peak before coming back down the mountain at a much faster pace.
After you finish climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Kylie recommends going on a Tanzania safari!