Kilimanjaro hiking

Mountain trekking, climbing, and hiking are all adrenaline-pulsating activities that are popular across the world and with different age groups. Among popular mountain attractions across the planet Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is one of the most prestigious destinations. Every year thousands of trekkers and hikers plan for this destination and make a bid for Kilimanjaro hiking. With the professional support of trekking and climbing guides, experience the beauty and majestic ambiance of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Why should you trek Mount Kilimanjaro?

Here are five key points why should you trek the Roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro –

  1. Its diverse ecosystem is truly mesmerizing. Icy Summit, Alpines, and Rein Forest make it a great trekking destination.
  2. It’s a non-technical ascent, which means trekking here is challenging but achievable even to a novice trekker.
  3. You will encounter some exclusive wildlife species while trekking here like elusive leopards and giant heathers.
  4. Witness the vast African landscape from the summit.
  5. Kilimanjaro trekking and Conquering the summit will boost your confidence and a lasting sense of accomplishment.

Unique facts about the trek

There are reasons as to why Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous Mountain treks in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year from different parts of the world:

  • Mountain height and related facts:

The Mountain has a majestic eight of 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet above sea level. No wonder this tallest mountain in Africa is one of the most challenging peaks to conquer. Mt. Kilimanjaro is not a part of any mountain range. The mountain has three peaks – Kibo (the summit) and the cones of Shira and Mawenzi. All three cones are volcanoes out of which Kibo is a dormant volcano. However, the other two are extinct volcanoes. You can hike up to the Ash pit in Kibo summit which is a hike of two hours from the crater floor. You can smell the odors of sulfurous gases coming from the earth’s crust.

  • Glacier facts:

Scientists estimate that the glaciers present on the Kilimanjaro summit are about 11,700 years old. Between 1912 and 2011 nearly 85% of the glacier ice melted. In 1912 the glaciers had an area of 11.4 square kilometres and in 2011 the number reduced to 1.76 square kilometres. If global warming continues at this rate no glacier will remain by 2060. Still, you can find glaciers while Kilimanjaro trekking.

  • Seven summits:

Every continent has its highest mountain peak. All the seven tallest mountain peaks from the seven continents make the seven summits. Mount Kilimanjaro being the tallest mountain on the African Continent is a member of this prestigious league along with Mount Everest from Asia, Mount Aconcagua from South America, Mount McKinley from North America, Mount Elbrus from Europe, Mount Vinson from Antarctica Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. In this list, Kilimanjaro is in the fourth place. Obviously, trekking to Mt. Kilimanjaro is always rewarding and memorable.

  • The Mountain history:

Till the early 19th century British scientists and geographers did not agree and could not imagine that Africa could have a snow-peaked mountain. In 1844 William Desborough wrote about the mountain peak and referred to Kilimanjaro as Kirimanjara. However, in 1848 German Missionary Johannes Rebmann wrote about the mountain’s existence and its glaciers.

  • First Woman to Conquer the Summit:

In 1927 on 27t September Sheila McDonald first conquered the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as the first lady mountaineer. She pushed on even though her other companions abandoned their attempt.

Conclusion

The Kilimanjaro hiking is an exhilarating experience. However, the hiking experience can be safer and more comfortable if you are accompanied by professional travel and tour operators like Ice Rock Trekking. Hire support services from some of the best tour and travel operators who can arrange for a safe and comfortable Mount Kilimanjaro trek for you. These experts can arrange for a solo trek and also a hike for a group. You can get ready to buy trekking packages and can also customize your personalized plan.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the most empowering hiking adventure that sits atop the bucket lists of many hiking enthusiasts. Offering an unparalleled experience of nature’s grandeur and personal achievement, hiking enthusiasts can experience hiking the mountain without serious training. Kilimanjaro stands as Africa’s tallest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, rising majestically from the plains of Tanzania. This Africa’s tallest mountain renders a stiff challenge to hikers, as it takes them through five different ecosystems ranging from rain forest zone to alpine desert, to arctic snow-cap to climb the 19,340-foot top. Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro like any other adventure requires preparation and having a knowledgeable guide can make all the difference. It is essential to have a hiking guide for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and travelers need to choose the right hiking guide for this expedition.

Reasons to Get Accompanied by Hiking Guides

Trekking at the snow-covered Mt. Kilimanjaro is an arduous yet rewarding experience. However, if trekkers seek a hiking guide in their expedition then they are sure to smoothly climb the tallest mountain of Africa. Anyone climbing Kilimanjaro must be accompanied by a guide licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. Most climbers have a team that includes a lead guide, an assistant guide, a cook, and porters. Some of the vital reasons to get accompanied by expert hiking guides include:

Safety – The climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit is challenging and may be perilous without proper guidance. A professional hiking guide has proper training to handle emergencies, altitude sickness, and sudden weather changes. These guides have proper training and knowledge to monitor the trekker’s health and can even make vital decisions related to the trekker’s safety, such as when to return or seek medical assistance.

Local Expertise – On accompanied by local hiking guides who have invaluable knowledge about Kilimanjaro’s trails, climate, flora, and fauna, travelers will be mentally prepared for the challenges coming their way. Guides enrich the hiking journey of tourists by providing insights about the mountain’s history, geology, and local culture. Climbing the mountain under their guidance not only enhances the hiker’s experience but also increases their chance of successfully reaching the summit.

Navigational Skills – There are multiple routes to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, each route offers its own scenic points and set of challenges. Hiking guides will help travelers choose the right route depending on their fitness level and preferences. The guides will also help travelers to aptly navigate the trails, handle the pace, and ensure that tourists properly acclimatize to the altitude.

Support and Motivation – A hiking guide is a great source of motivation, support, and encouragement, as climbing Kilimanjaro is both a physical and mental challenge. The guide will keep the morale and group spirit of the travelers high. This is especially crucial during the final push to the summit when the going gets tough.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Tips to Choose the Right Hiking Guide

Kilimanjaro is an excellent choice for first-time climbers. With proper preparation and physical fitness, beginners can successfully reach the highest peak in Africa. Being well-prepared increases your chances of success. Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb and is suitable for beginners with little or no experience. The most challenging aspects are coping with the altitude and adapting to camping. No technical skills or special equipment are required just physical fitness, determination, and the right guide service to support you along the way.

Certification and Experience – Always prefer a hiking guide who is certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Experience and seasoned guides who have led numerous successful expeditions are better equipped to handle the challenges that arise on the mountain.

Reviews and Recommendations – Travelers before embarking on this hiking expedition should check reviews and ask for recommendations from previous climbers. Going through testimonials will provide insights into a guide’s reliability, professionalism, and personality. A guide having lots of positive feedback is more likely to offer a great experience.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires careful planning and the right guidance. By choosing a knowledgeable and experienced guide, travelers ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful ascent to the Roof of Africa. So travelers should carefully choose a guide and get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

Mount Kilimanjaro

As Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, it gives a terrific challenge to the hikers who want to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. However, to climb the mountain, you can choose several routes like Marangu, Machame-Mweka, and Lemosho. To reach the summit of Kilimanjaro which is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, also known as the roof of Africa, climbers need to go through different ecosystems from the rain-forest zone, and alpine desert to arctic snow cap. Trekking to Kilimanjaro is one of the primary attractions of hundreds of tourists in this part of the world. Make a memorable trekking to Kilimanjaro through your preferred route with the help of an experienced tour organizer. 

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

This free-standing volcano lures thousands of trekkers every year who intend to conquer Uhuru Peak. To reach the twin summit of Kibo and Mawnzi, you need to go through thick and drenched forests along with crossing a desert-like lunar landscape. Although you will be able to climb this mountain throughout the year. The best time for climbing is July to early October, the rainy period (April- May), and November. However, as the weather is unpredictable on the mountain throughout the year, there is no guarantee of good weather. So, it’s recommended to keep your equipment and to keep yourself ready for rainy and cold weather.

Kilimanjaro

Routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro 

  • 5 days 4 night the Coca-Cola route of Kilimanjaro

The Marangu route is known as the Coca-Cola route due to its popularity as well as for having the reputation that this is the easier route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and its two main summits which are Mawenzi and Kibo. A 5 km wide semi-desert, the Saddle has separated these two. During this trip, you will be mesmerized by the spectacular views of summit glaciers, afro-alpine moorland, cliffs, and foothills.

  • 6 days 5 night the whiskey route of Kilimanjaro

For climbing the mountain, Machame-Mweka is a more difficult route compared to the Coca-Cola route, due to which this one is named as the whiskey route. As this route is adorned with the terrain and spectacular scenery of Lava Tower, Shira Plateau, and Barranco Wall, it gives a huge chance for acclimatizing.

  • 7 days 6 night Lemosho route

This one is the least traveled but most rewarding route. The route remains uncrowded until it gets connected with the Machame route’s latter half. Through this route, you can hike across the Shira Plateau which is considered as one of the most beautiful hikes in Africa.

End note

The hiking journey to the snow peaks of Kilimanjaro will be partly hiking, partly slog, and partly trekking. As Kilimanjaro is 5896 meters high and remains snow-covered, trekking here is a strenuous as well as rewarding undertaking. To have a safe and guided tour, you can contact Ice Rocket Trekking, the best travel company that offers trekking expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro as well as to Kenya.

Hells Gate National Park in Africa

Hells Gate National Park is an astonishing area of the Great Rift Valley which is south of Lake Naivasha. It is one of the most popular, amazing, and atmospheric Parks in Africa due to its spectacular scenic beauty including water-gouged gorges, towering cliffs, scrub-clad volcanoes, rock towers, and more. This National Park offers a remarkable climbing wall which is very beneficial for rock climbing along with offering the thrilling experience of climbing through tough pitches within the rocks. It is a vast area covering 68.25 square kilometers which are characterized by geological scenery as well as diverse topography. This park is just 90 km away from Nairobi making it an ideal addition to an African safari trip. So, if you have a wish list to visit this mesmerizing Hells Gate National Park then contacting one of the best tourism companies is a must.

What are the different activities that the visitors can enjoy at Hells Gate National Park?

Travelers always prefer to visit Hells Gate National Park not only for enjoying the spectacular view but also for experiencing various activities that are depicted below:

  • Rock Climbing: It is one of the most liked activities in the park. The most popular for beginners for rock climbing is Fischer’s Tower but skilled climbers opt for the Main Wall. Interested travelers are provided with an entire climbing kit including rope, stoppers, friends, helmet, seat harness, and carabiners along with a professional guide by the tour operators.
  • Cycling: It is another thrilling activity that travelers love to do at the Hells Gate National Park in Africa. It is the most satisfying way of exploring this National Park. This activity also offers personal contact and interaction with the flora and fauna of the park.

hells gate national park

  • Moreover, cycling through the Buffalo cycling circuit provides breathtaking views of Mt. Suswa, Lake Naivasha, and Mt. Longonot.
  • Trekking: It is also a favorite activity of the adventure-lovers. This activity is opted for by travelers to enjoy the wildlife outside of the city along with keeping themselves fit. This trekking journey starts from the main gate of the park known as Elsa Gate to the main valley of the park and the best part is that trekkers can enjoy fantastic views while trekking.
  • Bird Watching: This National Park is an absolute must-visit for all birders around the world. Since it is home to more than 100 species of birds so travelers enjoy having beautiful bird life.

With Ice Rock Trekking, you will get different trekking and safari packages covering the national parks of Kenya including Hell Gate. Choose your package or ask them to change the itinerary as per your choice. You will be able to cover the best of all national parks.

End Note

Are you thinking to visit Hells Gate National Park in Africa? Do not worry when one of the most trustworthy tourism companies like Ice Rock Trekking is here to guide and arrange everything as per your desire.