There is a reason why Kilimanjaro attracts the attention of almost 50.000 people each year, and there is a reason why those 50.000 people are trying to climb the mountain known as “Everyman’s Everest.”
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and it’s located in the north-eastern parts of the beautiful country of Tanzania, bordering Kenya.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro represents a beautiful once in a lifetime opportunity to see the greatness this mountain radiates. And here are the reasons why you should visit Kilimanjaro at least ones in your lifetime.
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1. Kilimanjaro is Easy to Climb Compared to Other
Mount Kilimanjaro is the easiest to climb out of all the Seven Summits (Mount Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Vinson Massif, Mount Elbrus, and Puncak Jaya). Climbing Kilimanjaro doesn’t require any ropes or previous climbing experience, that’s not to say that Kilimanjaro is a risk-free mountain to climb. As of 2010, the youngest and oldest person to climb this mountain giant is 6 years old, and 83 years old, respectably. But besides that, Kilimanjaro has its risks, as almost 10 climbers yearly lose their lives due to the dangerous altitude sickness.
Img source: 360-expeditions.com
2. Kilimanjaro Is Easily Accessible
Surprisingly, the area around Kilimanjaro has excellent road infrastructure, and the airport connecting Tanzania with the rest of the world is in very good shape. The people of Tanzania view Kilimanjaro as a natural gem, and they know a tourist attraction when they see one. Lots of luxurious hotels run non-stop throughout the year to provide accommodations to travelers who are climbing Kilimanjaro. Besides luxurious hotels, lots of outfitters, climbing gear providers, tents, and ground transportations to Kilimanjaro offer their services to travelers looking to make the most of their trip.
3. Kilimanjaro Remains Clean
Kilimanjaro can be considered as one of the cleanest and ecologically friendliest places in all of Africa. There are only seven trails leading up to the summit and no roads. The Kilimanjaro national park employs park rangers that look after any signs of leftover trash, and they make sure there isn’t any. If they see you throwing trash anywhere in the national park, or during your climbing, you will be met with a hefty fine. This has managed Kilimanjaro to preserve its wild nature, and all the animals living there are safe from pollution. The only place on the entire mountain that can be considered heavily polluted is the base camp of Everest.
Img source: youtube.com
4. Kilimanjaro is One of The World’s Greatest Wonders
Kilimanjaro is indeed one of the world’s greatest natural wonders because of the mixed climate. As you might know, the mountain is covered in snow while the rainforests below represent a sea of green forests and dry savannahs. The climate is so different that while climbing, you will feel as you are taking a walk from the equator to the center of the North Pole, in the space of a few days! Dramatic changes can be seen in vegetation and animal life, as different types of plants occupy different regions of the mountain, and the same can be said about the animals.
5. Kilimanjaro is a Scientific Hot Spot
Many worldly renowned scientists visit Kilimanjaro to study climate change. Besides the climate, Kilimanjaro is a scientific hot spot for studying glaciers. These glaciers are found to be almost 12.000 years old, and scientists say that they might disappear in the next 30 years. Kilimanjaro remains a place where scientists are trying to solve the huge problem of melting glaciers, climate change, and why that’s happening so fast to our planet.
