A caged bird does not sing. A locked mind does not wonder. A trapped man does not wander. Every travel enthusiast has kindled the wanderlust inside and surely has scribbled down a bucket list full of new adventures to wake up to. If Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t on it yet, then you’re about to change your mind. Here are some reasons why Kilimanjaro is the ultimate peak to pick.
Face the facts
At a daunting height of 19,000 feet above sea level, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the whole world. Climbing all the way to the top would mean conquering the largest independent obstacle on the planet. What’s better? You would literally be ‘on top of the world’. It’s no wonder that approximately 40,000 adventurers gravitate towards the sought after peak every year. An approximate two third of the attempts are known to be successful. If you’re up for the challenge, put it up on your list.
Not so hard
There are some hard and fast rules to climbing every mountain; don’t be fast and don’t be hard on yourself. We all want to get high on Kilimanjaro. But sadly, the closer you get to the top, the more the altitude tries to topple you over. This is the major cause for which most people give up on climbing up. While this applies to any mountain trek, the Kilimanjaro trail is relatively not much of a sweat. Of the seven summits, which means the tallest mountains from the seven continents, Kilimanjaro is relatively the easiest to scale, thus alluring climbers of all capabilities.
Stay moved
All of us want to move mountains someday. The mountains however, could move us all any day. Get tipsy over the tip. Set out for the majestic Kilimanjaro and cast yourself into its net of wonder. Be rest assured that as you go up, Kilimanjaro won’t let you down. The climb can break you into pieces and put you at peace all at once. Pushing back all your mental and physical boundaries and beating all the odds to finally conquer the peak leaves you with an exhilarating sense of achievement, wiping out all traces of self-doubt. Seeing it through to the end is a soul stirring experience. The Uruhu peak is the cornucopia for recoveries, discoveries and new beginnings. Stand on the roof of Africa once and you’ll never be the same person again. Kilimanjaro always leaves a mark on you. There are also people who climb to carry a cause to the finish line. Be it raising funds for charity, raising awareness or drawing attention, a purpose driven trek is all the more empowering.
Artist’s paradise
Being spellbound by the vastness and beauty of Kilimanjaro opens an outlet for all your creative juices to work its charm. The peak is sure to pique the artist in you. Lose yourself, blend into the magic and pour yourself onto your canvas.
For obvious reasons, the spectacular mountain is a giant click magnet. If you’re a photographer, Kilimanjaro is your best shot at taking your best shot. Firstly, the way to the tip is brimming with a rich flora and fauna and promises of unique sightings such as the tender elephant flower, hornbills, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebra etc. Always stay snap ready because the next surprise might snap out of nowhere. The night sky at Kilimanjaro is the most breathtaking wonder you will ever behold. The Kilimanjaro trail is your way to capture the milky way. Needless to explain, the mountain is a hotspot for astrophotography. The peak gives you the best peek at the worlds beyond the blanket of darkness. Catch the drama of space unfold and capture Kilimanjaro bathed in starlight.
All at once
From dry Savannah grasslands to lush green forests to snow-capped mountains, you will be weaving through diverse textures and terrains throughout the trail. You get to soak in five climatic zones and six ecological zones as you go all the way to the top.
If you now feel that Kilimanjaro deserves a spot on your bucket list, scribble it down right away. Here’s hoping that the roof of Africa is your next big adventure!
