Conquering the “Roof of Africa” - Journey to Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is an irresistible destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages. Famous for its breathtaking scenery and challenging climbs, this iconic mountain offers an unforgettable experience for those who dare to conquer its summit.
Located in northeastern Tanzania in East Africa, Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three conical peaks named Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. It holds the title of tallest free-standing mountain in the world. When compared to other major peaks around the globe, Kilimanjaro is ranked fourth highest among the Seven Summits.
At an altitude of 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is surrounded by lush forests and vast plains. It is part of Kilimanjaro National Park, which, along with its six forest corridors, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a into an important ecological area.
For the people of Tanzania, especially the Chagga and Maasai tribes, Kilimanjaro has cultural and spiritual significance. It is considered a sacred mountain, with deep roots in local culture and folk traditions.
Kilimanjaro Located close to the equator, Kilimanjaro boasts a variety of climates, from lush tropical rainforests to alpine grasslands and even barren Arctic-like landscapes near the summit. The mountain’s diverse ecosystem is home to unique plant species and a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, monkeys and buffalo on the lower slopes.
Every year, Kilimanjaro attracts tens of thousands of climbers from all over the world, eager to take on the challenge and reach the summit.
Kilimanjaro has become a significant source of tourism revenue for both Tanzania and neighboring Kenya, attracting about 35,000 climbers each year. Previously, climbing without an Internet connection posed risks for tourists and porters. However, this has changed with a Tanzanian telecommunications company installing broadband internet service in the mountains. This progress has been warmly welcomed by both visitors and locals. Now climbers can stay connected, share their experiences on social networks and contact rescue services in case of emergency, even at the highest point in Africa.
Tanzania’s Information Minister, Nape Nnauye, called it a “historic event”. With the availability of WiFi, professional climbers and adventure tourists now have additional support to conquer the mountain.
There are also plans to build a cable car to the top of Kilimanjaro to serve tourists. However, this idea faced many controversies. Typically, a climber hires up to 15 support staff, including guides, cooks and 13 porters. Deploying the cable car could cause thousands of local people to lose their jobs and livelihoods.
In June 2024, Jaya Kumra, 52 years old from Hong Kong, China, undertook an eight-day trek to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. With two companions, she walked 6-7 hours a day, enduring moments of exhaustion and wanting to give up, but they encouraged each other to continue.
Facing harsh weather conditions, including rain, strong winds and freezing temperatures, Kumra completed the journey as a testament to her resilience. She considered the hike a personal gift to celebrate her 52nd birthday.
Anne Lorimor, 85 years old from Arizona, USA, is one of the oldest climbers to have conquered Kilimanjaro. According to KTVK, a Phoenix-based television station, Lorimor completed the climb with her grandchildren in August 2015. The trip lasted eight days and she was later recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest woman to summit the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. .
Lorimor undertook this climb to raise money for the Youth Challenge Foundation, a charity she founded for disadvantaged children. “I’m not a professional climber but I’ve always loved it. Combining my passion for climbing with helping children is the best of both worlds,” she shares.
To embark on an adventure to the “Roof of Africa”, climbers must book tours with local porter guides. The cost of these tours varies depending on the route, the reputation of the company, and the number of support staff. The climb usually takes about nine days. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is from July to September when the weather is most favorable. In other months, heavy rain makes climbing more difficult, with less beautiful views due to cloudy skies.
The legendary Kilimanjaro has become a dream destination for adventurous travelers. The journey to the top of the mountain brings many emotions, from a strong desire to achieve success reach the top with enough energy to enjoy the breathtaking views to the satisfaction of living in the boundless sky above.
