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sunrise ascent of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro while taking in panoramic views across the savanna is an unforgettable experience. Soaring upwards from the Tanzania-Kenya border, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain at 19,340ft, one of the Seven Summits
and the world’s highest standalone mountain. Also known as ‘the Roof of Africa’, the dormant volcano’s sheer scale combines with geological intrigue, natural beauty and a rich human history to attract 30,000-plus climbers annually. In 1887, Chagga tribe member Yohani Lauwo led
an expedition that saw Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller become the first Europeans to reach the summit. Lauwo lived to age 125 and became known as ‘The Old Man of Mount Kilimanjaro’. Today, his grandson Joshua Mlay follows in his footsteps as a guide for Intrepid Ventures. “I keep on practising my grandpa’s legacy, because every time I get up there I feel a sense of belonging,” he says. The trek ascends through five climate zones
— bushland, rainforest, heath, alpine desert and finally an icy arctic landscape. A range of wildlife roams the plains, including leopards and elephants, and you trek to a soundtrack of colobus monkey calls and tropical birdsong. At the summit, peer into craters and an ash pit fringed with the ice cliffs of a glacier.
What levels of fitness and climbing experience do I need? Kilimanjaro is more of a long, high-altitude trek than a technical climb (you don’t need ropes, ice axes or crampons), so it’s suitable for people with no climbing skills. Having a basic level of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable rather than an arduous test of endurance. If you’re capable of long walks, a few months of
regular walks, runs or hikes will build strength and stamina in your legs — plus confidence in your ability. If you lack basic fitness, a longer period of preparation should get you in sufficient shape. Joshua recommends consulting with your doctor
if you have concerns about your fitness or ability to cope at altitude. “Kilimanjaro is doable, but you need to come with a positive mind and very positive vibes,” he says.
How do I choose a guide and tour operator? Regulations state that climbers must ascend with a local guide. This means any expedition operator based outside of Tanzania will run its tours in collaboration with companies on the ground, contributing to the local economy.
With so many options, it’s important to do your
research when considering expedition outfitters. “Make sure the tour operator is licensed by the Kilimanjaro National Park and registered with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators,” Jon Gupta, of Mountain Expeditions, advises. Don’t be tempted by the cheapest prices
— these can indicate scrimping and saving by any combination of rushing the climb, using poor- quality equipment or forgoing critical items and/ or paying unfair wages to porters and staff. Reading online reviews can help to gauge standards.
What are the travel, accommodation and catering logistics? Numerous airlines fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The route you choose will determine your starting point, but many climbers make their way by minibus or taxi to Moshi or Arusha, gateway towns to Kilimanjaro National Park. During the trek, you’ll sleep in huts or tents
provided by the outfitter and carried by porters between camps. Cooks prepare carb-heavy, energy-rich and easily digestible meals, plus local delicacies such as mandazi (African doughnuts), all washed down with stomach-settling ginger tea.
How much does a guided expedition cost? The price will depend on route choice and length, the number of support staff employed and the quality of the outfitter and its provisions, plus any transport and extra activities. A basic seven- or eight-day trek without add-ons can cost between £2,000 and £3,000, excluding flights, travel insurance and a Tanzanian visa, which can be bought online beforehand or at Kilimanjaro International Airport, from $50 (£40). Expedition packages include a Kilimanjaro National Park climbing permit, which is arranged by the operator. A longer climb will be more expensive, but
it’s important to weigh the risks of struggling at altitude or failing to summit on a rushed climb versus the extra money spent on taking it slow and increasing your chances of reaching the top.
When are the best times of year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? The dry seasons are the optimum time to climb, running from January to March and from June to October. “These months offer the best chances of clear skies and dry conditions, which can make the climb easier and more enjoyable,” Jon says. But don’t underestimate the temperature
variation, both as you ascend and over the course of the day. At the base, temperatures can reach up to 30C, while at the summit, they can drop to as low
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER – LAKES & MOUNTAINS COLLECTION 29
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