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Why Kilimanjaro is the Best of the Seven Summits to Climb

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Every year, some 30,000 people attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. For many people, reaching its snowy summit is the pinnacle of personal achievement and the ultimate bucket list material.

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Kili is therefore by far the most popular of the Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each continent – among climbers. There are several very valid reasons for this; in fact, we would wager that if there were any one of these seven famous peaks that you should attempt to summit in your lifetime, it really should be Mount Kilimanjaro.

Why? We’ll tell you…

It’s impressive

Kilimanjaro from Amboseli

The main reason why Mount Kilimanjaro features on so many people’s bucket lists in the first place is because of simply how impressive it is. At 5,895 metres above sea level, Kili’s summit is not a walk in the park to reach. Standing on Uhuru Peak is an awe-inspiring experience, and the journey to get there requires real stamina, strength and determination.

Many people set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as a way to really push themselves. We love seeing people succeed at what is, for many, the ultimate challenge – proving to themselves that they are capable of far more than they ever thought possible.

And there’s no denying the physical presence of Kilimanjaro as a mountain. It rises almost 5,000 metres from the plains below, towering above the Maasailand in striking form. Put simply: Mount Kilimanjaro is iconic. And who wouldn’t want to tick an icon off their adventure bucket list?

It’s accessible

TBLC Kilimanjaro

Of all the Seven Summits mountains, Kilimanjaro is probably the easiest to reach from the UK. Although it is located in a rural part of Tanzania, travelling to Kili is now very straightforward – all you have to do is take a flight from London, change planes (usually at Amsterdam) and you will be flown right into Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, it’s just a short transfer to the local town of Moshi, and then a drive to Marangu or Lemosho Park Gate to begin your trek.

This level of accessibility is unmatched in any of the other Seven Summits – most require a long trek or complicated journey to even reach base camp. Whilst mountains like Elbrus in Russia require a length visa application process, when climbing Kilimanjaro you can simply apply for a visa on arrival at the airport in Tanzania, for just £40.

Kili is also relatively accessible in terms of affordability. Compared to other Seven Summit climbs, which can cost thousands of pounds due to their location, remoteness or other practicalities, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is very affordable, especially if you use our monthly payment plans.

All of this combined makes Kili very easy to get to, meaning that all you have to do is arrive and try to get to the top!

It’s achievable

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Whilst climbing Kilimanjaro is certainly a big achievement, one of the main reasons why we recommend it as the ultimate (or at least, the first!) Seven Summit to climb is because it is achievable.

Although Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek – and takes at least six days to complete – it is by far the easiest of the Seven Summits. The climb is a pretty steady trek, and requires no ropes, rock climbing or technical mountaineering skills. Because of this, you won’t need to complete any special training before setting out on the trek – just get your fitness levels as high as possible with some hikes in the hills at home and maybe a few runs.

Over the years, people as young as 7 and as old as 89 have climbed to Kili’s summit – so trust us when we say this peak is very much within your reach!

It’s unique

TBLC Kilimanjaro

There are several things that make Mount Kilimanjaro special, even among the Seven Summits. The most obvious of these is that it is the only free-standing mountain in the Seven Summits. In fact, it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world! This makes standing on its summit even more breathtaking, with sweeping views over the glaciers heading down the slopes, through the clouds and then across the expanse of plains beyond. Kili is nicknamed the “Roof of Africa” for a reason!

Not only is Kilimanjaro unique as the world’s highest freestanding mountain (in fact, Kili is actually a volcano!) – it also boasts unique geology, flora, and fauna. On the trek up Kilimanjaro, you will pass through everything from grasslands to equatorial jungle, tundra to Alpine deserts and even scenes reminiscent of Arctic landscapes.

You’ll see countless wonders, from the rare Colobus monkey to the enchanting Senecio Forest, with trees that look curiously like huge pineapples.

Its people

TBLC Kilimanjaro

Finally, one of the most memorable things about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – and one of the top reasons why so many people recommend doing it – are the people.

Of course, anywhere you go you are likely to meet incredible people, especially in the mountains. However, we have to say that every single Bucketlister who comes with us to Tanzania returns raving about one thing above all else: how amazing the local people of Tanzania are.

From our local guides to the people you’ll meet in Moshi, the vast majority of people in Tanzania are truly warm, friendly and encouraging. You’ll dance with guides on the way up the mountain, and make countless memories to last every day.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is also a cultural experience. The area surrounding the mountain is the home of the Chaga and Maasai peoples. Actually, this is a very diverse part of the world, with over 100 languages spoken throughout Tanzania! Along your journey, you’ll learn lots about the way of life here, from guides who have grown up in the shadow of the mountain.

And, if you join us for one of our add-on excursions, you could even meet local Maasai tribespeople and see their traditional dances!

The Bucket List Company

So, there are just five reasons as to why Kilimanjaro is the number one Seven Summit you should put on your bucket list. If you’re ready to get started, just get in touch and we’ll make it happen! Give us a call on 01769 309 007 and get started!

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