Kilimanjaro Uncovered

An Alternative Path to Bliss

Category: Facts & analysis (page 1 of 2)

10 Possible Causes Of Death And Danger On Mount Kilimanjaro, And How to Avoid Them

Originally published: November 2016. Last updated: November 2018

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a dangerous experience and there have been a few recorded deaths on Kilimanjaro. It can be even more dangerous if you are oblivious to the dangers that lead to death or coming close to it on Kilimanjaro.  Much as the hostile conditions on the tallest mountain in Africa play a significant role, the human element contributes significantly, even when you travel with an ethical and fair treatment certified tour operator. A lack of prior planning and adequate preparation may be a recipe for disaster. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” Conversely, as Confucius is said to have concluded much earlier, “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.”

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How difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Considering its height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is a relatively easy mountain to climb. Its slopes are mostly gentle, and there are well-trodden paths. One can literally walk up to the summit. Even though it is common to refer to “climbing” or “trekking” Mount Kilimanjaro, technically it is more a hike or walk than a climb or trek. No mountaineering skills are required, and visitors usually do not carry more than their daypack as porters take care of the heavy-lifting.

The list of outstanding climbers is long and varied, from the currently oldest person to summit at the age of 88, to Kyle Mynard who was the first quadruple amputee to reach the summit.

These extraordinary feasts and the notion of a “walk in the park” leads many climbers to underestimate how difficult it can be to reach the summit. With an average summit success rate of only around 60%, reaching the summit is obviously not as easy as one might expect from a hike or walk.

The difficulty of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro arises from its altitude of almost 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). This puts most of the climb into the so-called “high altitude” zone which starts from 3,500 meters and above, and the summit into the “extreme high altitude” zone over 5,500 meters of elevation.

Travelling to the “high altitude” zone can lead to medical problems. Most climbers will experience symptoms of altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS), such as headaches or nausea. With increasing altitude, the symptoms can become more severe including loss of orientation or eyesight. If not treated properly, AMS can be fatal. The best treatment against AMS is immediate descent.

This is the predominant reason why climbers need to return from the mountain before reaching the summit. Sadly, for those who do not descend in time, their vacation may end lethally. An estimated 10 tourists die on Mount Kilimanjaro every year, and AMS is the main reason for those tragic fatalities.

Hence, it is imperative to be well informed about altitude sickness and the risks involved before attempting your climb, and to acclimatize well before and during your climb.

If you follow the golden rules of acclimatization and avoid the dangers of high altitude, it is not too difficult to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. With the right preparation and mental stamina, this bucket list goal should be well within reach for most of us.

How to get started? Fair Voyage will guide you step by step and help you book your climb with a qualified responsible tour operator – making responsible travel easy and adventures possible.

10 Highly Recommended Items For Your Medical Kit When Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, safety should always come first, because let’s be honest – there have been some recorded deaths on Kilimanjaro. And so, of course, that also includes the right medical preparations and packing a bulletproof medical kit for your Kilimanjaro climb. Please make sure to consult your specialist doctor for expert medical advice.

kilimanjaro-africa-medication-sanitation-safety

Highly Recommended For Your Medical Kit For Kilimanjaro

Based on my assessment and experience for my own purposes, I would always bring or take the following for my next Kilimanjaro climb:

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5 Ways To Be A Responsible Kilimanjaro Tourist

Responsibility is a virtue that we must uphold everywhere we go in whatever we do. Sadly, many people do not consider it a thing especially if they have given out their money for any product or service.

When you visit Kilimanjaro or Kili as some prefer calling this African tallest mountain, you should observe some degree of responsibility. There are many reasons why you should. Perhaps, what the mountain means to the locals and to the entire Eastern African community should come to the fore.

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5 reasons why you should beware of online Kilimanjaro information and reviews

The more I’ve been researching Kilimanjaro, and that’s almost two years now—initially to prepare my own climb, then to publish my book, and finally to fill this blog—the more frustrated I’ve been getting with the quality of content dispersed all over the Internet.

Initially new to Kilimanjaro, then new to social media, and finally new to blogging, it took me a while to figure out what’s going on. Here’s my current take on it, and why I’m ever more determined to do something about it:

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Mt Kilimanjaro, The Highest Peak In Africa

Tanzania boasts of hosting the highest peak in Africa, located in the northern part of the country close to its border with Kenya. The peak in question is Mt. Kilimanjaro which is elevated 19,340 ft or 5,895 meters above sea level and also ranks as the highest mountain in the world that is not part of a mountain range.

Map of Kilimanjaro location in Tanzania close to the Kenya border

Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania close to the Kenya border

Like many other mountains, Mt. Kilimanjaro formed as a result of volcanic activity over a million years ago resulting in its three volcanic cones: Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shira.

Amongst the three cones, Mawenzi and Shira are extinct while Kibo is dormant with minor volcanic activity noted less than two centuries ago. However, the cone is believed to have had a major eruption over 360,000 years ago. On Kibo is the Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on the mountain.

Over the years there has been a notable decline in the glaciers on the peaks of the mountain, and approximately in the next two decades, the ice cap on the mountain will have vanished entirely.

Kibo view from Millenium Camp - photo by Lynn Jackson

Kibo view from Millenium Camp – photo by Lynn Jackson

Occupying a position as the fourth highest of the seven summits, ascending to the top of the mountain is as much a challenging as an alluring task usually approached from seven different routes that vary in a degree of complexity determined by their individual terrains and time of the year. The routes are Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Shira, Lemosho, Northern, and Umbwe.

Mount Kilimanjaro Location—Where in Africa on the Map?

If you are wondering where the location of Mount Kilimanjaro is, you’re not the only one. Many people confuse it thinking that Kilimanjaro is located in Kenya, but actually, Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain located in Tanzania, East Africa. Also popularly known as the Roof of Africa, the gigantic sight measures 5,895 meters or 19,340 feet above sea level. This makes it the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and attracts many professionals as well as amateurs who want to climb Kilimanjaro.

Freestanding means that Kilimanjaro is not located as a part of any mountain range (non-massif) but rises independently amidst an otherwise rather plane expanse of land. As such, on clear days, it can be seen from many miles away. In fact, situated in the north-eastern part of the country close to the long Kenya-Tanzania border, Mt Kilimanjaro forms the backdrop of many a Kenyan safari picture. Many travellers often combine their Kilimanjaro climb with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania to make the best of both experiences. It’s not only Mt Kilimanjaro’s symmetrical shape as a volcano, but also its ice-capped summit amidst and otherwise warm climate only 200 miles south of the equator, that makes the Kilimanjaro location such a picturesque sight.

Snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro (© global-make-money.com)

Snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro (© global-make-money.com)

Do not expect to encounter wildlife like elephants or giraffes while climbing the mountain. Most of those famous safari pictures were either taken from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park in the north, or Kenya’s Tsavo National Park towards the east of where Mt Kilimanjaro is located. Consequently, the mountain is sometimes erroneously attributed to Kenya. At quick look at the map, however, confirms its location in Tanzania.

 

Like much of Tanzania’s most remarkable natural heritage, the Mount Kilimanjaro location is unique and the area is a protected nature reserve with its own designated area and management, the so-called Kilimanjaro National Park. lt bestrides a surface area of 100 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide. Also the tallest mountain in Africa, its summit features three major volcanic cones—Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. It is the latter, Kibo cone, that rises the highest into the air, that is capped by ice and—at times—snow, and which attracts so many tourists—both climbers and photographers alike. “Uhuru”, a Swahili word that means “freedom”, is the highest peak of this natural marvel.

Besides attracting visitors from all over Africa, in particular South Africa, Kilimanjaro is also one of the most toured places worldwide. The mountain’s inconstant weather patterns are primarily influenced by an interaction of different trade winds, with the wettest season occurring between March and May. As a result, the pinnacle is mostly snow-capped despite its proximity to the equator.

Finally, Mount Kilimanjaro’s location is not very far from Serengeti—the largest terrestrial mammal migration site in the world—which increases the areas global attraction as an important tourist destination.

Why not explore for yourself? Get inspiration for your Kilimanjaro adventure or book an authentic wildlife safari with a responsible tour operator via Fair Voyage—the #1 booking platform for ethical climbs and sustainable tourism in the Kilimanjaro area.

15 unexpected things to expect while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

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10 differences between climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Mount Kilimanjaro and the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB, or Tour of Mont Blanc) are both described as some of the most memorable hikes and must do adventures for outdoors aficionados. Kilimanjaro is a climb up the tallest free-standing mountain (with fewer fair and responsible tour operators), while TMB is a trek around Western Europe’s tallest mountain. We have done both, and, indeed, they are both very scenic and memorable. However, there also are striking differences between them. If you are tossing between either or, here are 10 differences to help you decide which one might be more suitable for you:

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Kilimanjaro climbers’ shared secret – package tours

Let us guess – you are intrigued by Mount Kilimanjaro, but you are not sure whether you could actually climb it? Perhaps you are worried that you might be too old, too unfit, too overweight, or whether the organizational effort is too difficult? Then keep reading, because we have good news for you!

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