Things to See: Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is another must see for hearty adventure travellers. Located in Tanzania, it is the highest peak in Africa at 19,330 ft. It is also one of the seven summits of the world. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira and together they form this inactive strato volcano.

Many adventure travellers visit Tanzania with the goal to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. There are a number of routes to the summit including: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Each route is unique and offers different challenge levels. Most treks can be completed in 6 to 8 days, but it is recommended to go for at least 7 days because of the rapid ascent and acclimation.

People considering the trek up Mount Kilimanjaro must be in very good physical condition and should book the trip with a reputable company, who's guides are licensed, experienced, have wilderness medical training and supply good equipment (tents, sleeping pads, dining tent, chairs. Ask companies you're inquiring with to provide you with client references who you can ask specific questions to. Ask them what kind of equipment they supply? What training their guides have? Do they carry oxygen? What kind of tents and sleeping pads do they supply? How long have they been in business? What kinds of meals do they provide? Do they provide a packing list? Are their guides trained in wilderness medicine? What is the staff to client ratio? How many porters and cooks will be with the group? If the staff to client ratio is not high enough and not everyone can make the summit, will the others be able to continue to the summit if the porters or guides must take clients who are suffering back down to lower ground.

There are many airlines that fly into Dar es Salaam Tanzania, however only a few that fly into the Arusha airport which is the airport nearest to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Airlines that fly into Arusha are KLM, Kenya Airlines and Ethiopian Air.

The next time you're seeking out a challenging adventure trek, consider Kilimanjaro. It's a trip you'll never forget.

Happy Travels,

BikeHike Adventures.