4 GREAT REASONS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
By Sheila Hendrick
Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest of the Seven Summits. Situated on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, Mt Kilimanjaro is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, standing 19,340 feet above sea level. It is made up of three extinct volcanoes and supports five major eco-zones – rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers.
Yep, there is no doubt about it. Mount Kilimanjaro is a whopper!
Our very own Monica is just back from climbing Kilimanjaro, and has nothing but great things to say about the experience. According to her, the entire trip was nothing short of life-changing. Is it any wonder, then, that 40,000 people climb one of the tallest wonders of the world?
If you are trying to justify climbing Kilimanjaro, look no further! Monica has given us four great reasons that should appeal to anyone considering climbing Kilimanjaro.
1. THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE EXHILARATION
There is nothing more exhilarating than reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and watching the glorious sunrise from the top of the roof of Africa. The sunrise is not the only exhilarating view you are treated to during your climb, however. You will also be treated to cultivated farmlands, lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and a barren lunar landscape. There is also something both magical and eerie about trekking through the fluffy-looking clouds to the snow-capped summit.
2. THE SENSE OF PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
The sense of personal achievement after climbing the tallest freestanding mountain in the world is unparalleled by anything I have ever felt before. During the climb you go through many ups and downs; there are times when you feel like giving up and turning around. But once you get to the top, the sense of achievement means that you soon forget about the pain and weariness in your limbs. It is the best feeling in the world and I don’t believe it is something I will ever feel again.
3. IT’S A GREAT WAY TO RAISE MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR CHARITY
Even though seeking personal achievement is a great reason to climb Kilimanjaro, so too is fundraising. Most charities will support you if you decide to climb for them, giving you sponsorship packs and t-shirts. They are also likely to help guide you with your training.
Climbing Kilimanjaro for charity is one of the most rewarding ways to achieve your dream. There is something motivating about knowing there is a good cause behind you all the way to the top.
4. THE SATISFACTION OF PUSHING YOURSELF TO THE LIMIT
Completing the Kilimanjaro climb is something to be proud of. Not only that, the climb requires you to push your body to the absolute limit. Don’t be fooled by people who tell you that the climb is in any way simple. Even for the fittest of people, Kilimanjaro presents challenges. You need to be in the right frame of mind, and you need to be prepared to be tired and achy. You need to be willing to leave your comfort zone and willing to push your body to limits you thought were unreachable.
In the end, however, the satisfaction you get when you return from your climb is something to savour. Accomplishment is sweet!
INTERESTED IN CLIMBING KILIMANJARO?
Do you want to sample that exhilaration? That sheer satisfaction? And that sense of achievement?
We don’t blame you!
Check out one of our Adventure holidays here. If you would like some more information on Kilimanjaro, call Monica on 01 804 7188.