Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, as well as the highest mountain on the African continent, rising to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. The mountain attracts over 30,000 tourists interested in trekking to its summit every year.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has been considered easier compared to other summits because it’s a walk-up mountain, meaning even unfit people can reach the summit, though the main challenge on Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness.
Mount Kilimanjaro was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions that led to the formation of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, but Kibo is dormant and could erupt again in the future.
There are five different unique climatic zones from the base to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting with the cultivated and bushland zone, montane forest zone, heather-moorland zone, alpine desert, and arctic zone.
There are seven routes established for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, including Machame route, Rongai route, Marangu route, Umbwe route, Kilema route, Northern circuit route, and Lemosho route. These routes vary in difficulty, the number of days required, sceneries, and acclimatization.
Climbing Kilimanjaro for Charity
Some tour operators organize hikes to Kilimanjaro with the aim of contributing to and supporting local communities, with 100% of the profits made from each climb going to charity. In case you’re interested in climbing for charity to help support local communities, you should look out for genuine charity-based tour operators to book with.
Alternatively, travelers can start a fundraising campaign online on platforms like GoFundMe and promote it on social media, where people can make contributions. Climbing Kilimanjaro for charity requires proper planning and should start at least one year before the actual climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro for charity is a good way to achieve your dreams while bringing hope to the world. Most charity organizations will give you a chance to visit their charity-based organization projects and meet the people they support through charity in the community.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity will motivate hikers to persevere when faced with challenges on the mountain, except for reasons of mountain sickness that cannot be avoided. For a successful charity climb, hikers should choose longer routes for hiking to increase their chances of success.
The best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity is during the drier months of June to September and December to February when the hiking trails are in good condition, making it easy to trek from the base to the summit without disruptions due to weather changes. The drier months also provide spectacular views, as the skies are clear, making it ideal for photography.
Hikers must bring along sunscreen, insect repellents, waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, sunglasses, hats, headlamps, and other necessary items needed during the climb.
Hikers planning to hike Mount Kilimanjaro for charity should always do a background check of the tour companies they intend to book with to ensure that their funds are directed toward charity work within the local communities.
