Mount Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, near the towns of Arusha and Moshi, rising to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain on the African continent. The first recorded summit of Mount Kilimanjaro was in 1889.
There are three volcanic cones found on Mount Kilimanjaro: Shira, located at 3,962 meters above sea level; Mawenzi peak, at 5,149 meters above sea level; and Kibo peak, at 5,895 meters above sea level. Both Shira and Mawenzi peaks are extinct, but Kibo could possibly erupt again.
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated just a few kilometers from the equator, and climbing the mountain is like walking from the equator to the Arctic. There are five different ecological zones while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from the cultivated zone, rainforest zone, heath zone, alpine desert zone, and arctic summit zone.
The forested slopes and bushlands at Kilimanjaro National Park are a habitat for several species of wildlife, such as cape buffalos, forest elephants, giraffes, dik-diks, duikers, leopards, elands, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, warthogs, and many others.
How fit do you need to be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, located in Tanzania, rising to an elevation of 5,895 meters in Kilimanjaro National Park.
Unlike other high mountains that require technical equipment, physical fitness, and experience, Mount Kilimanjaro is relatively easy to trek, and even first-time mountaineers can successfully reach the summit and return.
You don’t need to be extremely physically fit to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but this should not lead you to underestimate the importance of being in good shape when planning to hike it. Travelers intending to climb the mountain can prepare themselves to make their trekking experience easier.
Hiking on hills, walking long distances, and cycling are some of the best exercises to prepare for the long trek on Kilimanjaro, as you will be trekking for 4 to 7 hours each day for about 5 to 9 days, depending on the route you choose.
Children and elderly people have successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The shape of Mount Kilimanjaro makes it somewhat easier to get altitude sickness.
The main challenge when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness, which can affect anyone, regardless of their health and physical fitness. The best way to try to avoid altitude sickness is by going slowly and steadily each day at your own pace, even if the group leaves you behind. Going slowly will help you acclimatize to the altitude.
Mount Kilimanjaro routes can be long.
The most strenuous day while hiking Kilimanjaro is the summit day. The time for acclimatization is limited, leaving most people with some signs of mountain sickness. If the symptoms go beyond mild, you cannot continue to ascend. The summit ascent starts at around midnight, taking about 6 to 8 hours. The views at the summit are very rewarding and outstanding, but you will need to begin the descent for about 4 to 6 hours.
In conclusion, you don’t need to be extremely physically fit to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but training before the hike will make your trek easier and more comfortable, provided you can acclimatize well.
