Oldest Person to Hike Kilimanjaro – Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, earning its place among the Seven Summits of the Earth. Thousands of tourists travel to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year from all over the world.
Many elderly individuals have successfully climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, proving that age is not a barrier to conquering Africa’s highest peak. The climb is considered more accessible compared to other high mountains because even very young or elderly individuals have managed to reach the top.
Rising to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level, the major challenge for most trekkers is altitude sickness. The trails are not very steep, and climbers do not need prior mountaineering experience or technical equipment to complete the hike.
Altitude sickness, caused by the body’s inability to adjust to low oxygen levels at high altitudes, remains a significant challenge for climbers of all ages and fitness levels.
Oldest Person to Hike Kilimanjaro
The oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro was an 89-year-old great-grandmother, Anne Lorimor. She shared her experience, saying: “There was a time I was extremely worried because I fell before I began the climb and felt intense pain on my side and couldn’t take deep breaths. Being well in body, mind, and soul is crucial!”
Anne Lorimor undertook the climb to raise funds for her charity organization, Creating Exciting Futures, which helps impoverished children.
She first set the record for the oldest woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at age 85, but after another climber broke her record, she returned at age 89 years and 37 days to reclaim it.
Anne climbed using the Rongai Route, the only trail on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from Kenya. The Rongai Route typically takes 8 to 9 days, and Anne opted for the 9-day journey. She completed the climb without using any technical equipment or supplemental oxygen.
To prepare for her climb, Anne trained with a personal trainer for 8 months and hiked almost daily in northern Arizona.
Other Notable Climbers
In 2015, Angella Vorobeva, an 86-year-old woman, also reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. She took the Lemosho Route and completed her summit push in nearly 13 hours, reaching the top at midday.
Angella had promised her late sister that she would travel for both of them after her sister passed away. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on her sister’s birthday was her tribute. Angella celebrated her achievement by dancing the tango with her guide at an altitude of 5,000 meters.
Angella said: “The idea of turning back was never an option!”
Preparation and Advice for Trekkers
- Health Check: All trekkers should visit their doctor to ensure they are in good health before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Training: Regular physical training, such as hiking, can improve endurance and readiness.
- Trekking Poles: These are recommended to reduce strain on the knees.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is achievable for people of all ages if they are mentally and physically prepared and can adapt to high altitudes. Several elderly individuals, children, and even disabled people have successfully reached the summit, proving that determination and preparation are key to conquering this iconic mountain.