I climbed Kilimanjaro earlier this year for the second time. Why do the same thing twice?
Because it was a life-changing experience and I made a mistake the first time around!
Kilimanjaro is a challenge but also the most accessible and achievable of the seven summits. It requires no technical climbing and better described as a hike than a climb. Standing at 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain Africa and journey’s through a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, culminating in a challenging ascent to the icy summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit, at sunrise is an unforgettable experience with panoramic views and one that comes with a profound sense of achievement.
But I don’t feel as though I properly appreciated that first experience when I first climbed Kilimanjaro back in 2008. This is mostly because I felt lonely on the climb (and unfit). That is to say, I was physically unprepared due to lack of exercise and I was feeling lonely on the mountain due to picking the wrong tour operator. I essentially ended up walking by myself during the day and camping without a group at night. There were guides and porters with me but no fellow hikers with whom I could talk and enjoy the experience. This is what led to the loneliness.
People also talk about the competence of your tour guide and this should be a critical factor when choosing a Kilimanjaro operator. But the size and make-up of your group will often decide how enjoyable is your overall experience. This is why I emphasize over and over to pay more for a tour operator that focuses on group experiences. And this is the exact tour I recommend:
My second time on the mountain was an epic success. I went for weekend hikes prior to the adventure which made a big difference in terms of my fitness on the mountain. This meant I never felt ‘exhausted’ or sore at the end of day. The guides/porters were also excellent but walking with other backpackers made this a more meaningful adventure than my first Kilimanjaro climb. I would also say my fellow hikers played a big role in terms of how inspired and encouraged I felt throughout the journey. Moral of the story: Keep active in the lead up to your trip and don’t make a mistake like I did the first time around – pick a reputable company that will not be feeling alone on Kilimanjaro!
Which tour operator? G Adventures – Kilimanjaro Climb 8 Day Adventure
You will also need personal insurance for your Kilimanjaro climb. Please note this insurance must be adequate and relevant for hiking at such high altitude etc. I always use the company below and while I was working as a tour guide in Africa, many of my guests also had insurance through these guys. It also takes just a matter of seconds to get a quick quote on the link below…
