How do you like to travel? Are you the kind of person who likes to spend their days wandering through new cities, discovering hidden gem museums, restaurants, and shops? Do you prefer to do as little as possible while you’re travelling, only moving to refill your drink? Or maybe you’re a special kind of traveller. Maybe you’re the kind of traveller who wants to spend their time away from home doing something they’ll be able to talk about for the rest of their life – the kind of experience not everyone gets, but those that do know it’s life changing.
We’re talking, of course, about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! This adventure isn’t for the faint of heart, but people of all ages and ability levels can reach the summit of this impressive mountain with the right training and preparation. But what, exactly, is it like to climb one of the world’s Seven Summits? You can read guides and physically train, but one of the best ways to learn about this experience is by reading the stories of those who came before you. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list some of our
How to train to climb Kilimanjaro
There are seven different routes travellers can take when climbing Kilimanjaro: Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira Plateau, Umbwe, and the Northern Circuit. Each of them provides travellers with different experience, from hiking through lush rainforests to trekking across massive stretches of desert.
All hiking and trekking on Kilimanjaro requires a licensed guide, and travellers must also pay a fee per person, per day in order to maintain the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro for future generations. Almost anyone can climb Kilimanjaro, but it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally for what’s sure to be a journey that will test your patience and athleticism.
Our favourite personal blogs about climbing Kilimanjaro
Joao Cajuda
A travel blogger from Portugal, Joao Cajuda has been ranked one of the most influential travel bloggers in the world. According to his website, his goal is to encourage travellers to “travel more and better.” Joao didn’t prepare too much for his climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, which is further proof that, as long as you’re generally physically fit, anyone can climb this iconic mountain!
My Life’s a Travel Movie
Alyssa Ramos of My Life’s a Travel Movie has been to all seven continents, and she recently ticked “climb Mount Kilimanjaro” off her travel bucket list! In collaboration with a tour operator, Alyssa summited Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day – talk about inspiring! Her blog post details all of the training and preparation that goes into a climb like this, including flights, accommodation, and everything that she experienced during her climb.
The Planet D
Dave and Deb, the brains behind travel blog The Planet D, have been named one of the top ten influencers in the world by Forbes, so it’s safe to say that they’re full of trustworthy knowledge and first-hand accounts of their adventures! Their account of their Kili climb doesn’t pull any punches – after reading it, you’ll know everything there is to know about climbing Kilimanjaro. The number one misconception about Kilimanjaro, according to Dave and Deb? It’s not as easy as it looks!
Read Dave and Deb’s post here.
Mapping Megan
Megan and Mike Jerrard don’t just know Kilimanjaro: the married couple met while summiting! Their biggest takeaway from their journey is that climbers need plenty of willpower and endurance if they’re going to safely reach the summit of this impressive mountain. Megan’s honest account discusses the profound emotional impact of reaching the summit.
“I bawled my eyes out when I got to the final plateau. I collapsed into a heap and cried my heart out. Not because I was physically wrecked – which I was – and not because I was an emotional wreck – which I was – but because I had achieved something so amazing, and persevered through hell to get there. Also it was nice to know I had proved everyone, and even myself, wrong.”
Megan Jerrard of Mapping Megan
Other hiking blogs we love
Not quite ready for Kilimanjaro? Training to get there some day in the future? Check out a couple of our favourite hiking blogs for tips, tricks, and support, no matter where you are in your hiking journey!
Hiking for Her
Women hikers, especially those who go at it solo, face a unique set of challenges. From safety in night hiking to women’s hiking clothes to advice for solo hiking, Hiking for Her is a great jumping off point for any woman looking to get started. It’s also great for experienced hikers looking for new trails or advice to up their game!
Hike it Baby
Hiking is an adventure the whole family can enjoy! Hike it Baby provides families with young children with advice, support, and guidance for hitting the trails with a little one in tow. Hike it Baby also provides membership options, organized hikes, and local hiking groups across the USA.
Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is the kind of journey you’ll never forget – the kind of thing you tell your grandchildren about! Before you start planning a climb yourself, though, you need to be as informed as possible about the challenges involved, and we think reading blogs is the absolute best way of doing that.
What are your favourite blog posts about climbing Kilimanjaro? Let us know in the comments!
