Conquering the 'roof of Africa'

Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, is an incredibly attractive destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages.

Tourists conquer Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. (Source: The Guardian)

Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in northeastern Tanzania, an East African country, with three conical peaks named Kibo, Mawensi, and Shira. Kilimanjaro is the world's tallest freestanding (monolithic) mountain. In terms of overall height, it is the fourth tallest of the seven highest mountain ranges in the world.

At 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, surrounded by forests and plains. The mountain is part of Kilimanjaro National Park. In 1987, along with six surrounding forest corridors, the area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Mount Kilimanjaro holds significant cultural importance for the people of Tanzania, particularly the Chagga and Maasai tribes, as it is considered a sacred mountain in local folklore and traditions.

Despite its proximity to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro boasts a diverse climate, with distinct ecological zones including lush tropical rainforests, alpine grasslands, and frigid, Arctic-like wilderness near the summit.

Kilimanjaro boasts diverse flora and fauna, including unique plant species. A variety of wildlife can be found on the lower slopes, including elephants, leopards, monkeys, and buffalo.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a destination for climbers from all over the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Risk mitigation

Mount Kilimanjaro is now a significant source of tourism revenue for Tanzania and neighboring Kenya. Each year, it attracts around 35,000 people attempting to conquer its summit. Previously, climbing without internet access posed risks for both tourists and transporters, but things are different now.

Tanzania's telecommunications company has installed broadband internet service on the mountain, which has been enthusiastically received by tourists and locals alike. Even at the summit of Africa's highest mountain, visitors can still comfortably update news on social media or contact rescue services in case of emergencies.

Tanzania's Information Minister, Nape Nnauye, declared it a "historic event." Thanks to Wi-Fi, professional climbers and adventurous tourists alike now have an additional tool to help them conquer the mountain.

To cater to tourists, Tanzania once planned to build a cable car to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, this plan was highly controversial. The reason is that a single mountain climber can hire up to 15 people to assist them, including a guide, a cook, and 13 porters. If a cable car were built, thousands of local workers would lose their jobs and income.

Conquering the 'roof of Africa'

Precious range of emotions

With determination, men and women of all ages have the opportunity to conquer the "roof of Africa".

In June 2024, Jaya Kumra (52 years old, from Hong Kong, China) climbed Kilimanjaro peak in eight days. Kumra and two companions walked for 6-7 hours each day. There were times when they felt exhausted and wanted to give up, but they encouraged each other to persevere.

Enduring harsh weather conditions with heavy rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, this woman completed the journey in a way that earned her much admiration. She considered it a gift to celebrate her 52nd birthday.

Anne Lorimor, an 85-year-old woman from Arizona (USA), is one of the oldest people to have conquered Mount Kilimanjaro.

According to KTVK in Phoenix, Arizona, Anne Lorimor completed her climb of Mount Kilimanjaro with her grandchildren in August 2015. The trip lasted eight days. Before leaving, Lorimor told ABC 15, "I've been wanting to do this for a long time and told my grandchildren I really wanted to go, and they agreed." She has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest woman to climb the world's highest mountain solo.

Lorimor said she climbed the mountain to raise money for the Challenge Youth Fund, a charity she founded for underprivileged children.

"Even though I'm not a professional climber, I've always loved climbing. Combining the joy of climbing with my passion for helping children is simply wonderful," Lorimor shared.

To reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the "roof of Africa," visitors must purchase a tour with a local guide and porters. Tour prices vary depending on the route, the reputation of the company, and the number of people involved. The ascent to Kilimanjaro takes approximately nine days. The best season for climbing Kilimanjaro is from July to September. The remaining months are rainy, difficult to navigate, and cloudy, resulting in fewer scenic views.

Hoang Le Giang, one of the few Vietnamese who successfully conquered the "roof of Africa," shared with the media: "Along the way to Kilimanjaro peak, you can easily find trails crowded with tourists. These trails are named after the drinks sold along the way, such as Coca-Cola Road and Whiskey Road."

“The happiest feeling after successfully conquering Kilimanjaro is suddenly feeling small amidst the vastness of nature. At the foot of the mountain, the undulating glaciers sparkle in the sunlight. At night, you are immersed in a starry sky, a magnificent scene like something out of a science fiction movie,” Giang recounted.

The famous Kilimanjaro peak has become a dream destination for adventure travel enthusiasts. The days spent conquering Kilimanjaro bring a range of emotions, from the feeling of successfully reaching the summit with enough energy left to enjoy the view, to truly experiencing the vast expanse of sky and clouds…

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chinh-phuc-noc-nha-chau-phi-283611.html