Summit night on Mount Kilimanjaro brings excitement along with anxiety for most people. The thought of ascending to 19,341 feet during the night in freezing temperatures is daunting. In a previous article, we discussed 10 tips that make summit night easier. This…
Alcohol consumption is widespread. Over half the world’s population, about 2.5 billion people, drink alcohol. At sea level, moderate drinking is usually tolerated, but at altitude the same amount can impair acclimatization and increase health risks. How the Body Adapts to Altitude…
When people hear the phrase “climbing Kilimanjaro,” they typically picture technical mountaineering. That is, they imagine ice axes in hand, crampons on boots, ropes tied to harnesses, and people hanging on vertical rock and ice. This picture is wrong. Though Mount Kilimanjaro…
Both cannabis (marijuana) and CBD are illegal in Tanzania. If you are considering bringing cannabis products – flower (buds), concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals – on your trip, DON’T DO IT! Tanzania enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs. The Drug Control and Enforcement Act criminalizes possession, use,…
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires serious gear. You could face a wide range of conditions, from warm days to cold nights and everything in between. Therefore, you need to be properly equipped on the mountain. Although we provide a complete gear list and thoroughly…
Climbing Kilimanjaro changes people. It opens a door. For many, it’s the first taste of real adventure. Standing at the summit proves they can accomplish hard things. After the success, they look for more challenges and ask the question: what’s next? There…
Yes. Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcano. Specifically, it is a stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano. A stratovolcano is a classic, cone-shaped type of volcano. It’s built from multiple layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rock. Stratovolcanoes typically erupt explosively…
We often say that anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness can climb Kilimanjaro. This applies to people who are in their 50’s, 60’s, or even older. Anne Lorimor is the world record holder for the oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro. She…
To climb Kilimanjaro, a heavy down jacket is mandatory. Summit night can be dark, extremely windy and brutally cold. While temperatures may be mild, perhaps 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C), you should be prepared for much harsher conditions. We have had…
I recently participated in a seven-day, 155-mile (250 km) ultramarathon called the Atacama Crossing (organized by RacingThePlanet). The race took place in the Atacama Desert of Chile, the driest non-polar desert in the world, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes…
Africa has the most named deserts of any continent, containing at least ten distinct deserts. These deserts cover about one third of the continent’s land area and come in many forms. From scorching sand seas to salt flats, they define much of…
Mount Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are two of the most famous hikes in the world. They comprise bucket list treks for many people. Here’s how they compare. Trip Overview Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It…
No, Mount Kilimanjaro does not have a death zone. Kilimanjaro is 19,341 ft (5,895 m) tall, which is far below the 26,000 ft (8,000 m) threshold for the death zone. While the summit is classified as extreme altitude, it is not high…
Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth. Over 1,100 mammal species thrive here. Evolutionary pressures shaped these animals into some of the most diverse on the planet. Scientific studies link Africa’s unique biodiversity to constant shifts in temperature, rainfall, and terrain. 1….
It’s well known that cheetahs are the fastest land animals on earth. But just how fast are they? Cheetahs have a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). However, this pace is only sustainable for short, intense bursts. They can accelerate from…
Lions are the world’s second-largest big cats after tigers. Muscular bodies, powerful limbs, and their ability to work together make them the kings of the savannah. But unlike leopards and jaguars, which are adept climbers, lions are primarily ground-dwelling animals. Their build…
