KILIMANJARO, the Highest Free-Standing Mountain in the WORLD | Discover this Tanzanian Marvel
KILIMANJARO is Africa’s pride visited every year by thousands of people from different parts of the world. Its amazing history, landscape, beauty, and adventure are what drive thousands of people to witness its magic.
Almost more than 30,000 people attempt to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year, but only 40 – 50% of them successfully reach the summit. The records show that only 27% of climbers hiking five-day routes summited the mountain, only 44% of climbers hiking six-day routes summited the mountain, 64% of climbers hiking the seven-day routes summited the mountain and 85% of climbers taking the eight-day routes summited the mountain. The chances of making it to the summit increase as climbers spend more time to the altitude given that they get familiar with the climatic condition and give the body more time for adequate rest and recovery. It is also advised to make earlier preparations to get fit for the climb. This includes physical exercises like aerobics, strength training, and hiking regularly at least 8 weeks before the climb.
The oldest person to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro was an American woman Anne Lorimor who was 89 years old at that time. She took this world record in 2019 taking the title from Dr. Fred Distelhorst who was 87 years old when he summited. The record for the youngest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is held by an American called Coaltan Tanner who summited at age six in 2018. Even though the minimum age for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 years old, the park grants an exception to children who have significant experience with trekking adventures. Other record holders at the mountain are Karl Egloff, a Swiss climber who made it in 4 hours and 56 minutes in August 2014, Kristina Schou Madsen was the fastest woman who made it in 6 hours and 52 minutes and lastly, Simon Mtuy from Tanzania who made the fastest unaided attempt in 9 hours and 19 minutes.
Watch this video to discover this Tanzanian wonder through 10 interesting facts
