How to Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro
Why You Should Consider It
One of the 7 Summits.
The tallest mountain in Africa, and the worlds tallest free-standing mountain.
Standing 19.3K ft. above sea level it is behemoth dormant volcano waiting to be conquered.
Nearly bordering Tanzania and Kenya, this beast is an icon and the start of an adventure for adrenaline junkies, mountaineers, or 20-somethings looking for a new story.
That realization was how the seed of one of the most demanding and fulfilling journeys in my life was planted.
Planning for the Journey
Having never been to Africa, me and a few friends wanted to uncover a new continent. Contrary to what most tourists decide, I decided to save South Africa for another time.
Instead, I wanted to set a new challenge. The time around August is peak season for the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya. Setting our sights on that region, climbing Kili was a seamless decision — as these things usually are. With work in the way, this gave us 3 months to account for everything we would need to complete a 7 day expedition up the mountain and a deep safari of the Masai Mara.
For more on the journey, exact travel plans, and how you could do something similar without as much work, stay tuned to videos coming soon.
Spare More Time, You're in Africa
I was surprised how easy it was to sort out logistics for a larger scale trip to more remote parts of Africa. Arusha, the start of our journey up Kilimanjaro is a private airport and small city. Additionally, still massive but not as common is visiting the Masai Mara from Kenya. When you see a safari in Africa at iconic locations like the Four Seasons, you are seeing Tanzania. What we found out was that much of the same national park extends into Kenya, where experiences are much more affordable.
I mention all this to say: not only is there so much to see, it is much safer and easier to plan than I thought. Bonus points if you know someone living there, more likely than not, they know locals working in the tourism industry that can give you much cheaper pricing than what you see online.
Like any trip abroad, you travel so far, it makes sense to spend as much time as you can. Obvious, right? I just wanted to quickly reiterate, it is no joke that most people end up traveling here for 10-14 days. Aside from transit taking 1-2 days, there is so much to see and much to immerse yourself in. Much of which takes time to be worthwhile. Take hiking up Kilimanjaro, for example. Ambitious folk can plan to complete the expedition in 5 days, however, it is much less about the physicality and more about altitude acclimation, something that you just need to give time. Disregard this, and you risk ruining the entire experience, and worst case getting sent down. Just watch any respectable mountaineering YouTuber and they will demonstrate the importance of acclimation as you ascend. Take even the safari, a whole or half day event riding an off-roading vehicle to follow game and track animals across the plains. Trying to rush this to a day or two could be the difference between seeing a pride of lions and not.
If you’re inspired or are already planning a trip to Africa, take your time. Do what you must to afford the extra day. An extra night at the office is a worthwhile sacrifice.
Coming Soon...
Like I mentioned before, as is the goal with my channel and bloc, I plan on documenting the entire process of this trip.
From planning the itinerary, what training is like, the journey camping up Kilimanjaro, experiencing the Great Migration, and conducting my first client shoot abroad, I’m excited to bring my world to you with new gear (Sony ZV1 M2, Rhode Shotgun Mic) and memories.
If any of this interests you, follow me on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube!
