Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the first step on my journey to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on every continent

Why climb? Because it's there...and it can actually be done by most.

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not connected to a mountain range. I hiked there in 2010 and it was inspiring to say the least.

It was part of a big trip to East Africa for me - and after an extensive safari through the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, coupled with several days on the exotic and dreamy island of Zanzibar - Kilimanjaro could easily have been eclipsed. But that wasn't it.

Climbing Kilimanjaro was exhilarating, awe-inspiring, breathtaking, incredible and one of the most challenging things I have ever done. I recommend it to anyone who has the time (and energy).

As you climb the mountain, you will pass through countless landscapes and climate zones – each with its own flora and fauna. Your climb begins in the dense and lush rainforest, followed by a bush landscape of low bushes and dusty paths.

At around 4,000m this gives way to a dry and rocky, almost moon-like landscape, before finally a very fine glacial scree emerges on summit day - the kind of environment an aspiring mountaineer would expect on one of the seven peaks.

As you reach the summit, you'll be surrounded by massive glaciers, complete with a view of the curvature of the Earth - clearly visible to the naked eye. All of this in the middle of the vastness of the African dry savannah.

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• alt=“Besteigung der Kilimandscharo-Kibo-Hütte“>
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• alt=“Besteigung des Kilimandscharo Gilmans Point“>
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You don't have to be George Mallory or Ueli Steck to reach the summit of Africa's highest peak. However, Kili is no walk in the park. Every year many would-be summiteers die on the slopes of the mountain. You have to be fit and take your time.

Don't try to rush to the summit in four days - it usually takes more than six. Take an experienced guide with you, climb high and sleep deeply, plan an acclimatization day, make sure you have the right equipment (it is very cold on the rooftops of Africa) and always follow your guide's advice - "poli, poli" - slowly slowly...

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the first step on my journey to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on every continent. Next step, Elbrus in Russia.

alt="Training for Kilimanjaro Mission Statement">Atlas & Boots

Climbing Kilimanjaro: The Essentials

When to go: Any time – due to its relatively equatorial location, it's fairly consistent throughout the year. However, the English summer guarantees blue skies and skyscraper-like glaciers. No matter what time of year you decide to do it, just do it soon - the ice caps are receding and more and more tourists descend on the mountain every year.

How: Fly to Dar es Salaam with British Airways (book via skyscanner.net) to see some of Tanzania's stunning sights and safaris first, or if you're short on time, head straight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

I have used G Adventures and would recommend them. They use local companies that reward their guides and porters well. Choose a route that suits your fitness and experience - there are seven to choose from.

Tip your guides and porters well, or better yet, donate your never-used outdoor gear. These guys work hard and risk their lives for very little profit. When you're done and back at your hotel tired and exhausted to drink your first ice cold beer, you'll appreciate all your hard work. I know I did.

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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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