Conquering Kilimanjaro: A Journey to the roof of Africa

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Tanzania is a land of stunning landscapes and

diverse cultures. One of its most iconic landmarks is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest

peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Climbing Kilimanjaro is

a bucket-list adventure for many, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience that

showcases the natural beauty of Tanzania.

The Adventure Begins

For those seeking a taste of adventure and a glimpse into the natural wonders of

Tanzania, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an experience like no other. The journey begins

in the town of Moshi, located at the foothills of the mountain. Here, climbers gather their

gear, meet their guides, and prepare for the trek ahead.

mount kilimanjaro

The Route to the Summit

There are several routes to choose from when climbing Kilimanjaro, each offering its

own unique challenges and scenic views. The most popular route is the Marangu

Route, known as the "Coca-Cola Route" due to the availability of soft drinks along the

way. This route is favored for its relatively gentle slopes and comfortable sleeping huts.

Another popular route is the Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route" for its

more challenging terrain. This route is known for its stunning scenery, including lush

rainforests, alpine meadows, and dramatic landscapes.

A Test of Endurance

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a test of physical and mental endurance, requiring

climbers to acclimatize to the altitude as they ascend. The higher you climb, the thinner

the air becomes, making each step more challenging than the last. However, with the

help of experienced guides and a slow and steady pace, most climbers can reach the

summit successfully.

A View from the Top

Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience. Standing at

Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain, climbers are rewarded with panoramic

views of the surrounding plains and distant peaks. The sense of accomplishment and

awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape make the journey to the top well worth the effort.

Words from Those Who Have Conquered Kilimanjaro

"I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice, and each time has been a truly transformative

experience. The beauty of the mountain and the warmth of the Tanzanian people make

it a journey I will never forget." – Sarah, United States

"Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro was one of the most challenging and rewarding

experiences of my life. The sense of accomplishment and the stunning views made

every step of the journey worth it." – Filbert, Tanzania

Conclusion

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not just a physical challenge; it is a journey of self-

discovery and a chance to experience the beauty of Tanzania in a unique way. Whether

you are an experienced climber or a novice adventurer, Kilimanjaro offers an

unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you have descended from its

snowy peak. So, lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on a

journey to the roof of Africa.

By Vanessa Mwingira

RECREATIONAL AND EXTREME SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY

People tend to find different ways to bring thrill in their lives when doing recreational activities. Extreme sports are all about the thrill. The extreme here is like what it seems, taking it to the furthest when coming to these sports. You want to see where your limit is when engaging in these activities. The element of danger that exists in the extreme sports is what makes them more fun and performed by many. Even though they tend to be done mostly when one participates in recreational ventures, they are very much physical exercises. Here is where the confusion comes since many of the extreme sports are done mostly when doing recreational activities, it becomes hard to differentiate the two. But since there is no way knowing what determines a recreational activity and an extreme sport, the following are some of the most commonly extreme sports that can also be a recreational activity.

Skydiving, this is one of the popular extreme sport. It involves jumping out of an airplane mid-flight and doing different mid-air tricks before deploying the parachute. It surely produces an adrenaline rush for those who love to make risks when engaging in recreational activities. It still is considered as a sport worldwide. It can therefore fall in-between. Either way, jumping from a plane and falling through the air at 120 miles per hour surely gets people’s attention.

Rock climbing, this is a great indoor and outdoor activity. It can either be an extreme sport or a recreational activity. It really makes a person push themselves to a certain limit. It involves use of a lot of body strength and being okay with heights. It is extreme depending on the heights and safety features you take when climbing a rock wall or mountain. It’s a good stress removal and anger management cure. If you think about it, climbing a rock wall will surely make you occupied instead of being angry. 

Skiing,one of the oldest sports of all time. It was always a simple and careful sport of using skis to travel on snow. It started to change when people started doing their own twists when skiing. They started doing different freestyles and tricks like snowboarders and it became an obsession. Thereafter skiing was said to an extreme sport since it was a little dangerous and a lot more competitive. It still is a recreational activity when done without the tricks and not in competitions.

skiing

Scuba diving, this is a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. That’s what SCUBA means literally. When scuba diving you need important equipment that help with breathing underwater. This to me is more of a recreational activity than an extreme sport. Although it’s an underwater sport, a lot of people practice scuba diving when they go on vacations or to have fun. It is strictly advised to be practised with only those who have mastered swimming in deep oceans since it’s a dangerous sport going underwater which is an inhospitable environment. When you keep the danger and all the bad of scuba diving, it’s a really interesting beautiful activity since you see all the underwater life and you feel free being in water.

Snowboarding, it is a very famous recreational activity to do when on holidays. It used to be a simple act of going from one point of a high snow covered slope down to the end with a snowboard on. It developed by being inspired by skateboarding where you move the snowboard with different tricks and freestyles that makes it more interesting. It is an extreme sport depending on how high the slopes the snowboarder prefers to go on. It is practiced in Winter Olympics since 1998.

Surfing, it’s all about the waves in this sport. All you need is a surfboard, wetsuit and the leash to keep your board near you at all times. The bigger the wave, the better the ride they said. Seriously though, no it’s not that simple. There is actually physics and math if am not mistaken used to keep that board on the wave that easily. Jokes aside, surfing is a really extreme sport which one has to learn very well to master it. During summer though surfing is a very popular recreational activity since it involves staying on the beach all day.

There are so many extreme sports that you just wouldn’t dream thinking of that are very doable. And since many of these sports are practiced as recreational activities, they still help with physical exercises to those who still want to have that excitement and danger when doing an activity.  Make sure to try some of these activities when your next vacation comes, you don’t know you may actually like it. 

Golden Gems in Southern Africa

Southern Africa

Southern Africa, a region in our continent that makes up a plethora of countries, has numerous travel gems for locals, tourists, adventure lover’s and your everyday scenery scenes. Most people are unaware of the vast majority of destinations that this region has, and we decided to break it down for you. If you love the islands, sunny beach days, hiking trails in the mountains, or even safari adventures, this list is a compilation

that will cater to you!

The Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, Namibia

Dune 45 is a star dune in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Desert in Namibia. Its name comes from the fact that it is at the 45th kilometre of the road that connects the Sesriem gate and Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is a perfect specimen of Nambia’s unspoilt desert beauty and we are sure that if you are looking for an escape from the fast paced cities, this is the place for you. The star dune terrain is beauty that cannot be put into words, only a trip here can suffice. An interesting fact is that they are the biggest sand dunes in the world & they attract a vast number of travelers each year, many of whom aim to climb up the sands and enjoy a thrilling slide back down. Why not be part of the statistics?

Chobe River, Botswana

Chobe River, Botswana

Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park as well as much of Botswana’s border with Namibia. Unfortunately, only a few kilometers of the riverfront are accessible by 4×4 or by boat, but the rewards are not only monumental, but fulfill great adventure. This river is the scene of some of the best game viewing in the Southern Africa as well as providing a safe haven for some of the continent’s greatest concentration of elephants. An unbelievable scene of tranquility and picture worthy moments.

Victoria Falls, border of Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River in Southern Africa, which provides habitat for several unique species of plants and animals. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

Activities here are for the adrenaline seeking junkies. These can from water rafting, to the daring Devil’s Pool, and it is safe to say that those seeking a thrill are not going to be disappointed if they come here. There are also more scenic options like a sunset river cruise for the tranquil treasure lovers who would much rather relax.

These are some of the gems that the region of Southern Africa holds, we will be sure to keep you in the loop with more destinations for your travel pleasures.

By Neenah Diile Molapo