Mount Kilimanjaro is extremely well known for being one of the magnificent mountains in the world. Located in Tanzania, the mountain stands 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and is the highest in Africa. Due to its stature and design, Kilimanjaro has become a premier hiking site for athletes, thrill seekers, celebrities and more. All the attention has sparked a trend in which people trek the mountain to raise money for charities.
Public Attention
The charity climbs are hosted by a variety of organizations, and for several different causes. One celebrity that has recently decided to make the journey to the top of Kilimanjaro is former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Lewis is climbing the mountain this month in order to raise funds and awareness for clean water projects in East Africa. On his official website for the climb, Lewis wrote:
“In one month, I will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money and awareness for clean water projects in East Africa. I am so FIRED UP for this adventure, but until then, I need your help to bring clean water wells to thousands of children and families. Show your support by following my TackleKili journey, spreading the word, and donating to TackleKili. Each action you complete below earns you more entries to win my autographed helmet! Thank you for your support and good luck!”
The team at Concern.net will be hosting a Kilimanjaro Trek in August as well. They are currently seeking individuals who are interested in climbing Kilimanjaro with their team. Each participant must help raise funds (€5000/£4100) in order to participate in the hike. The money raised will go towards relief and development of Tanzania which is one of the poorest countries in the world despite being the home of Kilimanjaro.
One of the most notable and highly publicized Kilimanjaro climbs was when Spencer West, a double leg amputee, climbed Kilimanjaro using just his hands for the Redefine Impossible cause and to help promote clean water projects in East Africa.
Trekking Kilimanjaro
When climbing Kilimanjaro, there are 6 official routes that can be taken:
- Marangu
- Rongai
- Lemosho
- Shira
- Umbwe
- Machame
For charity events, many people will either take Machame or Lemosho. These two routes are known to be much more scenic and allow hikers to get the most out of their experience. As a result, these two also tend to be the busiest.
It’s extremely important to do your research before taking on Kilimanjaro. When climbing for a charity, most guides will supply participants with packets that detail how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect. The trek is physically demanding and is not to be taken lightly.
Climbing for a cause
The climb itself is fun, challenging, and invigorating for participants. When climbing for charity, the experience is even more special. While there are a variety of different charities that people can climb for, a majority climb to help support Tanzania and East Africa.
There are several ways to get involved. The Nasio Trust holds climbs throughout the year to support HIV positive orphans in Kenya. They guide private groups, corporate teams, or you can join one of the climbs scheduled throughout the year.
If there is a particular charity you would like to raise funds for, there are private guides that can be hired to help you trek the mountain. Climb for Change recommends that you choose your tour operator wisely.
Most organized climbs will last 7 days. This allows participants to have enough time to reach the top, and enjoy the experience as well. A new season for climbing Kilimanjaro has just begun and will last until around October when it begins to rain. Climbing Kilimanjaro for charity is an experience that people cherish and has become a long standing tradition throughout the world.
Author
Eran Feinstein is the founder of 3G Direct Pay Limited. 3G provides global e-commerce and online payments solutions for the travel and related industries He is a leading authority in the fields of e-commerce, travel and payments, having acquired extensive experience from various parts of the world.
