Conquering Kilimanjaro Moments: Epic Journey to the Roof of Africa | High-Altitude Adventure

The story behind this Journey with friends

"Story of Two Sticks "

This all started with friends from Munich and the USA, and we decided together to spend our reunion holiday in Africa with some adventure involved. That is when I had an idea to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is a perfect mountain for everyone and is doable by foot with bare minimum fitness, followed by a visit to the Hotsprings and a Wildlife Safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Park.

The entire planning and organization process took a year for us, followed by numerous workshops and high-altitude awareness sessions by Mr. Satyarup Siddhanta, a Guinness Book of World Record Holder. It was very fortunate for us as a group to have Satyarup as a mentor on high-altitude mountains organized by his company Winners and Achievers.

Speaking of representation by country, we had friends from Germany, the USA, Colombia, Finland, Russia, Greece, and India.

One year of planning flew by quickly for us, and we booked our tickets. I was traveling along with Satyarup and Dipanjan from Calcutta International Airport.

Our entire program was well-equipped with logistics, followed by 8 days of hiking, 1 day for recovery in the Hotsprings, and 3 days in Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Park. As I was the overall organizer for this tour, I decided, along with Satyarup, to arrive two days before our tour to avoid any last-minute trouble with lost luggage and renting our gear.

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Please note that this video is shot on Go Pro Hero 11.

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History about Kilimanjaro :-

Kilimanjaro, located in East Africa, is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and an iconic symbol of the continent. Here's a brief history of Kilimanjaro:

Geological Formation:

- Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano formed through successive volcanic eruptions. It is part of the East African Rift system and consists of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Early Inhabitants:

- The area around Kilimanjaro has been inhabited for thousands of years. Indigenous tribes, such as the Chaga people, have lived on the mountain's slopes and foothills.
European Exploration:

- European explorers began to take interest in Kilimanjaro in the 19th century. The first recorded ascent was by Hans Meyer, a German geographer, and Ludwig Purtscheller, an Austrian mountaineer, in 1889.
Colonial Era:

- During the colonial era, the region surrounding Kilimanjaro came under German and later British rule. The mountain itself served as a boundary between German East Africa and British East Africa.
Cultural Significance:

- Kilimanjaro holds cultural significance for local tribes. The Chaga people, for example, consider the mountain a sacred place, and various rituals and ceremonies are associated with it.
National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Site:

- Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1977 to protect the unique ecosystems on the mountain. In 1987, Kilimanjaro was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and ecological importance.

Tourism and Climbing:

- Kilimanjaro has become a major tourist destination, attracting climbers from around the world. The trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak, is a popular adventure and has contributed significantly to the local economy.
Environmental Concerns:

- The shrinking of glaciers on Kilimanjaro has been a subject of concern and is often cited as an example of the impacts of climate change. The loss of ice has been observed over the years.
Modern Conservation Efforts:

- Efforts are underway to conserve Kilimanjaro's unique ecosystems and address environmental challenges. Sustainable tourism practices and conservation initiatives aim to preserve the mountain for future generations.

Kilimanjaro's rich history, cultural significance, and breathtaking landscapes continue to make it a fascinating destination for adventurers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Thank you for watching my first video, still learning this new hobby of post-production.