Kilimanjaro Scenic Flight Vs. Hiking Kilimanjaro : Pros And Cons : When deciding between climbing Kilimanjaro on foot and taking a scenic flight over it, there is no simple solution; each choice has advantages and disadvantages. And in the end, your preferences for an experience will determine your choice. A scenic flight is exactly what it sounds like—a flight over the breathtaking Kilimanjaro scenery. These flights give you a bird’s-eye view of the Mountain and typically last up to an hour. Because they offer a way to view Kilimanjaro without having to devote the time and effort necessary to climb the mountain, scenic flights are popular choices.
PROS OF THE KILIMANJARO SCENIC FLIGHT
It combines well with a Tanzania Safari: The airports that are used for Kilimanjaro scenic flights are located along the same route that leads to the main national parks of Northern Tanzania. The Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater can all be reached by car using the same road, A104, which connects Arusha Town and the Airport. This implies that you can continue with a safari trip to your preferred national park right after the scenic flight. This also means that you can board a Kilimanjaro scenic flight in the evening after returning from a safari.
Saves time and Money: When compared to a week-long hike, a scenic flight over Mt. Kilimanjaro will save you time getting to the top, giving you more time to possibly plan other trips in Tanzania since it only takes an hour. This indicates that there are two flight departure times, so you can go on a safari before. You can choose between a 7:00 AM departure in the morning and a 5:00 PM departure in the evening. Since the morning flight arrives at 8:00 a.m., you still have time for a safari excursion. You can plan to end your safari early and return to Arusha town in time for the evening flight, thanks to the evening flight. A scenic flight costs much less than a week-long hike to the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
CONS OF THE KILIMANJARO SCENIC FLIGHT
The Kilimanjaro scenic flight has some drawbacks. For one, it can be quite expensive, especially for solo travelers. Prices typically range from $500 to $3,000 per person, depending on the number of passengers on a given flight.
Second, because you are only in the air for a brief period of time, you don’t really have a chance to appreciate the size of the mountain or the surroundings.
Third, even though a scenic flight over Kilimanjaro can produce some stunning images, there is no guarantee that you will see the mountain’s famed snow-capped peak because clouds can block it out.
On the other hand, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a much more immersive experience. The trek can take five to eight days to complete, and you will get a close-up view of the mountain.
PROS OF CLIMBING MT. KILIMANJARO.
Experience different Landscapes and scenes: This is a chance to fully comprehend the size of Mount Kilimanjaro and the astounding diversity of the surroundings.
Meet and interact with the local community: A chance to interact with the locals while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is also provided. Most people consider this to be one of the most exclusive ways to learn more about the local Chagga people and their way of life.
Experience different climate Zones: Another benefit of climbing Kilimanjaro is that you get to experience the various climate zones all in one trip. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animal and plant species as you ascend Mount Kilimanjaro.
A Chance to see wildlife: While climbing Kilimanjaro is your main objective, you might have the opportunity to see wildlife and a variety of bird species during the first few days of your hike on the mountain’s lower slopes. The strategic placement of Mt. Kilimanjaro in relation to Amboseli National Park in neighboring Kenya, from which most animals freely migrate to the mountain’s lower slopes via the so-called Kitenden Wildlife Collider, an animal route that connects the two parks,
CONS OF HIKING MT. KILIMANJARO.
Requires more time for preparation: A lot of time and preparation go into planning a hike up Kilimanjaro, including getting in shape, saving money for the trip, and compiling a comprehensive list of equipment.
CONCLUSION
While both the Kilimanjaro scenic flight tour and the Kilimanjaro hike are exhilarating experiences, it all depends on what you want to get out of the experience, and both can be combined for a comprehensive view of this highest free-standing Mountain in the world.
