Want to Run in a Marathon?

If you have decided that the famous climb is not for you, there are many other things that you can do around the mountain.  One of the best is entering the Kilimanjaro Marathon. This is an event that takes place in late February or early March. This is a race that starts out by heading out along the road to Dar es Salaam. From there you can then climb to Mweka. This is a race that does not enter the park. This is a fun race that will require some training and it has many prizes. There is also a women’s marathon and there is a huge number of other events and races in which you might take part.

If you are one of those people that want to have more than one marathon there is also the Kiliman Challenge. This is a very fun race that is a six-day trek up the Machame Route to Uhuru Peak. This is then followed up with a race around the mountain itself by bike. Then it is completed with the marathon itself. The organizers are there to ensure that it is very competitive. However, it is important make sure that the mountain itself is entirely too steep to run up. Therefore, it is important to ensure that if it sounds like too much you decide to take part in maybe one or two activities.

If you are still not tired you can also be a part of the yearly Kilimanjaro Trail Run, this is an 8-day 260km run around the mountain. This race is always led by Simon Mtuy who is the record holder for the fastest climb up Kili. This is a run that takes you on foot paths as well as trails. It is an incredible run through the forest and past the waterfalls. The scenery that you will take in is incredible and you will also bump not the locals on the slopes of the mountain. There are some tourists who will take photos and get to know them. This is a place to ensure that you will remember it doe a lifetime. One thing that Simon always points out is that this is a run and not a race, this is not a fast-competitive run. It allows for people to enjoy their time and to learn about the area.

Horseback Riding Near the Mountain

If you are looking for a less physical option, horseback riding is a good one. You can find horses at Makoa Farm which is near the Machame Gate that has horseback safaris in the West Kilimanjaro Wildlife Management Area. This is an area where you will be able to stay in and find permanent luxury camps, mobile camps, and other animals at the guesthouse on Makoa Farm.