Mount Kilimanjaro // The Roof of Africa

Join Mediocre Amateur on an unforgettable journey as Danny takes on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro by way of the iconic Marangu Route! This video showcases the thrilling and awe-inspiring experience of climbing Africa's highest peak, offering you a glimpse of the challenges and triumphs that await trekkers who have the time, and the hoards of gold necessary to reach for the skies.
🏔️ The Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is one of the most popular and well-established paths to ascend Kilimanjaro. As Danny embarks on this expedition, he will take you through the captivating landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas that make this journey a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
🚶‍♂️ A Test of Endurance and Perseverance
Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro is not just an ordinary trek; it's a test of physical and mental strength. Throughout this video, you will bear witness as Danny conquers rocky trails, traverses lush rainforests, patiently tolerates condescending guides, eats endless bowls of soup and braves the high-altitude terrain.
🌄 Unraveling Stunning Scenery
The Marangu Route rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramas at every turn. From the vibrant hues of the sunrise to the mystical blanket of clouds beneath Danny’s feet, the views will leave you in awe of the sheer beauty of Africa. This video captures these magical moments, allowing you to soak in the majesty of Kilimanjaro.
⛺️ The Hut Experience
Unlike other routes, the Marangu Route offers hut accommodations, providing a comfortable haven for climbers to rest, relax, and awkwardly eat alone in the corner of the dinning room. Get a glimpse of the camaraderie and warmth within the huts as trekkers from around the world share stories, laughter, and limited oxygen.
🌿 Kilimanjaro's Ecological Richness
Climbing Kilimanjaro isn't just about reaching the summit; it's also about appreciating the rich biodiversity that thrives on its slopes. This video probably showcases the unique flora and fauna that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site and a nature lover's paradise.
🗻 The Summit: Uhuru Peak
Finally, after days of dedication, nights of poor sleep and a handful of casually walked miles, Danny stands triumphant at the Roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak. The elation of this incredible achievement is for some beyond words, and you'll feel the rush of emotions as Danny takes in the unparalleled 360-degree view from the summit.

[curtismartin]

I've enjoyed watching Danny suffer in an entirely different way on the last two climbs.

[jeremyquiros]

The entire time I could sense Danny resisting the urge to ditch his crew and trail run all the way to the top and back.

Also the tipping ceremony did not disappoint. I’m sure Danny will be fondly remembered by his crew as the most difficult tourist in the history of their service. 😂

[deivclayton]

"It's not child's play, although children have climbed it." Best line. Thanks Danny for sharing!!

[Tristan_Brewer]

Thank you for making this honest video series that has convinced me to never go there unless I'm the 88 year old man.

[bangersallday]

The best types of videos. No extra fuzz or fake smiling crap. Just a raw climb and some well timed humor.

[dkalir]

“But at the end you get a T Shirt, which you can use as a conversation starter.” Priceless!

[gpapciak]

It's all about expectations. Anyone climbing Kili should know what they are getting into and embrace it (or give it a miss). The guides and porters are the structure. Not going to be much fun for true mounaineers. Keep in mind how key this tourism is to supporting the local economy. Many people earn around $100/month there. I lived in Arusha for 3 years so was able to navigate it with just 1 guide and 1 porter and my pack weighed more than theirs. I was also able to head all the way out on summit day, an epically long day. That flexibility made it a slightly better experience for me, but not my favorite mountain for sure.

[surferdude]

Did the climb twice in ‘77 and ‘78. Things were a lot different then. Showed up at park entrance, paid about $150 fee and was assigned a guide and two porters. Day one Mandara (those A frame huts there and Hrombo are compliments of the Norwegian government to promote mountaineering in Tanzania.) Rice/beef for dinner and oatmeal for breakfast every day. There were outfitters doing steak and wine for their clients……..not for me. During my climbs, Kibo hut was basically a stone walled square dorm. Now it looks much improved. Some outfitters made their clients go from Hrombo to Kibo and back to “acclimate”. Not for me man, that added a day and I don’t like to pay for the same real estate twice. Summit night was like you described. Traverse to Gilman’s and then to summit along crater rim. BUT in the 70s there was a massive amount of snow up there and the crater had huge glaciers inside. In your video, that seems to be all gone now. Went from summit to Hrombo and overnighted there. Next day park entrance. No tee shirt, just certificate signed by Moses my guide. Tip……$100. No song and dance, but I thought they were gonna cry.

[MrOfficialscotty]

Danny’s Rant at the end is PURE GOLD 🤣🤣🤣

18:46 through 20:26
So accurate when it comes to tipping

[ericcomp]

Danny - "the guide could tell I was a pretentious asshole so I got my own hut" 🤣🤣🍪

[hugmynutus]

Danny giving off big "this is just a day hike" energy.

[JohnStavrakis-rc]

I’m so glad you climbed this for all of us and now we don’t have to. I could feel your pain but great job as always!!

[micahsafsten]

Next time I hope to see Cristof, Matt, and the Blizz sing a tipping song to Danny!

[sjldfilms]

Danny, just when I thought you could not find a more epic expedition, you blow the last one out of the water. Love your videos, sir.

[jakekaiser]

Great storytelling and amazing to see such a different kind of adventure.

I also appreciate the honest look at what a trip like this looks like as it cements my aversion to one

[veganvagabond]

This mirrored my experience on kilimanjaro 15 years ago in many ways, right down to the plastic insulated thermos. We negotiated hard with the guide to get down to 10 porters for two of us, including a waiter to bring food to our tent. We didn't go pole pole enough on summit day and ended up on the top in the dark. The weather was too poor to stick around so my summit picture is pitch black (no flash in my altitude haze). Awesome experience, wouldn't change a thing. Love Tazanian people.

[lukedotson]

I believe they require guides to support the local economy and create jobs. There might be better ways to accomplish the same thing, but my time in Tanzania talking with the locals made me believe there weren't a lot of job opportunities there. Tipping just needs to be calculated as part of the trip to climb their mountain. If you think of it as part of the fee, then it's easier to enjoy the entire experience in my opinion. Really cool video. Makes me want to go back.

[Shanemo]

Love this video, your sarcasm is so funny. You’re one of my favorite adventurers

[sharondavis]

On “Danny time & at Danny speed” you could have been to the top & back several times by the time they did one trip. Beautiful mountain & views 😊😮🇺🇸👍🏻

[jasonwooden]

Dropped your guide, just ONE crusty mattress stain, Countless Charmin Mushrooms, Lubing up the Tipping Mechanism and a Mediocre Pizza for Mediocre Amateur, LOL - love it!