Are You Ever Too Young or Too Old To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

It looks like it’s possible to successfully climb Mt Kilimanjaro at any age.

8 Year old summited  on 1st July, 2012
As reported by Huffington Post and CNN, in the United States, Tyler Armstrong, who is eight years old, reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with his father on a charity climb for CureDuchenne. 

Officially, The Tanzanian National Park Authority’s rule is that children need to be over ten to go past the 3,700 metres and then the final summit. So, they must have sought special permission, as the mountain is well regulated and there is no where you can hide. In fact, Tumaini Sandi, Managing Director of Majestic Kilimanjaro, saw Tyler on this climb and wished him good luck along the way.

Tyler is the second youngest to climb the famous mountain, with Keats Boyd also from the  United States successfully reaching the summit at the age of seven. 

Tyler Armstrong and his Dad

Now for the Oldest Climber
Another American national, Mr. Richard Byerley, 84, from Washington State, summited Kilimanjaro with his two grandchildren, Annie, 29, and Bren, 24, after a six-day trek on the Machame Route setting the new world record for the oldest man to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

As reported by the World Records Academy “Byerley didn't suffer any altitude sickness on his journey, but he did say his hands were cold when he reached the summit.

He trained for the climb by hiking mountains in both Washington and Idaho, bicycling, running and occasionally moving 40-foot pipes in the fields on his farm.

His wife Beth had summited Kilimanjaro 30 years ago, so Byerley figured "It was high time to catch up."  When asked how he felt about smashing a world climbing record at age 84, he said, "Well, I'm the same person I was before I left." 

His advice for anyone of any age who wishes to climb a mountain: ‘Just go.’ ”

The above two inspiring examples show you’re never to young, or old to climb Kilimanjaro and experience the roof of Africa. 

We believe that if you are in good health, have an active lifestyle and put in the effort to train, reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is within reach of most people. 

It should be remembered that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a strenuous exercise and poses serious health risks. If it didn’t, it wouldn’t be a challenge. We recommend you consult with your doctor to ensure you have the best possibility of success and so that your climb is memorable for the right reasons. 

Steve

www.majestickilimanjaro.com
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You can also follow Tyler Armstrong on his Facebook page and see what he gets up to next.