Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa

Watch Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa

"Five climates, six climbers, 19,340 feet of mountain."
  • 2002
  • 40 min
  • 6.7  (182)

In 2002, the documentary film Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa was released, directed by David Breashears. The movie follows a team of climbers on their journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The movie begins with an introduction to the climbers, who come from various backgrounds and with varying levels of climbing experience. Among them are Heidi Albertsen, a Danish model and actress, Roger Bilham, a geophysicist, and Jacob Kyungai, a Tanzanian guide.

With Breashears as their guide, the team sets out to climb Kilimanjaro, which stands at over 19,000 feet tall. The movie chronicles their journey, from the lush rainforest at the base of the mountain to the rocky and barren landscape near the summit.

Along the way, the climbers face a number of challenges. They battle altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and sheer physical exhaustion. The steep terrain requires them to use ropes, crampons, and other specialized gear, and the thin air makes even simple tasks like breathing a struggle.

Despite the difficulties, the climbers press on. They draw strength from each other and from their shared sense of adventure and camaraderie. Along the way, they also learn about the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Tanzania, home to some of the world's most unique and diverse ecosystems.

Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa is a striking visual experience, with breathtaking shots of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. The filmmakers use a combination of aerial footage, time-lapse photography, and on-the-ground shots to capture the awe-inspiring scale and beauty of the mountain.

The movie is also an emotional journey, as the climbers struggle with their physical and mental limitations, bond with each other, and reflect on their own personal motivations for taking on such a daunting challenge. At times, the movie feels more like a personal diary than a formal documentary, with the climbers sharing their thoughts and feelings in intimate detail.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is its focus on the local people and culture of Tanzania. The climbers interact with Masai villagers and other locals, learning about their way of life and their connection to the mountain. This provides a valuable perspective on the climbers' own journey, reminding them that the mountain is more than just a physical challenge, but also a symbol of a rich and vibrant cultural heritage.

Overall, Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa is a must-see for anyone interested in outdoor adventure, travel, and cultural exploration. It offers a unique window into one of the world's most iconic natural wonders, and a powerful testament to the human spirit of determination and perseverance.

Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.

Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa
Description
Where to Watch Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa is available to watch free on Pluto TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2002
  • Runtime
    40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (182)