Kilimanjaro, by the name is a metaphor for compelling beauty of East Africa. When you chance to see it, you understand why! Mount Kilimanjaro the world walk-able Mountains and the tallest mountain in Africa Continent but also is the tallest FREE standing mountain in the WORLD, rising in breaktaking isolation from the sorrounding savannah elevation around 900metres – to an imperious 5,895metres MASL (19,336ffets).
This mountain is located in the northern East Tanzania about 200 miles south of the Equator. The peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is permanently covered with snows despites to the facts that it located in the tropic zone where temperature is high. Each year this mountain is climbed by hundreds of visitors from around the world and most of them managed to reach the summit with us. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, Stella Point or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their emories.
You know what? There so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic tour, from tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at about 2700m), the cultivated by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered abbot’s duiker and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant weather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 4000m a surreal alphine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the vast vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
Up to this moment there are various routes established for climbing up Kilimanjaro including Marangu the oldest and most established route, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, Lemosho and Shira. For all the routes you may require to climb up with accommodation gears except the Marangu Route where accommodation is offered in huts.
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles). Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Getting there
Mount Kilimanjaro is located 128 km (80 miles) from Arusha. About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.
What to do:
Five usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes. When to go Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes
5 Days – 4 Nights Marangu Route – “Coca Cola Route”
8 Days – 7 Nights Lemosho Route
6 Days – 5 Nights Rongai Route
