Kilimanjaro Travel Guide

03° 04′ 03″ N, 37° 21′ 20″ E

Kilimanjaro in a few words ...

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa standing a magnificent 5,895m on the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Affectionately known as the ‘roof of Africa’, on a clear day with the right conditions you can seemly glimpse the whole of northern African from Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro summit, from the Sahara Desert west and the Indian Ocean to the east.

Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the world, attracting around 50,000 people each year who come to climb to the summit. Its popularity is based not only on the fact that at just below 6,000m climbing Kilimanjaro is achievable for most with the right training, but that the journey to reach the top is one of renowned beauty and variance. With five different ecological zones, each showcasing their own diverse territory, ascending from the base of this mountain to the glacial zone at the summit of Kilimanjaro is said to be the equivalent of travelling from the equator to the south pole!

This impressive mountain is actually a dormant volcano with a large crater rim at the top and three separate volcanic cones, the highest of which is Kibo on which is Uhuru peak, followed by Mawenzi at 5,149m and Shira at 4,005m. Trekking Kilimanjaro will involve adventurers choosing from one of seven different Kilimanjaro climbing routes, each with their own itineraries, camps and ecology. Most routes journey up the south and west faces of the volcano, but it is possible to ascend Kilimanjaro from the north via the Rongai route too, which is much quieter, although allows less time for acclimatisation due to the locations of camps.

Mount Kilimanjaro sits within Mount Kilimanjaro National Park which encompasses all the mountain and much of the foothills around it. These lower slopes have nutrient-rich volcanic soil and have been cultivated to grow coffee, maize and bananas and it’s through these plantations’ trekkers must first travel to get to the gates of the national park.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the world and it’s no wonder so many people want to visit Tanzania to conquer Kili. A fantastic way to rest tired legs after summiting Kilimanjaro is to try a Tanzania safari and go in search of the incredible wildlife of the nearby Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. After that, why not hop across to Zanzibar for a final few nights of rest and relaxation before heading back to reality to plan your next adventure. A trip to Kilimanjaro has everything you could possibly want from an African adventure trek.

KILIMANJARO TREKKING GUIDE

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO KILIMANJARO

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KILIMANJARO

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Highlights in Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Montane Rainforest

Kilimanjaro has five distinct climate zones and after making your way to the national park gates through the cultivated lower slopes of the mountain, you'll experience is the dense tropical montane rainforest zone. It is hot and humid here and the cacophany of jungle sounds is astounding. Trek through lush green forest and catch glimpses of monkeys and birds flying through the canopy above.

Low Alpine Desert

Between 2,800–4,000m or 9,200–13,200ft, the low alpine desert on Mount Kilimanjaro is a moorland of semi-arid grasslands and orange earth with incredible views of the mountain herself above. At this altitude there will be less rain than in the rainforest below but temperatures will be mild during the day and cool at night.

High Alpine Zone on Kilimanjaro

The high alpine desert zone on Kilimanjaro lives above the low alpine area and sits at an altitude of between 4,000-5,000m or 13,200–16,500ft. This area is cool, dry and characterised by rocky slopes, hard volcanic ground and very little vegetation. The air is thinner here but the views of the mountain and Africa beyond are truly spectacular.

Kilimanjaro Arctic Zone

The glacial zone or the arctic zone is the area on Mount Kilimanjaro above 5,000m or 16,500ft. Here you'll find snow and ice, rocky crags and cold temperatures, although the sun at this altitude is fierce. You won't spend much time above 5,000m as the air is thin at this altitude but it is a sight to behold. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5,865m is a fantastic achievement and those who do will be rewarded with breathtaking views from the roof of Africa.