Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, the largest freestanding mountain in the world and one of the biggest volcanoes on the planet. Kilimanjaro National Park covers 1,688 square kilometres in northern Tanzania, and the mountain’s snowcapped summit can be seen for hundreds of kilometres across Tanzania and Kenya.
Climbing it needs no technical skills, ropes or equipment, but it does demand good preparation and time to acclimatise. The summit, Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 metres on Kibo, the highest of the mountain’s three volcanic cones. Kibo is dormant, and climbers who reach the top can still look into its crater. Although the mountain lies close to the equator, the summit area averages around minus 7°C, with strong winds, snow and glaciers.
Seven routes lead up the mountain, some designed for a faster ascent and others allowing more time to adjust to the altitude. Every climb passes through distinct zones: lush lowland forest, where buffalo, elephants, monkeys and eland are most likely to be seen; open moorland above the clouds from about 3,100 metres; bare alpine desert around 4,000 metres; and finally the ice and rock of the summit, which places you among those who have climbed one of the Seven Summits.
The summit of Kibo at 5,895 metres and the highest point in Africa, with glaciers near the crater and views across the plains far below.
Seven routes lead to the summit, some faster and others designed to give more time to acclimatise. Most begin in rainforest, where buffalo, elephants, monkeys and eland are most likely to be seen.
Above about 4,000 metres the vegetation almost disappears and the air thins sharply, and the final stretch above 5,000 metres crosses fields of ice and rock.
A 10-day Tanzania safari designed to show clear value-for-money, sensible lodge tiers, and enough wildlife time to avoid feeling rushed.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but weather on the mountain is unpredictable. The dry season from late June to October is the best time to climb.
Tanzania
national park
Park and climbing fees depend on your route and number of days and are confirmed in your quotation. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the nearest airport.
A 8-day Tanzania safari designed to show clear value-for-money, sensible lodge tiers, and enough wildlife time to avoid feeling rushed.
A 6-day Tanzania safari designed to show clear value-for-money, sensible lodge tiers, and enough wildlife time to avoid feeling rushed.