Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachaga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. 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, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.
The following are the questions that we tend to get asked the most by our climbers.
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, standing at an impressive 5,895m above sea level. Kilimanjaro forms part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is located in Tanzania country in East Africa.
The area itself isn’t particularly mountainous, with the closest mountain to Kilimanjaro being Mount Meru – over 60km away! Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits (the highest peaks on each of the seven continents) and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world
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The first people known to have reached the summit of Kilimanjaro were Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. These days, the mountain attracts approximately 30,000 people to Tanzania every year and around two-thirds of attempts are successful in reaching Uhuru Peak.
The fastest ever ascent and fastest round trip have been recorded by Karl Egloff, a Swiss-Ecuadorian athlete who reached the summit in 4 hours and 56 minutes, returning to Mweka Gate in a total time of 6 hours.
The youngest person to have climbed Kilimanjaro is Keats Boyd, at just 7 years old! Whereas the oldest person is Angela Vorebeva at 86 years old.
The world’s highest free-standing mountain is actually a dormant stratovolcano, formed by the force of fire and ice. Over 750,000 years ago, lava burst through the fractured surface of the Great Rift Valley, forming the Shira volcano. Mawenzi and Kibo where then formed from subsequent eruptions.
Kilimanjaro is formed of three cones; Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The summit of Kilimanjaro is on the Kibo cone, named Uhuru, meaning freedom in Swahili. Mawenzi and Shira are both extinct, whilst Kibo is predicted to be dormant – the last major eruption was over 350,000 years ago.
Kilimanjaro is home to a variety of eco-systems, including tropical, jungle, savannah, desert montane, subalpine and alpine vegetation – all of which you will experience on our Kilimanjaro Trek.
Large animals are rare on Kilimanjaro; however, buffalo can be occasionally spotted on the Shira Plateau and giraffes have also been known to wander onto the lower slopes. However, you are much more likely to experience the array of birds on Kilimanjaro from Malachite Sunbirds to mountain buzzards and even crowned eagles.
Kilimanjaro has two rainy seasons; March to May and November, with the northern slopes receiving a lot less rain than the southern ones.
The average temperature at the base of the mountain is 21 – 27°C, whilst the average temperature at the summit is approximately -7°C. Snow can fall at any time of the year, but mainly during the two rainy seasons.
Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact Kilimanjaro-Experience for advice.
The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five), but Kilimanjaro-Experience use six days for this route.
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear.
You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatising to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatise and pace yourself.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced mountaineer, our team be there every step of the way to help you along. We provide everything you need to succeed on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain at 5895 metres. To climb Kilimanjaro is a great challenge and entirely feasible for the active traveller or keen walker looking for something new. In a matter of days you’ll climb Kilimanjaro from the hot plains of Africa through grasslands, tropical rain forest
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