Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. Located in northern Tanzania, it is a free-standing stratovolcano that rises dramatically from the surrounding plains to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) |
| Location | Northern Tanzania, near the Kenya border |
| Volcano Type | Dormant stratovolcano |
| Last Eruption | Roughly 360,000 years ago |
| First Summit | 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site (1987) |
Mount Kilimanjaro is composed of three volcanic cones:
Kibo – Highest and central peak (home to Uhuru Peak, the summit)
Mawenzi – Rugged, jagged peak (5,149 m), second highest
Shira – Collapsed cone (3,962 m), now a plateau
Despite its height, Kilimanjaro is considered one of the most accessible high peaks — no technical climbing is required, just good fitness and acclimatization.
| Route | Duration | Difficulty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 5–6 days | Moderate | “Coca-Cola” route, huts instead of tents |
| Machame | 6–7 days | Challenging | Scenic, popular, “Whiskey route” |
| Lemosho | 7–8 days | Moderate–Hard | Beautiful, less crowded |
| Rongai | 6–7 days | Moderate | Approaches from the north (Kenya side) |
| Umbwe | 5–6 days | Difficult | Steepest and shortest route |
| Northern Circuit | 8–9 days | Longest, excellent acclimatization |
🧗 Uhuru Peak on Kibo is the highest point — and the ultimate goal of most treks.
Climbing Kilimanjaro takes you through 5 climate zones:
Cultivated zone (800–1,800 m): Villages, farmland
Montane forest (1,800–2,800 m): Lush rainforest
Heather/moorland (2,800–4,000 m): Shrubs and unique plants
Alpine desert (4,000–5,000 m): Barren, rocky
Arctic summit (5,000+ m): Ice and glaciers
Wildlife is mainly found in the lower forest zones:
Blue monkeys, colobus monkeys
Bushbucks, duikers, and occasionally elephants or leopards
Dry Seasons:
January–March: Cooler, less crowded
June–October: Warmer, popular season
Avoid April–May and November, which are rainy seasons.
Acclimatization is key: Choose longer routes if possible
Train for endurance hiking and elevation
Pack layers: Temperatures can range from hot to freezing
Hire a certified guide (required by Tanzanian law)
Tipping your guide and porters is customary and expected
Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world — not part of a mountain range!
