Visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa

Africa holds some of the worlds greatest travel destinations, and Mt. Kilimanjaro is no exception. This beautiful and adventurous mountain is actually an inactive strato-volcano located in northern Tanzania. Standing tall at 19,340 feet, it’s the world’s highest free standing mountain – which makes it an attractive and popular destination for climbers and trekkers around the world.

Facts about Mount Kilimanjaro

Height: 4,600 metres from base to top

Height above sea level: Uhuru peak, 5,885 metres

Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain, and includes three distinct volcanic peaks

Location: north-east Tanzania

Visit Mount Kilimanjaro

Even with the mountains close proximity to the Equator, Mt. Kilimanjaro is famous as Africa's snow-capped mountain which proudly looks across the plains of the Savannah. The area of the mountain above 8,850 feet, is protected by the Kilimanjaro National Park service, and that also includes the Moorland and Highland zones, Kibo And Mawenze, and the Shira Plateau. The Forest Reserve, which is also designated as a game reserve, was established back in 1921 to protect the area, and the park was officially opened in 1977, five years after it was established.

The mountain is commonly known as “Africa’s roof”, rightfully so due to its extreme altitude and climbers of this beautiful mountain can experience nearly every climate condition on the way up. From warm air at the bottom, to the cold snowy peaks, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is an exciting, adventurous experience that can be considered an awesome achievement if completed. There are many who don’t make it to the top for various reasons, but even so, they often claim it was the greatest experience of their entire lifetime.

Generally speaking, if you have some mountain trekking experience and are somewhat fit, you can make it to Uhuru Point, which is the summit and highest point of the mountain. However, it’s going to take some serious determination, as it’s not an easy trek by any means. Typically an ascent of Kilimanjaro takes five-six days, with the final ascent taking place very earlier in the morning.

The success of an ascent depends on how well you plan, your guides, and what route you decide on taking to the top. There are many to choose from, so make sure the company that you go with really knows their stuff and has plenty of experience.

Many companies around the world offer Kilimanjaro treks and climbs, and nearly all of them rely on Tanzanian operators as only they are officially allowed to make the ascent arrangements and purchase the entry permits (which run around $100 per day). They also rely on local porters and guides to accompany groups or individuals, since it’s always in the climber’s best interest to have people along that know the various quirks of the mountain. Securing treks with trusted and accredited outfits is highly advisable, because the last thing you want to do is arrive at the last minute and be approached by local traders who may give you a good deal, but poor guidance – which could lead to disastrous consequences.