The Roof of Africa
At 19,340 feet (5,895 m) above sea level, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the “Seven Summits.” The summit, called Uhuru Peak, stands more than 16,000 feet (4,900 m) above the surrounding plains. Standing upon it, the view is breathtaking in every direction; you truly feel that you're on top of Africa. While known to many through Ernest Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro, it was historically only recently discovered by the outside world.
In 1848, German missionary Johann Rebmann first reported a snow-capped mountain in his diary, though contemporaries dismissed his findings. It was Hans Meyer, the first European to climb the mountain in 1889, who acknowledged Rebmann's diary entry from May 11, 1848: "This morning, at 10 o’clock, we obtained a clearer view... the summit of one of which was covered by what looked like a beautiful white cloud. When I inquired as to the dazzling whiteness, the guide merely called it ‘cold’ and at once I knew it could be neither more nor less than snow." This discovery dispelled coastal tales of a "mountain of gold and silver" guarded by evil spirits.
Volcanic Centers and Geography
The mountain is volcanic and consists of three main centers: Kibo (19,340 ft), Shira (13,650 ft) to the west, and Mawenzi (16,893 ft) to the east. The National Park is a World Heritage Site covering 292-square-miles (756-km²) of the mountain above 8,856 feet (2,700 m). Habitats vary from montane rainforest through moorland and semi-desert alpine zones until one reaches the summit and its glaciers.
Unique Wildlife and Birdlife
The most unique animal in this park is the Abbot’s duiker, found only in a few mountain forests in northern Tanzania. Other wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, eland, leopard, hyrax, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, though large game is seldom seen. Birdlife includes the bronze sunbird, red-tufted malachite sunbird, alpine chat, and streaky seedeater. You may see augur buzzards, white-necked ravens, or even the rare bearded vulture.
The Five Climatic Zones
Mt. Kilimanjaro is divided into five climatic zones defined by altitude, each spanning approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 m). As altitude increases, rainfall and temperature decrease, directly affecting the vegetation.
1. Cultivated Lower Slopes (Up to 5,900 ft): Rich volcanic soils around Moshi and Marangu are intensely cultivated with coffee and bananas.
2. Rain Forest (5,900—9,185 ft): This zone receives the highest rainfall (up to 80 inches). It features palms, sycamore figs, tree ferns up to 20 feet, and giant lobelia growing to 30 feet. No bamboo belt surrounds Kilimanjaro. Inhabitants include blue monkeys, olive baboons, and occasionally elephant or giraffe on the northern slopes.
3. Heath and Moorland (9,185—13,120 ft): Predominantly giant heather (10–30 ft high), grasslands, and "everlasting" flowers. The moorlands feature tussock grasses and prehistoric-looking giant senecios and lobelias.
4. Highland Desert (13,120—16,400 ft): Receives only 10 inches of rain. Vegetation is thin, including moss balls and lichens. The thin air makes flying difficult for most birds.
5. Arctic Summit (Above 16,400 ft): Conditions are arctic with less than 4 inches of precipitation, usually as snow. It is almost completely devoid of vegetation.
Climbing Routes and Strategy
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the best times are mid-December through mid-March and June through October. No mountaineering skills are required; it is purely a strenuous walk. The minimum age to climb is 12, and children under 10 are not allowed higher than 9,843 feet.
Route Overviews
Lemosho (8 Days): The most scenic route. It starts low on the western side, offering excellent acclimatization and a high success rate.
Machame (7 Days): The popular "Whiskey Route." A well-balanced climb, though very busy in September and October.
Northern Circuit (9 Days): The newest and longest route. It traverses the quiet northern slopes and has the highest success rate of all routes.
Rongai (6 Days): A favorite short route that climbs the northern side and descends via Marangu.
Marangu (6 Days): The "Coca-Cola" route and the oldest path. It offers dormitory-style huts but has less scenic variety and can be crowded.
Shira (8 Days): Offers many variations and quiet campsites like Moir Camp, allowing for excellent afternoon acclimatization walks.
Umbwe (6 Days): Short, steep, and direct. It is considered the most difficult way up and lacks proper acclimatization stages.
Safety, Crew, and Success
The best climbs are full-service. A typical crew for 8 climbers includes 1 Chief Guide, 3 assistant guides, 1 cook, and 29 porters. We provide 1 guide for every 2 climbers. Crews provide warm washing water twice daily, flush toilet tents, and wholesome meals (catering to vegetarian and gluten-free diets).
The "Pole Pole" Philosophy
Success depends on Pole Pole (slowly). Pace yourself so you are never out of breath. Listen to your body and communicate truthfully with your guides. Drink 3 to 6 liters of fluid daily; high-altitude hiking is extremely dehydrating. Some climbers use Diamox to reduce altitude symptoms, which should be discussed with a doctor.
Planning Your Trip
Many travelers combine a climb with a safari. If you live at low altitudes, consider going on safari first to acclimate to the base altitude of 3,000—7,500 ft. Day trips are available on the Marangu or Shira Plateau routes for those not wishing to summit. For accommodations before or after, the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu offers 42 rooms and a swimming pool.