Mt Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is probably the ultimate climbing holiday in Africa! As well as being the 'Roof of Africa', Africa's highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro is also the world's premier free standing volcano. At 5895 Uhuru Peak towers over vast African plains (which you will see far below at around 2000m). The different culture and wildlife Tanzania has to offer complement the unsurpassed natural beauty you will see all over the mountain. This climb is a truly rewarding experience and one that you will never forget.

Kilimanjaro is relatively young and was formed by Rift Valley's main volcanic activity. It first erupted about one million years ago. Kilimanjaro is equally fascinating to geologists, birdwatchers and botanists, providing spectacular scenery from glaciers to lush tropical forest.

Can anyone climb Mt Kilimanjaro?

No technical climbing ability is needed to climb Kilimanjaro though a good level of fitness will give you a much better chance and you will enjoy the experience more. Any fairly fit person over the age of 12 can reach the summit. The oldest person to successfully climb Mt Kilimanjaro was a French 87 year old.

If you climb Kilimanjaro you will have been to the 'roof of Africa'. Reaching an altitude of 5895m Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Kilimanjaro is the world's largest free standing entity, and the highest mountain that can be ascended by reasonably fit people without climbing equipment or prior mountain experience. Kilimanjaro National Park consists of the entire Tanzanian part of the iconic mountain, above the 2700m contour line. There are five vegetation zones to experience whilst climbing Kilimanjaro. The fertile Lower Slopes are cultivated and support a dense population. Wild flowers are also prolific in this area.

The Montane Forest Zone covers the lower slopes between altitudes of 1800m and 3000m. The high rainfall and biological diversity supports a fair amount of wildlife. Black and white Colobus monkey and blue monkey are frequently spotted. There are several types of forest antelope including three species of duiker. Butterflies and birds are numerous, though the later may be difficult to see except at dawn and dusk.

Between 3000m and 4000m lies the Moorland Zone. The slopes are covered in heath-like vegetation and an abundant array of wild flowers. There are not many large mammals on the moorland but Klipspringer are abundant. The views are totally stunning.

Above an altitude of 4000m it becomes very dry, classified as semi-desert with an annual rainfall of less than 250mm. In this Alpine Zone the ground often freezes at night but it still gets very hot during the day, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees celcius. These conditions mean that few plants can survive. Six species of moss and several lichens are endemic to this area.

The Arctic Zone starts at an altitude of 5000m. Virtually no rainfall and little permanent life make for quite a barren landscape. The inner and outer craters of Kibo, a 120m deep ash pit (with still active fumaroles) and the Great Northern Glacier are the most notable features of the summit.

There are several different routes up Kilimanjaro.

Our experts will advise you on various routes up the mountain providing a choice of climbs from the popular Machame and Marangu to the less frequently-climbed and more challenging Shira,Rongai and Lemosho routes.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

For more information on visiting Tanzania Wild Things Tanzania safari

Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.