Mount Kilimanjaro: Country, Height, Facts & Kilimanjaro Map
Conquer the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania with our quick guide. Learn more about hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, its elevation and so much more.
Climbing to the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is true description of a life changing adventure. Mt. Kilimanjaro hiking is a signature adventure on most Tanzania safaris.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a jewel of its own, the Africa’s highest mountain and world’s free-standing volcano mountain, rising up to 5895 meters.
The inspiration of conquering the summits of Kilimanjaro Volcano can be traced back to Hans Meyer, the first European to hike to this volcano’s summit in 1889.
Sheila McDonald –the first woman to conquer Kilimanjaro is another inspiration. Like the rest, hiking up to the elevation of 5895 meters is possible with Afrik-Trek Holidays.
The beauty about Kilimanjaro hiking adventures is that hikers/climbers have a lot to explore and experience. Right from the base area to top, climbers have varying ecosystems to interact with and distinct weather conditions.
Depending on the altitude, you can come across a lush rainforest and alpine desert zones. Mount Kilimanjaro is such alluring natural feature that is worth visiting and enriches adventure seekers’ journeys as they explore Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro Facts, Location, Height and History.
Location of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro is found in Tanzania, rising at an altitude of 5895m. It is one of the few snow-capped volcanoes in the world, the biggest free-standing mountain on planet earth.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano comprising of 3 cones –Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo.
Kibo volcano cone is tallest of the 3 volcanoes on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Both Shira and Mawenzi are extinct volcanoes while Kibo is dormant volcano formation, with possibility of erupting again.
It is believed that Kibo last erupted about 360000 years back. Kibo contains the Crater rim –Uhuru which refers to freedom. Mt. Kilimanjaro is known for its spectacular snow-capped peak but studies warn that the snow could disappear with time, perhaps in the next 20 years or more.
Mount Kilimanjaro and the rest of its 6 surrounding forest corridors were designated as a National Park, the present Kilimanjaro National Park. The park was gazetted in 1973 and its creation was to protect its distinct environment, and in 1987, it was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
At the base area of Kilimanjaro Volcano, there exists diversity of wildlife including the blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, serval cats, tree hyrax, aardvark, marsh mongoose, white-necked raven, four striped mouse, bush babies, buffaloes, and more.
Bird record in Kilimanjaro National Park include Verreaux’s eagle owl, blue-napped mouse bird, Narina’s trogon, bar-tailed trogon, speckled mouse bird, common barn owl, black-winged kite, brown snake eagle, bearded vulture, long-crested eagle, white-backed vultures, bateleurs, lesser spotted eagle, African harrier hawk, black-winged lapwing, little ringed plovers, African jacanas, spur-winged lapwing, white-bellied go-away bird, African open-bill, yellow-billed stork, purple-crested turacos, pink-backed pelicans, and others.
How to access Mount Kilimanjaro?
Located Northeast of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible 140 km South of Nairobi capital through Amboseli National Park and 500 km Northeast of Dodoma capital of Tanzania.
From Arusha, you can drive for 1 hour and half to Mount Kilimanjaro and from Moshi town, you need an hour to get there. By air, make the best use of international flights from Europe or Middle East to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
Within Africa, you can also connect by flight from Arusha, Nairobi or Dar-es-salaam.
When is the best time of the year to go Kilimanjaro Hiking?
Mt. Kilimanjaro lies within Kilimanjaro National Park, and it is without doubt, an all year-round destination. However, for excellent climbing adventures, the dry season is the best time to plan and travel for your holiday in Kilimanjaro Volcano/national park.
Two dry seasons are experienced in Kilimanjaro with the longest running from June to September; the second phase starts from late December to February. The peak hiking months are July and October.
There are 2 wet or rainy seasons recorded in Mt. Kilimanjaro –the long rainy months; March, April and May while shorter rainy months: November to mid-December.
9 Days Mountt Kilimanjaro Climb
Experience the world-class hiking adventures only on Rongai Trek in Tanzania. Conquer the great peaks of the majestic and free-standing Mount Kilimanjaro by hiking through the Rongai route. The Rongai climb takes hikers to the summits of Mt. Kilimanjaro starting from the North-eastern part of the volcano. It is located along the border between Tanzania and Kenya and it is...
How long can it take to hike Mount Kilimanjaro?
Depending on the hiking route, the treks to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro take from 5 to 9 days.
To enjoy your trek, there is no need to rush- a slow but steady ascent allows you to adjust to the elevation and rushing can come with its own dangers including altitude sickness.
How hard is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
While Mount Kilimanjaro is considered the highest, it is also the one of the easiest volcanoes to climb to. However, early preparation is key to have a complete hike free of altitude sickness.
In addition, have enough drinking water, snacks or food to keep you fit throughout your trek to Kilimanjaro summits.
What is the best route to hike on Mount Kilimanjaro?
About 7 major routes lead up to the summits of Kilimanjaro.
The experience may vary depending on the route you take and the routes include Marangu route requiring 5 to 6 days, Machame route 6 to 7 days, Shira route 6 to 8 days, Rongai route 6 to 7 days hike, Lemosho route 7 to 8 days trek, Umbwe route takes 6 to 7 days and Northern circuit 8 to 9 days.
Each of the climbing routes has camping points/huts for climbers to retire for the night.
How much does Kilimanjaro Hike Cost?
Kilimanjaro climbing comes at a cost. The cost includes park entry fees, guide fees and you may also incur costs on hiring a porter, camping equipment, and more.
Mount Kilimanjaro hike can cost from USD1500 to USD 4500. This may depend on the route and the tour operator whom you will plan your holiday with.
Can I hike Kilimanjaro with no guide?
As of 1991, the government of Tanzania and Kilimanjaro National Park authorities recommended that all trekkers be led by registered and licensed guides. Before the trek begins, you must be registered with the park authorities and sign in at every camp.
Preparation and what to pack for Kilimanjaro hiking
Adequate preparation is required and this includes training to keep fit for your long trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The essentials to pack –clothing and equipment include waterproof and breathable hiking boots, pair of thick socks, daypack, rain jacket, fast-drying clothes and trousers, pack of energy giving snacks, first aid kit or medical kit, head torch and others.
Yes, beginners can climb Kilimanjaro besides being the highest mountain in Africa. You can use one of the easiest route to the summit, The Marangu route is often considered the easiest
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Northern Tanzania near the Kenya Border about 300 kilometers south of the equator. It is near Moshi town and Amboseli nation al park.
Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in Africa at an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level and also being one of the stratovolcano on the continent.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is found in the Northern Tanzania just before the Kenya border. So, Kilimanjaro mountain is found in Tanzania.
A bigger percentage of climbers who hike Mount Kilimanjaro reach the summit except for some few who either get complications due to high altitudes and sickness and the isolated cases of Kilimanjaro death.