Kilimanjaro

If you climb Mt 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.

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

There are five vegetation zones to experience whilst climbing Kilimanjaro. The fertile Lower Slopes are cultivated into local shamba farms 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 and the Great Northern Glacier are the most notable features of the summit.

There are several different routes up Kilimanjaro. For detailed descriptions please click on the links below.

After Climbing Kilimanjaro it is possible to visit the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Arusha or Tarangire National Parks. For further information please Contact Us.