Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano located in Tanzania with a trio of volcanic cones that is to say Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. It is Africa’s tallest mountain that shoots up to a height of 19,341 ft (5895m) over the sea level. This is the best place to enjoy Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing Safari. In 1889, Ludwig Purtscheller and Hans Meyer were the first documented climbers who reached the peak of this mountain. This mountain is a constituent of Kilimanjaro National park plus it is a significant destination for climbing while on Safari in African
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?
The location of Mount Kilimanjaro is in the East of Arusha along the Kenya-Tanzania border. You can get to it quite easily the moment you get to Tanzania to start your ascent. The national park is situated in close proximity to the town of Moshi in Northern Tanzania and it occupies a total space of 641sq miles or 1668sq kilometers.
What is the height of Kilimanjaro?
Towering at a height of 19,340 feet or 5,895 meters, the Uhuru peak is the major summit on Mount Kilimanjaro which is also the world’s tallest stand-alone mountain. The ‘roof of Africa’ is what Mount Kilimanjaro is often referred to as because of its very high nature standing above the rest of the Eastern Africa and Africa as a whole.
The Kilimanjaro Mountain Zones
The snow-capped Mountain Kilimanjaro elevates over the plains and the gradually rising and dropping hills of Northern Tanzania with its glaciers and slopes dazzling over the soaring clouds. Situated close to Moshi town, Kilimanjaro is a conservation area that is controlled and hiking tours are thoroughly regulated to enable the hikers to have a good Kilimanjaro climbing expedition without affecting the eco-system of this area. The ecosystems of this mountain are so astonishing plus they are diverse and various. A big portion of the slopes on the low lands is farmland that has cassava, banana, maize and coffee crops that are cultivated for both cash sale and livelihood. The lower slopes still have a number of major coffee farms although majority of the park’s exterior has been split into small portions. A dense low lying forest welcomes you once you get into the park. This forest extends over the low hills and the moment the air starts to thin, it dispels into the high mountain meadows. Close to the summit, the scenery is rough and unproductive with the prevailing features being ice and rocks over a spectacular African view.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Experience
Ascending the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is a safari highlight for many holidaymakers who visit Tanzania. Kilimanjaro is among the few mountain peaks in the world that can easily be ascended and is a landmark for tourists worldwide. With just determination, suitable clothing and a walking stick, many of the climbers are able to get to the edge of the mountain crater. The Kilimanjaro climb takes between 6 to 8 days beginning early morning. Climbing certificates are awarded to those who manage to get to the actual peak that is the Uhuru point or the crater lip which is Gilman’s point.
The fertilized gently inclined slopes on the foothills favor a rich mountainous forest that is a home to various animals including: leopards, the elephant, the vulnerable Abbot’s duiker, buffaloes plus different primates and small antelopes. The moorland area is on a higher altitude where a blanket of enormous heather can be sighted as well as mysterious giant lobelias.
Acclimatize on Mount Kilimanjaro
Individuals who hope to be a part of a tour to the Kilimanjaro summit are highly recommended to conduct the proper research and make sure that they are in capable in good condition is good and they are well equipped.
Acclimatization focuses on giving the body enough time to adjust to the higher altitude and lower oxygen levels. Although the climb is not quite as hard as when it is compared with ascending of the higher summits like Andes or the Himalayas, the high winds that blow from time to time, the low temperatures and the high altitudes can make this climb dangerous and challenging. It is important for one to acclimatize because even the best of the hikers undergo a certain level of mountain sickness or Altitude Sickness
How to deal with Altitude Sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro
The best way to deal or avoid altitude sickness is by taking the walk slow to enable your body enough time to adjust with the lowering levels of oxygen as you go higher the mountain. In the event you get some mild signs of Altitude Sickness you are advised to move to a lower altitude until the signs clear up.
Do I have to be in good physical condition to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The stamina, physical capabilities and sensible perception of potentially harmful high altitude effects is required even though there is a possibility that one can easily hike the way to the Kilimanjaro summit without depending on professional equipment for climbing. Before trying to climb the mountain, clients are advised by the tour operators to check with a medical professional and get clinical examination for general fitness.
How long is a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb?
The duration taken to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is based on the route used. Although many tourists spend six to eight (6 to 7) nights to finish the round climb, the quickest climb takes about four (4) nights.
What are the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes?
There are various routes that hikers can follow to ascend Mount Kilimanjoro and below we have highlighted them.
Machame Route:
This is the most well-known route and because of that it tends to get a bit busy. With regard to popularity, this route has surpassed the route of Marangu. We get the impression that its quality has been stunted even though it boasts breathtaking views of the western side of Mountain Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho Route:
This route is a bit calmer offering eight (8) days of the round trip which gives hikers enough time to acclimatize and adapt to the environment. It also offers and amazing balance of height between the various accommodation campsites. The landscape truly is captivating penetrating through forests and different vegetation zones. The rate of success to Stella point is 94% and to the peak of Uhuru 88%.
Shira Route:
This itinerary takes about eight (8) days and it entails going through the Shira plateau’s pristine wilderness and also in the vicinity of the gorgeous and mountainous Lent Hills and Moir Hut before crossing below the ice fields of Kibo to the peak through Camp Barafu. This route advances the summit from the west plus it is for those individuals who wish to be far from the large crowds and want peaceful scenery. The success rate to Stella point is 93% while to the peak of Uhuru is 86%.
Northern Circuit:
Almost everyone can get to the peak on this Northern Circuit route as it is a climb that takes nine (9) days. One is capable of doing it in eight (8) days although it is more relaxing if you take nine days. This climb is for people who want to have alone time and for mountain lovers. During the peak season Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours are enjoyed by a large number of hikers however because of the solitude offered by the Northern Circuit track, this is an additional bonus to follow this route.
Rongai Route:
This route of six (6) days is our most preferred one. Climbing of the mountain begins on the northern side of the Kilimanjaro and this route is unmatched regarding its summit success and panorama. This route is also flexible so you can take an additional day and have time for acclimatizing which increases the possibility of making it to the peak. For this route, the rate of success to the point of Gilmans is 88% and that of Uhuru 74%.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro | Mount Kilimanjaro Weather
The rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro starts from March to the close of May and is not the best time for a climb. From June to February is a good time to take a Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour, with the best time of making it to the summit coinciding with the best time for game viewing and that is from July all through to when October ends. During this time there is minimal or hardly any rainfall in this area and you surely would not want to miss the opportunity of reaching the peak on a fine day to enjoy the breathtaking views from Africa’s highest point.
