Kilimanjaro epitomize the beauty of East Africa. Its legendary snow capped dome atop perfectly formed extinct Volcano, stands at the summit of Africa 5,895 meters (19,336 feet) above sea level. More significantly, as viewed from its base this is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, rising in breathtaking isolation to tower an imperious 5 Kilometes (3miles)above the surrounding savannah.
The name Kilimanjaro like the mountain itself, is an enigma wreathed in clouds. It may mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it may not! The local Chagga people don’t even have a name for the whole massif only Kipoo(now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious overseer of the continent the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summit on the planet, a beacon for visitors from around the World. Just three degrees south of the equator, Kilimanjaro’s great peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are nonetheless covered all year round with snow and ice.Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, Stella Point on the lip of the crater will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.
There is so much more to Kilimanjaro than the summit. journey up the slopes takes visitors on a climatic world tour, from the tropics to the arctic. The grassy and cultivated lower slopes turn into lush rainforest, inhabited by elusive Elephant,Leopards,Buffalo and antelopes.
Location : Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Size : 1,500 sq Km (580 sq miles)
Activities : Six main trekking round to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hike on Shira Plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. The beautiful Chala crater lake on the southern.
NOTE :Climb slowly to increase acclimatization time and maximize chances of reaching the summit. To avoid altitude sickness allow a minimum of five nights preferably more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.