Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa's highest mountain, a free-standing volcano rising to 5,895 metres above the plains of northern Tanzania. Climbers pass through montane forest, heath and moorland and alpine desert before the summit zone.

Time to allow
Five to nine days for the climb

Kilimanjaro has three main peaks. Kibo, the highest, keeps snow all year. Mawenzi, at 5,149 metres, is a technical climb, and Shira, at 3,962 metres, is an old peak that collapsed to form the Shira plateau. The national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Seven routes lead to the summit, taking five to nine days depending on the route. Places to sleep range from huts on the Marangu route to campsites where climbers pitch their own tents. TANAPA advises climbing with a registered local operator and trained guides.

A band of montane forest circles the mountain between about 1,800 and 2,800 metres, home to black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys. Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 45 minutes from Moshi, where many climbers stay before the climb.

Wildlife

  • Black-and-white colobus monkey
  • Blue monkey