Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is usually veiled by clouds but on clear days the sight of the summit is one of the most arresting on the continent. Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but it’s also the largest free-standing mountain in the world – rising nearly six vertical kilometres from the surrounding plains – making a Mount Kilimanjaro safari a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Made up of three cones – Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo (the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations) – Mount Kilimanjaro, or Kili as it is affectionately known, is a relatively young mountain and was formed by volcanic activity about a million years ago. It’s an iconic, evocative destination and from an altitude of 2,700 metres (8,850 feet) the entire mountain falls under the protection of the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

It is the chance to climb Kilimanjaro that has made this 5,895metres (19,340 feet) mountain such a popular destination. Indeed, some 20,000 people a year make their way up Kili; the climb requires no special training or technical equipment though time must be taken to acclimatise in order to prevent altitude sickness.

That said, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no stroll; it’s a seriously tough hike and usually takes five days or more – for a Mount Kilimanjaro safari tour you should be both fit and mentally prepared, and proper high altitude clothing and camping gear need to be taken. There are many routes to the top, varying in terms of difficulty, climbing time and natural beauty. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is always said to be during the drier months of January, February and September. July and August are also fine, but somewhat colder.

Highlights: 

• Ascend through the magical, indigenous Afromontane forest
• Up-to-date expert, qualified first responder guides
• Climb through arid and rocky deserts into ancient glacial valleys
• Revel in the views of impenetrable Mount Mawenzi

A Mount Kilimanjaro safari is truly unforgettable, from the black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging through rainforest canopies to the giant, alien-looking groundsel plants in the moorland, it is teeming with amazing fauna and flora. Much of what you will encounter is found nowhere else on Earth!

The mountain can be divided into five climate zones, each with its own vegetation and animal life. The lower reaches of Africa’s highest peak are dominated by evergreen bushlands and tropical rainforests. At approximately 3,000 metres (9,845 feet), its landscapes start to change into shrubland setting and at approximately 4,000 metres (13,125 feet), the surroundings become a lunar-like landscape, arid and rocky. Above that, the mountain turns into an alpine desert while the top is arctic – the experience is like walking from the equator to the arctic pole in just a few days.

Highlights:  

• Enjoy a wealth of biodiversity
• Experience five climate zones in one country
• Encounter aerobatic Colobus monkeys and other unique species
• Spectacular photographic opportunities

A Mount Kilimanjaro safari has become a vital tool for Tanzania’s economic development, generating millions of dollars each year, helping to increase employment opportunities for local community members.

Climbers employ local tour organizations and pay many locals as guides, porters, and cooks. As an added incentive to reach the summit, many climbers take to the mountain to raise funds for charity organizations – a win-win for ticking off a bucket-list adventure and making travel spend matter.

Highlights:  

• Support local community upliftment
• Make the climb in support of charity initiatives