Mount Kilimanjaro

Routes:
Marangu
Mweka
Umbwe
Machame
Shira
Rongai

Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa awaits the brave and adventurous. It is referred to as the roof of Africa. The area around the mountain was declared as National Park with an area of 756sq. km. The Kilimanjaro National Park attained its status in 1973 to preserve its outstanding scenic features and its flora and fauna. The mountain stands at 5895 metres above sea level making it not only the highest mountain in Africa but also the highest free standing mountain in the world
with one of the largest volcanoes ever to burst through the crust.

The outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers. SHIRA in the west (4269 metres), MAWENZI in the east (5280 metres) and the snowcapped KIBO in the middle (5895 meters), KIBO being the most recent and dormant volcano. Besides the peaks and moorland, the park consists of mountain forest with relics of old vegetation. Also significant numbers of mammals include elephants, buffaloes, elands, duikers, leopards, baboons, blue monkeys and the black and white colobus monkeys. Colourful birds also frequent the park Any normal fit person can climb the mountain with the assistance of a guide and porters. The ascent and descent takes five to six days. The park has six hiking accesses through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve – Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Shira and Rongai. Accessibility Facilities The parks headquarters at Marangu on the forest edge is accessible by a tarmac road – 48km from Moshi town and about 90km from the Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are hotels and lodges. Best Time Whole year but avoid rainy seasons of April, May and June.