Mt Kilimanjaro
Summit Hike
Tanzania
Adventure Type:
Mountain Climb
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Technical Equipment Needed:
No
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Fitness Level Required:
Good
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Effort Level:
Tough
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Specialist Insurance Required:
Yes
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Best Months To Go:
January - December
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Altitude in Meters:
5,895
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Food Choices Available:
Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal
Information Pack:
Download HERE​
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Whether you’ve been dreaming of climbing Kilimanjaro for years, or have just recently decided to make the trek, we are here to help you summit Uhuru Peak! Kilimanjaro is a challenging and life changing experience that will provide a lifetime of incredible memories.
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Mount Kilimanjaro, once an active volcano, is now recognized as the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Unlike mountain ranges, it rises directly from the surrounding plains, culminating in a majestic snow-covered peak. Situated near the equator in northeastern Tanzania, East Africa, it lies just south of the Kenyan border within the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a massive freestanding formation of hardened lava, rising dramatically from the plains at 900 meters to nearly 6,000 meters. Once an active volcano, it has remained dormant for thousands of years, making it a popular challenge for climbers. Despite being located about 330 kilometers south of the equator, its summit is adorned with snow and glaciers. However, UNESCO reports that the mountain has lost 82% of its ice cap since 1912 and 55% of its glaciers since 1962.​
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The mountain was formed millions of years ago through volcanic eruptions, resulting in three volcanic cones: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. Shira, standing at 3,962 meters, has eroded into a lava plateau, while Mawenzi, at 5,149 meters, is now a rugged mass of volcanic rock. Lava flows created a "saddle" connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Together, these formations make up Mount Kilimanjaro. The highest point, Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater, reaches 5,895 meters, making it the tallest point in Africa.
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​Although Kilimanjaro’s geological history is well understood, the origin of its name remains uncertain, with various theories suggesting different meanings. Local groups in the region had their own names for this iconic mountain. The first documented ascent was made by a German named Hans Meyer, though it is likely that many locals reached the summit long before him.
​Due to its diverse climate zones and varying altitudes, weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable. Average rainfall and temperatures fluctuate with the seasons, but climbers should always be prepared for a mix of warm and cold conditions, as well as both rain and dry weather, throughout the year.
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Kilimanjaro features five distinct ecological zones, transitioning from lush, humid rainforest to alpine desert and finally the iconic arctic summit. Along the journey through these diverse environments, you may encounter fascinating and rare wildlife, such as colobus monkeys, as well as unique plant species.​
The Five Ecozones or Kilimanjaro
Lowlands: 790m - 1,800m
This is the subtropical area located just above the Serengeti plains. An area with heavier rainfall, its vegetation is dominated by banana, coffee, and other plants grown as crops.
Rainforest: 1,800m - 2,800m
This is a subtropical rainforest rich with plant and animal life. The widest variety of flowering plants grow in this zone.
Moorland and Heath: 2,800m - 4,000m
This area has less vegetation and is dominated by a few plant and animal species, including groundsels, lobelias, heather, and tree moss. Trees disappear above 4,000 meters.
High Alpine Desert: Between 4,000 - 5,000 meters
This arid, semi-desert zone has no trees and few plants. Sage grass, hearty helichrysum flowers, moss, and thistles are common there.
Arctic Summit: Above 5,000m
This is an arid zone with intense sunlight, thin air, and heavy snow and ice at times. Few to no plants grow there.
Why Climb With US?
Our itineraries are designed for the best possible altitude acclimatisation
Plenty of time to rest and relax
Walking between 4 and 8hrs per day
Each night is spent in a different camp
We ascend higher during the day then descend towards camp, making rest and sleep easier
Rest and snack stops during the day
ROUTES
