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Located in the north-east of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya, just 340km south of the equator, the distinctive peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa – reaching up to a snowy peak of 5,895m. It is the highest freestanding mountain rise in the world – rising 4,600m from its base.
Visible on the mountain, commonly referred to as “Kili” are three distinctive peaks – Shira, the smallest, Mawenzi and the highest- Kibo, which is still technically a dormant volcano. Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by a German geographer called Hans Meyer, and these days almost 35,000 people attempt the highest summit of Uhuru each year. There are six main routes used to climb the mountain - Shira Route, the Lemosho Route, Machame Route, Umbwe Route, Marangu Route and, running from the north, the Loitokitok (Rongai) Route.
Despite not needing any specialist mountain equipment to climb Kilimanjaro, the high altitude and low temperatures make the technically easy climb a lot more complex. The routes generally take a minimum of five to seven days – and all trekkers must have a registered guide with them. In 2001, Bruno Brunod of Italy broke the world record and completed the ascent in a staggering 5 hours 38 minutes and 40 seconds!
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| The distinctive peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. It has three distinct peaks, with Kibo, the highest, technically a dormant volcano. Although no specialist mountain equipment is needed to climb the mountain, the high altitude and the low temperatures make it physically demanding and all trekkers need an experienced guide with them. The current world record for the ascent stands at 5 hours 38 minutes and 40 seconds! | |
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