Overview : Permanently snow capped and rising from Tanzania’s north eastern plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is the rooftop of Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It is unique in being so close to the equator and yet having yearlong ice glaciers, and boasts the largest alpine desert of all the glaciated mountains in East Africa.

Environment : Although appearing flat topped from a distance, Mt Kilimanjaro actually consists of three volcanoes: Shira and Mawenzi are extinct, whilst Kibo is dormant. Uhuru Peak (5,896 meters) is the summit of Kibo and the highest point on the continent - the ultimate goal of those who climb this mighty mountain.

Vegetation : The various vegetation zones present can loosely be described as montane forest, moorland, upper moor, alpine bogs, and alpine desert at the peak (Greenway, 1965).

Wildlife : The animals most frequently encountered at altitudes above the tree line include bushbuck, eland, grey duiker and red duiker, and occasionally buffalo. The bird species also become much fewer as one ascends the mountain with conditions near the peak being too harsh for animals to endure on a permanent basis. See Mt Kilimanjaro National Park for further information.

Who can climb? : One of the famous seven peaks in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro is the easiest to travel to and climb, and requires no technical climbing experience. Any reasonably fit and healthy person can summit the mountain with the help of guides and porters. Thousands of visitors climb the mountain each year.

Fitness : To be able to enjoy and make the most of the climb and experience minimal discomfort it is recommended to undertake some basic preparatory training. The important thing is to do as much hiking as possible hence strengthening all joints and also giving the opportunity to properly wear in any new boots and gear, making sure it is comfortable for the “real thing”. Also try to be as aerobically fit as possible making the acclimatization process more comfortable.

The Climbing Routes : Although several options exist there are 5 main routes to the top of the mountain, which differ in popularity and degree of difficulty:

Marangu Route is the most popular and least difficult, and also known as the Tourist or Coca Cola Trail. Accommodation is in huts and the round trip is usually 5 days.

Machame Route is also known as the Whiskey Route and takes 5 - 6 days. The hiking distances are further than on the Marangu Route and climbers sleep in tents. This route is more scenic than the Marangu Route and is considered the most beautiful way to climb up the mountain.

Umbwe Route is also a 6 day trip but slightly more difficult again than the Machame Route. It is steep and often slippery and the middle section follows a narrow spectacular ridge with fantastic views.

Mweka Route is the direct and fastest route of descent and hence usually the choice route for coming down the mountain. Ascending the mountain by this route should only be attempted by those in excellent physical condition who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly, since the round trip this way takes only 4 days.

Shira Route although more difficult than the others is slightly less interesting in its lower sections although more isolated and rewarding. The route passes through the montane forest, and passes by the Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier toward the summit. This route of ascent usually takes 6 - 7 days, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization.

When to Climb – the Climate of the Mountain : January and February are generally dry, warm and clear and September is usually dry, cool and clear. July, August, November and December are also generally good months for climbing. Most of the rain falls between March and June, (although October to December thunderstorms can occur) – these wet months are not considered to offer good climbing weather. The climatic conditions on the Mountain vary from warm equatorial conditions at the base with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, through various zones with decreasing temperatures and rainfall, to arctic conditions at the summit. A general guide for temperature is minus one degree Celsius for every 200 metres climbed.

How to get there : By road: The Mt Kilimanjaro National Park headquarters are situated at Marangu and is accessible by a tar road: 48 kilometres from Moshi and 90 kilometres from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

By air: Airlines and charter flights fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Make your reservations in advance : Mount Kilimanjaro is becoming increasingly popular on an annual basis and since it is compulsory to be accompanied by a guide once inside the Kilimanjaro National Park it is recommended that one makes reservations well in advance.