MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain (5895 meters). To be in its presence, either near or far, and to see the grandeur of its giant dome tower so far, far up into the sky above the surrounding plains, is one of life’s greatest travel experiences. You can gaze at it in wonder and awe and feel deeply humbled by its sheer magnificence. It doesn’t surprise us that so many travelers want to get there, embrace it, climb it, and conquer it.
It’s a volcano and rises alone out of the expensive landscape of hills and plains that are level. This makes it the world’s highest peak as measured from the surrounding plains to its summit.
The weather on Kilimanjaro varies by altitude, time of the year, and time of day, and conditions are very unpredictable. Popular times to visit include June-October and December-March, when the sky is clear and the mountaintop is easily seen. Most people avoid April and May, when there are heavy monsoon rains. However, the climb can be done provided you have proper climbing clothing and equipment.
All adults of normal health and fitness should be able to make it to the top without needing special equipment. Warm, weatherproof clothing and sound footwear are essential. Of critical importance is patience and determination. Today, there are over 500,000 attempted summits per year, and over 90% conquer the summit. Climbers are advised to add days for acclimatization and always walk slowly. Remember that Swahili proverb, “A hasty person misses the sweet things!” There is so much more to Kili than her summit. Your hike will take you up through lush rainforest to a moorland zone with the giant heather lobelias and then on up through Afro-Alpine montane desert and on up still further to an Arctic landscape of ice, snow, and rock without vegetation. And here on the roof of Africa in clear weather, the views are spellbinding: Mt. Meru, the rift valley, Maasailand, and all lie there below you.
There are at least seven routes up the mountain ranging from 5 to 9 days or longer, and anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro is strongly advised to do it with a registered local tour operator employing guides who have a strong track record of success and who know of the latest ground conditions. There is a possibility of seeing wildlife while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, as there is a lot of it in the forests and moorlands, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, warthogs, bush pigs, waterbucks, several species of monkeys, and lots of birds. There is a chance of seeing the sum of all these on the hike up the lower and upper slopes.
Tanzania is a phenomenal destination filled with endless adventures. You can climb to the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft), and learn firsthand about the culture and bomas of the Maasai and immerse yourself in the wildlife in Tanzania’s famous national parks. Choose Neeko Tours as your tour operator, and your African adventure will be filled with untamed memories.
