About

• Features

  Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent, at 5,895 m above sea level. There are several ways to get to the summit, of which the Lemosho route is probably the most scenic. Although only recently opened, this trail is still relatively uncrowded. It is an easy walk, which translates to a greater chance of reaching the summit successfully.

• History

  Mt. Kilimanjaro was “discovered” in the late 1840s by a German missionary, in the sense that it finally came to the attention of Western observers. Of course, local indigenous people had already been living at the base of the mountain for more than 2,000 years. They see this isolated peak as having symbolic significance, one that has spawned myths and legends which have been passed down to the present day.

• Nature

  The Kilimanjaro area is characterized by considerable variation in climatic conditions. The low-lying forest region boasts an enormous variety of native vegetation, and you might even get to see native animals such as blue monkeys if you’re lucky. At around 4,000 m altitude, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas as well as towering great trees such as the giant senecio and giant lobelia, which reach heights of several meters despite being from the Asteraceae family. They are a striking sight, given that the surrounding vegetation is all fairly low due to the altitude.

• Located in northern Tanzania, around 300 km south of the equator, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent, reaching an altitude of 5,895 meters. With its imposing and distinctive outline and stunning peak of pure white snow, the mountain has long been a magnet for hikers from all over the world. While the sheer size of Mt. Kilimanjaro can seem overwhelming at first, it is important not to be overawed. The peak is relatively accessible, and can be reached by anyone with a good level of fitness who is properly acclimatized to the high altitude, and without the need for specialized hiking skills. There are several route options available; your choice will be governed by your preferences in relation to scenic views, distance to the summit, hiking difficulty and cost. The Lemosho route is not particularly crowded and offers panoramic views along the way. It is generally regarded as the most scenic path to the top. This route takes a little longer than the others, which gives your body more time to acclimatize without succumbing to altitude sickness, and it is also considered the safest option. Not surprisingly, then, the Lemosho route boasts the highest success rate for hikers. However it does require a good level of fitness and a degree of prior trekking experience, given that the distance is a fair bit longer. The Lemosho route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) on the western flank of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The first two days of walking pass traverse relatively flat terrain through tropical rainforest to Shira Ridge, which offers excellent views. A scenic highlight of the Lemosho route is the breathtaking Barranco Wall, about halfway along the trail right next to the campsite. Though the towering 257-m sheer rock face may seem impregnable at first sight, it can actually be scaled without special equipment or rock-climbing techniques, using the simple three-point approach. Mt. Kilimanjaro has glaciers around the summit, despite its proximity to the equator, and it was this spectacular sight that was the inspiration for the Ernest Hemingway short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro. The glaciers have shrunk considerably over the course of the last century, and it is feared that they may disappear altogether. The fragility of their existence if anything makes them all the more special. After reaching Uhuru Peak on Mt. Kibo the trail heads south to the end point at Mweka Gate. The path here, though littered with small rocks and trickier to negotiate, is the shortest way back. Since 1991, hikers on Mt. Kilimanjaro must be accompanied by a guide supplied by a travel agency. The travel agency can also arrange permits and other procedures necessary for those intending to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Note: Check local websites for the latest updates.