The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa. Park size: 755 sq km (292 sq miles).
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 meters – to an imperious 5,895 meters (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing, and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at about 2700m), the cultivated foot slopes give way to the lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along with the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb […]
“Breaking the history” is the dream of many people in the world, Kilimanjaro Mountain is the highest world free standing Mountain and highest point of Africa land. Reaching at Uhuru peak is most prestigious history breaking, Gideon Tanzania Safaris has more experience on reaching its clients to the summit of the Mountain. The Marangu Route […]
Even though it is hard trail to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro but, the Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on […]
Landing at Africa highest mountain is the dream of many people. Not all the people are capable to reach at the summit of Kilimanjaro. Gideon Tanzania safaris, has consider all the people who wish to trek at Kilimanjaro even though, they are not capable to reach at the summit, or they have a limited time. […]
This is the combination package that includes trekking at Kilimanjaro and Wilderness safari at the northern circuit parks in Tanzania. You will enjoy trek at Kilimanjaro to the summit through Machame route, then after you will have a relaxation at the bush of Tanzania most popular national parks (Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater). At […]