mount
kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro: africa
introduction
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 19,340 feet (5,895 m), it is one of the largest stratovolcanoes in the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a composite volcano that is comprised of layers of lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. It is currently inactive with no known history of eruptions. There are seven distinctive peaks on the mountain with Uhuru Peak accounting for the highest elevation and true summit of the mountain.
quick facts
- Summit is at 19,340 feet (5,895 m)
- Tallest mountain in Africa
- Tallest free-standing mountain in the world
description
Mount Kilimanjaro features a year-round snow-topped peak. The mountain has at least six different ecological zones including Montane forests, bushland, rainweald, heath and moorland, highland barrens, and ice cap. The area is protected by Mount Kilimanjaro National Park with trekkers having seven official different routes to ascend to the summit.
visitor tips
Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from the road into and out of Arusha, Tanzania. However, the most picturesque view comes from the Kenyan side in Amboseli National Park. It is from within the national park in Kenya that most of the pictures of Kilimanjaro are taken.
Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen from the ground in both Kenya and Tanzania, the most exhilarating experience is to trek up the mountain to the summit. This is a multi-day hike up the mountain with taking time to acclimate to the altitude along the way as a necessity.
There are two seasons that offer better conditions for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. These two seasons include the months between January through March and then again June through October. January through March will typically be colder and increased chances of snow on the ground.
The most picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro occur on the Kenya side of the mountain in Amboseli National Park. The best chance of seeing the mountain without cloud coverage occurs earlier in the morning.
If you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you are encouraged to fly to Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport just outside of Arusha, Tanzania. You will enlist one of the guide services to take you into the national park and up the mountain. If you just want to see it, then the best thing is to visit Amboseli National Park in Kenya.