Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. It’s the highest peak on the African continent and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, with an impressive snow-capped summit. It rises high above the open African plains in Tanzania to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet). Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ is the adventure of a lifetime for a lot of visitors.

Dormant volcano

Kilimanjaro is a giant dormant volcano that began forming a million years ago when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. It is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim. Although just three degrees south of the Equator, the peaks of both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. There are several different routes including Marangu, the easiest climb and therefore the most popular, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe. The shortest routes are 5-6 days. The longest ones are 7-9 days. If paced well, everyone from trained mountain climbers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak. Enjoy the the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ is the adventure of a lifetime. There is no better feeling than standing on the top of the Kilimanjaro watching the stunning sunrise over the African plains. Read more about climbing Kilimanjaro

Activities

Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other, more challenging, mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. Trout fishing. Or visit the beautiful azure Challa crater lake on the mountain’s south-east slopes.

Best time to visit

Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year but the best time is considered to be from July to October and January to March (clearest and warmest conditions) and July to October (dry and colder). The rainforest is wet during the rainy season in April, May, June and November.

Tip from Lomo expert

Choose a route that fits you best since some routes are more challenging than others. The more days the higher the probability of success as your body has more time to adapt and acclimatize. So take your time.