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MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano. It has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shire and Kibo. The only active one is Kibo (the highest peak), but its last major eruption took place more than 360,000 years ago.
One of the things that makes Kilimanjaro unique is that it boasts five climate zones. At the base of the mountain is cultivated land and a rainforest characterized by tropical weather. As you ascend the slopes, the landscape turns from health and moorland to an alpine desert. At the summit, you’ll find a glacial zone and the inner crater’s Ash Pit – one of the largest in the world.
How many routes does Kilimanjaro have?
There are seven official routes for Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Machame, Umbwe, and Marangu routes use the Southern Circuit to summit the mountain via Stella Point.
The other two routes (Rongai and the Shira), ascend from the north-east and use Gilman’s Point to reach the summit.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best time to summit Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons of January–March and June–October. The slopes are easier to climb, and you’ll have uninterrupted views of the landscape while you ascend.
If you want to avoid the crowds that climb during high season (June to September), book your trek between December and March. The weather is colder in the evenings and you’ll have snow on the summit and little rain along the way.
