Mountain Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Located in the northern part of the Republic of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is not just one mountain but a combination of threes ancient volcanoes – Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. With an elevation of 5895 meters, the great mountain can be hiked from 6 to 8 days to the majestic peak – Uhuru though some climbers broke a record and completed the hike in as little as 2 days.
For climbers to reach the summit, there are different routes to choose from – Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Northern Circuit route. From the unique plant life to breathtaking vistas, Kilimanjaro – the “Shining Mountain”, has plenty of surprises in store. In this article, we will take you on a journey to explore the 5 wonders of this iconic peak. Whether you are an experienced or semi-experienced hiker, join us as we dig in the interesting Mount Kilimanjaro facts;
1: Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits
The Seven Summits are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents of the world. On the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point with a height of 5895 meters on Uhuru peak which is located in Kibo, one of the volcanic cones. The mountain can be hiked by both the experienced and first- time adventurers thus considered to be the easiest among the seven summits. Summiting the mountain requires no technical skills or equipment like crampons, harness, rope or even ice axe.
Here’s the complete list of the mountains that can make up the “Seven Summits”, listed in descending order of height:
- Everest (also known as Sagarmatha) in Asia, towering at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), located in the Himalayas on the China-Nepal border.
- Aconcagua in South America, standing at 6,961 meters (22,837 feet), situated in the Andes Mountains within Argentina.
- Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) in North America, reaching a height of 6,190 meters (20,310 feet), located in the Alaska Range within the United States.
- Kilimanjaro’s Kibo peak in Africa, standing tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), located in the northern part of Tanzania
- Elbrus in Europe, reaching a height of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), located in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia.
- Mont Blanc in Europe, standing at 4,810 meters (15,781 feet), situated in the Alps on the border of France and Italy.
- Vinson in Antarctica, soaring to 4,892 meters (16,050 feet), located in the Ellsworth Mountains, not belonging to any specific country.
2: Kilimanjaro is composed of three volcanoes
Formed from Volcanic activity, Kilimanjaro mountain features three volcanic cones – Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi. Of these three, Kibo is the tallest cone, the central one and also where the summit – Uhuru peak lies. After Kibo and Mount Kenya, Mawenzi, also one of the volcanic cones is a craggy peak that ranks as the third highest peak in Africa. For amazing views of the peak, hikers are advised to summit through Rongai and Northern circuit routes.
Shira, also known as one of the three volcanoes, is currently no longer a peak on Kilimanjaro mountains. The peak collapsed on about 16,000 ft high and created the Shira plateau on the western part of the mountain. The routes to use to the volcano are – Machame, Lemosho and shira route.
Here are the heights of the main peaks of all three volcanoes of Kilimanjaro:
- Shira — about 3962 meters (13000 feet)
- Mawenzi — 5149 meters (16,893 feet)
- Kibo —5895 meters (19,341 feet).
As you opt for Kilimanjaro as your mountaineering destination, it is important to note that Kilimanjaro is not just a single mountain but a massif composed of three volcanic peaks. It is another interesting fact about the “Roof of Africa”
3: There are several routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is one of the few mountains of the 7 summits with several trails that lead to the highest peak. The most popular ones include six routes – Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai, Machame, Northern circuit and Umbwe route.
Aside the mentioned, there are also other routes that are less popular or even dangerous, such as the Western Breach, where responsible and reputable tour companies do not take clients due to the difficulty and risk of such expeditions.
- Marangu route
This is one of the most popular routes that favors both experienced and inexperienced climbers. It is the only route where climbers sleep in wooden huts with minimal amenities instead of tents. Besides its good side, the unique Marangu route also has its bad side like; constantly being crowded, and also being unable for accommodate a large number of people.
For those choosing Marangu route as there trail to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the minimum number of days necessary for acclimatization: 5 or 6 days in the mountains. Expeditions start from the Kilimanjaro national park gate, located on the outskirts of Moshi town. Moshi is a comfortable town in Tanzania that still preserves the memories of the 20th century and the legacy of both German and British influence.
Sometimes referred to as the Coca Cola route, Marangu was the trail used by the first conquerors of Mount Kilimanjaro – German climber Hans Meyer and the Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller.
- Machame route
Commonly referred to as the Whisky route, Machame is one of the most beautiful routes, taking travelers through the tropical forest and all other climatic zones of the African mountain. This route lies west of Marangu and is also considered very popular. It starts from the eponymous gate located at the far end of the rural district bearing the same name as the route. Overnight stays on the Machame route, like on all subsequent routes, are in tents.
The Machame route provides climbers with a duration of 6 or 7 days to spend in the mountains. The number of days taken by expedition members depends on their level of experience and the strength of their acclimatization preparation.
- Lemosho route
This is one of the most interesting and picturesque routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its popularity started relatively recently, but it seems destined to become the most popular among all paths to Uhuru. It begins at the western gate of Londorossi and crosses the expanses of the shira plateau, an open panoramic area where the first of the three volcanoes of Mount Kilimanjaro once stood.
Lemosho follows a route away from the crowded southeast routes, which is appreciated by those who want to avoid congestion both on the trail and in the tented camps. This colorful route involves an initial high-altitude drop-off at 3,500 meters (11482 feet), which is later compensated by a multi-day and well-thought-out acclimatization program lasting 6, 7, or even 8 days in the mountains.
- Rongai route
Also, among the Kilimanjaro routes, Rongai is one of the unique routes that traverses the northern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. This path begins at the Nalemuru gate and offers climbers the opportunity to witness not only Tanzania, where the legendary volcano stands, but also the neighboring country of Kenya, with its famous Amboseli National Park, from a significant height.
Rongai takes climbers through the plateau between the two remaining volcanoes of the mountain – Mawenzi and Kibo. It is the only route that entirely passes through the mountain’s northern slope. One distinctive feature of this route is the scarcity of rainfall on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, allowing climbers to enjoy mostly rain-free weather, even during the wet seasons when tourists on other routes have to endure the hardships of rough weather at high altitudes.
- Umbwe trail
Lastly, Umbwe is one of the shortest routes, leading directly from the gate of the same name to the peak of Uhuru. It is a 6-day mountain journey primarily chosen by experienced mountaineers and extreme sports enthusiasts aiming to establish records or conquer ice fields and attempt technical ascents on Mawenzi.
In certain exceptional circumstances, such as when aiming to establish particular records or when climbers undertake the challenge of climbing glaciers or Mawenzi peak, alternative routes that incorporate more than half of the main routes’ sections may be chosen. Additionally, there is an extreme route called the Western Breach, which navigates through rockslides created by the collapse of a lava wall. This area is prone to frequent rockfalls, and tragically, climbers lose their lives there every few years. It’s important to note that this route is not commercially accessible.
4: Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world
Kilimanjaro’s “freestanding” status means it’s a solitary peak, that means it’s not part of a larger mountain range unlike other high mountains like Himalayas of Everest and Andes. Upon reaching the mountain’s summit, you will come across a sign that proudly states that you are not only standing at the highest point in Africa but also on the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The three conic volcanoes – Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi form a unified mountain massif, technically making them a single mountain.
Besides being a solitary peak, Kilimanjaro mountain is a volcanic mountain, meaning it was formed by the eruption of molten rock that built up over time. Volcanic mountains are often isolated peaks, as they are not part of the tectonic plate processes that create most mountain ranges.
- The tallest tree in Africa grows on Kilimanjaro
It’s an interesting coincidence that the tallest tree in Africa was discovered on the slopes of the continent’s highest mountain. This discovery was made relatively recently, in 2016. The scientific name of the species is Entandrophragma excelsum. This particular record-holding tree stands at 81.5 meters (267 feet) tall and grows on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, and a trail leads right to it, making it accessible for anyone who wants to visit.
In conclusion, Kilimanjaro mountain under the protection of Kilimanjaro mountain national park is one of the best mountaineering destinations on the African continent. The park not only offers hiking experiences but also other encounters like nature walks, game viewing as it features numerous plant and animal species like the beautiful olive-yellow bird and the Kilimanjaro White-eye. Book your mountaineering safari today with Primate Safari experiences Limited for an incredible encounter and affordable costs.