Mount
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro. 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.
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 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (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 certificatesAnd 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 the 2,700m contour), the
cultivated footslopes give way to 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.
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Getting there
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.
What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering
routes.
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower
reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.]
When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and
colder) from July-September.
Accommodation
Huts and campsites on the mountain.
Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and
town of Moshi.
NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximise your chances of
reaching the summit.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even
more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
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