Mount Kilimanjaro
Challenge yourself! Go do it! Climb Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet/5,895m the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising in majestic isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland of 2,953 feet.
https://kiafrikaadventure.com/mount-kilimanjaro/
Kilimanjaro, the name itself, is a mystery obscured in the clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans! But putting the meaning of the name aside, when you see this marvel of East Africa, you understand why. It is actually a dormant volcano.
Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits with people able to reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. Although not technically challenging, one needs to consider the high elevation, low temperature and occasional high winds that can turn it into a difficult trek. Those who reach Uhruru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater will have earned their climbing certificates – AND their memories!
Climbing “Kili” can be accomplished using various routes but all of them lead you through a virtual climactic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. You start at the cultivated foot slopes giving way to lush mountain forests inhabited by elusive elephants, leopard, buffalo, small antelopes and primates. Ascend to the moorland zone where a cover of giant heather is studded with giant lobelias. Above 13,000 feet, a surreal desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichens. 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.
Best times to ascend
Possibility is year round but clearest and warmest conditions are end of December to February and September. Dryer and colder conditions are generally found in June, July to September/October. March to beginning of June and November/beginning December are rainy season making the slopes very slippery and possibly treacherous.
How many days should I climb
Adjusting to the altitude takes your body time. The longer you allow your body to adjust to the altitude the better it will be able to cope, although each person adjusts differently. There is a big indication that the more days spent on the climb do increase the success rate to of climbers that reach the top. Therefore the key to a safe, successful climb is to take the longest possible routes. And on the trek itself, your guides will continually say “pole, pole”. Take your time. Rushing it is not the way to go.