KILIMANJARO OVERVIEW

The name Kilimanjaro itself is a mystery wreathed in cloud which has multiple meanings like “Mountain of Light”, “Mountain of Greatness”, or “Mountain of Caravans.” Or it might not. Wachagga who are the local tribal people don’t even have a name for the entire massif except Kipoo (now known as Kibo). This is a familiar snowy peak which oversees the territory and is the summit of Africa.

There are three main peaks that make up Mount Kilimanjaro, Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. Both Shira and Mawenzi have suffered erosion in considerable amount and only the jagged peaks remain. But Kibo on the other hand which is the central and highest peak has survived and remains in a perfect conical shape.

They say a Kilimanjaro climb is like traveling from the equator to the North Pole. That’s because Kilimanjaro is so massive it contains five distinct climate zones. Cultivated, Rainforest (Montane Forest), Heath and Mooreland, Alpine desert and Arctic Summit. You’ll pass through each of them on your way to the summit.

From personal experience and from those climbers who have stepped forth and tried, the overall feeling is that it is one of the hardest, most satisfying personal quests that most have attempted in their lives. Whether reaching the summit or not, the journey that you will undertake will certainly be physical and emotional; the key to submitting Kilimanjaro being a strong positive focused mental attitude, good friends, a loved one and of course your experienced KiliTwende Adventures Crew literally right behind you every step, shuffle, slip, slide of the way.

THE ROUTES TO KILIMANJARO

As the popularity of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro continues to increase, potential climbers are often uncertain as to which route to take. There are seven major routes used to climb Kilimanjaro. Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the route, make sure it is the appropriate route for your desires, physical ability and comfort level.

Join KiliTwende Adventures and experience the glaciers of Kilimanjaro, its beauty, history, culture and adventure. When you leave you will forever hold it in your heart and possess a passion to protect this mountain and other natural resources on our precious and fragile earth. It is our privilege to experience and explore this magical mountain and our responsibility to protect it and preserve it.