Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, affectionately known as ‘Kili’ is Africa’s highest mountain at 5895m. Kili is also the world’s highest free standing mountain and its towering snowcapped, symmetrical cone is a world-recognised African image. A world heritage site, the whole mountain is designated a national park and Kilimanjaro National park covers an area of some 755 sq km, consisting of vast areas of montane forest with unique moorland flora and alpine desert higher altitudes.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime for many visitors to Tanzania. As the highest ‘walkable’ mountain in the world, the trek is not technically a climb but is, nevertheless, a serious challenge. It is undertaken by people of all ages but should not be attempted without some physical training/preparation. Mt Kilimanjaro is situated on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya and while Moshi is the nearest large town, it is accessible from Arusha (1-2 hours by road) and Nairobi (6-8 hrs by road).

The mountain consists of 3 extinct volcanoes – Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the tallest, its summit named Uhuru, and the destination for trekkers ascending Mount Kilimanjaro.