Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa; it is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world (the highest mountain that is not part of a mountain range). Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit is Uhuru Peak (meaning freedom peak); it stands at 5,895 m above sea level.

Kilimanjaro consists of three volcanic cones – Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct; Kibo is dormant. The most recent volcanic activity happened about 200 years ago; the last major eruption was 360,000 years ago.

Every year, around 25,000 people attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro; approximately two-thirds make it to the peak; for the other one-third, the most common reason for failure is altitude sickness.

The weather on the mountain can be different from the weather in the surrounding areas because the mountain creates its own whether dues to its extreme height.

The mountain is accessible throughout the year; however, the two main climbing seasons are January to March and June to October.