Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain peak in Tanzania, Africa. The name Kilimanjaro is derived from a Swahili word Kilma (mountain), Kichagga (Njaro) (whiteness) that is White Mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro is also by the name of Shinning Mountain.With its three volcanic cones of Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, is a massive inactive volcano. The highest peak of Kilimanjaro is 5,893 meters above sea level and is 4th highest free Standing Mountain in the world. I had always tried to imagine how will i feel on the top of Mt Kilimanjaro.
It was a thrilling adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro the highest peak of Africa. I traveled through the breathtaking views of equatorial forests and snow capped hill ranges. The three popular peaks at Mount Kilimanjaro are Shira Peak at the height of 3,962 meters. The second is Mawenzi at 5,149 meters and the third one is Kibo Peak at 5,895 meters. Kibo Peak the youngest mountain peak is also known as Uhuru Peak in Tanzania.
Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventurous destination for the climbers and trekkers. Kilimanjaro is also an exotic place to
watch the amazing wildlife of Africa. For most of us, climbing to Kili is an awesome and wonderful experience to be cherished for life-time. The journey to this highest mountain peak starts from the lower level which includes cultivated farmlands and gradually turns into lush green rain forests. As you climb up the mountain, there are barren lunar landscape and finally as your reach the top level of the twin summits you will find yourself surrounded by breathtaking snow and ice caps. On your climb you will experience five major eco-zones: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers.
There are five different routes to reach Kili’s highest summit. They are called as Marangu Route, Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Rongai Route and Mweka Route. No extra climbing skill is required to ascent the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. Any person who is physically fit and has the determination to climb the top can grab this wonderful challenge. Once we reached the top Uhuru summit view was breath-taking, below us we could see African land. It was very exhausting but worth every effort.
On our way up and down we passed through lush green rainforests, alpine forests and saw cows, leopards and monkeys in their natural habitat. One of the African legends talks of demons and evil spirits living on the mountain and guarding immense treasures. Stories are told of a king who decided to go to the top, few of his party survived and those who did had damaged arms and legs. I am sure you will hear more stories from locals on your stay. The climb, camping at night in the wild with basic necessities and eating on the go(from limited choice of variety of food) is a eye opening experience for me. It was holiday with myself away from electronics and traffic just great !! Refreshed rejuvenated and physically stronger I am back on my desk (missing Mt Kilimanjaro already) to earn for next trip soon.
looks like already an older picture of the Kilimanjaro … when I was there back in 2003 there was already less snow on the top ….