Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa. Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet). Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits,
a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the
crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and
determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or
Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their
climbing certificates. But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent
of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the
Arctic. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. 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. About Kilimanjaro National Park Getting there What to do When to go Accommodation NOTE: |
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