Kilimanjaro Trekking - Leadwood Holiday

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Destination

Kilimanjaro Trekking

Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro is a symbol of the compelling beauty of East Africa. Not only is Kilimanjaro 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 to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,340ft).

Did you know Mt. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones? They’re known as Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant and could erupt again. Mt. Kilimanjaro rises from cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes, and hikers can go through lush rainforest to alpine meadows, and finally across a lunar landscape to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Mt. Kilimanjaro’s hiking routes offers different options for anyone willing and wanting to climb.

There are routes available for more experienced climbers and a route available for those who would consider themselves as beginners. Each route is tailor made to ensure hikers enjoy their climb to reach the peak whether it’s catching glimpses of awe inspiring views or the camaraderie formed during the climb.

Different Route

To find the best Kilimanjaro route for you, considerations should be taken for the route’s difficulty, scenery, and popularity.

Those who reach Uhuru Peak, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates.

There is so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.

Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.

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.

Our Favorite Kilimanjaro Routes

Preparation Checklists

Travel Documents

Valid passport and visa
Airline ticket
International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever)

Guides and Porters

Once on the Mountain, your well-equipped guides and porters, will rank second only to your mental determination, in terms of important factors contributing to a successful summit attempt.

While on the Mountain

Go Slowly

Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.