About Kilimanjaro

Located in Tanzania, East Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and one of the Seven Summits prized by climbers. It stands 19,341 feet tall (5,895 meters), and has 3 volcanic cones as peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

Kibo is the highest peak followed by Mawenzi at 16,983 feet (5,149 meters) and then Shira at 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Both Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanoes. Kibo is dormant (meaning it could erupt again), but the last major eruption took place between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.

The best months to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro are December to February and September, which offer the clearest and warmest conditions. June to August are also good climbing months, with cooler weather. There is a short rainy season in October and November, with afternoon rains, but clear skies during the morning and evenings. March to May is the long rainy season.

Your climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro will take you through 5 distinct climatic zones, offering unique vegetation and wildlife and scenery.

Zone 1: bushland - lower slope
                          2,600-5,900 feet / 790-1800 meters

The first zone is located on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania.There is an abundance of flowers and wildlife in this zone. It is generally inhabited by the Chagga Tribe, a tribe that has been living on the slopes of Kilimanjaro for centuries. They grow their crops and herd their goats, cows, and chickens. 

zone 2: tropical rainforest
               5,900-9,200 feet /1800-2800 meters

The second zone we encounter is the Tropical Rainforest Zone. This part of the mountain is lush and green all year round. Colobus and Blue Monkeys can be seen during this part of the climb, as well as beautiful flowers and trees.

zone 3: heather / moorland
               9,200-13,000 FEet / 2800-4000 meters

The third zone is the the Heather / Moorland Zone. We start to encounter shrubs and tall grasses. It can feel extremely fresh compared to the humidity of the forest, with temperatures getting as low as 0°C.
There are a few flowers to spot, but the most prominent feature are the Giant Lobelias, that grow like stubby palm trees.

ZONE 4: ALPINE DESERT ZONE
               13,000-16,400 feet / 4000-5000 Meters

The fourth zone is the Alpine Desert Zone. It receives little water and is covered in a rocky terrain. Plants become more scarce in this zone. Its rocky terrain resembles a lunar landscape. It is also the first time that we get great views of Kibo and the mountain.