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Kilimanjaro Mountain

The iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, at a towering height of 5,895m above sea level (ASL) is not only Africa’s highest mountain, but also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. The mountain along with its three volcanic cones is a dormant volcano. The three cones are Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. However, Shira collapsed years back, which resulted in creating the Shira plateau. Uhuru Peak, located on the volcanic cone Kibo, is the pinnacle of Kilimanjaro, and the rooftop of Africa.

Kilimanjaro Mountain is also one of the Seven Summits, which is the name given to the highest summits on each of the world’s seven planets.

Mount Kilimanjaro: A Great Trekking Attraction

Kilimanjaro Mountain is a popular trekking destination with a world reputation. Scaling the snowy summit of this imposing mountain is simply a marvelous experience. The passage of time can never erase the memories created.

Mountaineering enthusiasts can ascend to the peak using 7 established routes. These are the Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Northern Circuit, Rongai, Shira and Umbwe Routes. The Mweka Route, on the other hand is for descending only. Each route is distinct, has its own attractions, as well as some exciting challenges.

• The Lemosho Route, is arguably the most beautiful Kilimanjaro trekking route, and is also quite popular. This route ascends from the western side of the mountain.
• The Machame Route, also known as the ‘Whiskey Route’, is the most popular Kilimanjaro trekking route and this trail climbs from the south.
• The Marangu Route, is a relatively easier route and is also the only route that offers hut accommodation. Accommodation on all other routes is in tents. Its ascent is on the eastern slope.
• The Rongai Route, is distinct because it is the only route whose ascent to the summit begins from the northern side.
• The Shira Route, on the other hand, has the highest starting elevation, and it starts on the west.
• The Northern Circuit Route, is the longest and also the newest Kilimanjaro trekking route. Starting from the west, it then meanders around the north of the mountain.
• The Umbwe Route is the hardest, shortest, as well as the steepest Kilimanjaro trekking route. The trail goes up the southern slope.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973 with the primary objective of protecting and conserving the ecosystem of Mount Kilimanjaro. This park, in whose domain stands the world’s highest free-standing mountain covers 755 square km.

Apart from being renowned for the iconic mountain and the adventurous Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, this park also boasts of breathtaking views and fantastic flowing fountains of water. There is the Marangu Waterfalls and others nearby like the Ndoro and Materuni Waterfalls, which are pleasant attractions.

There are five different climatic zones encountered from the bottom to the peak of Kilimanjaro Mountain. These are;

• Lower slopes or cultivation zone
• Montane forest or simply the forest zone
• Heath and moorland
• Alpine desert zone
• Summit or Arctic Summit zone

Wildlife viewing of animals like antelopes, colobus monkeys, buffaloes as well as elephants, is one of the attractions during safaris in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. However, wildlife density in this park is not heavy as compared to other parks in the Northern Tourism Circuit of Tanzania.

Crowned eagles, hornbills, vultures, starlings as well as sunbirds, among others, are some of the bird species available in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

Waterfalls Within Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park hosts some scenic waterfalls. Marangu Waterfalls situated just on the slopes of the mountain is beautiful, and there is also Materuni and Ndoro Waterfalls. These fantastic fountains of water present some splendid swimming experience as well as nice birdwatching sites.