Kilimanjaro: height, history, and interesting facts about Africa's highest mountain 🌋

This mountain changes your worldview, inspires you, and will certainly leave a powerful imprint in your heart for life. Everyone should experience the unique experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, because afterward, your life will never be the same.

Climbing Kili is a journey through all climatic zones in a short time. Here, the images of hot tropics with exotic African animals and plants turn into dense forests, alpine meadows, desert plains and, finally, snow-capped peaks of incredible beauty. This diversity of nature makes it seem as if you are traveling through different worlds 😉

But not only nature makes this trip special. Immersing yourself in the culture of Africa and communicating with the people who live here, you realize what true happiness is... The locals truly value harmony with nature, openness, sincerity, communication and kindness. There is something to learn from them. As well as from the local guides and porters, who are examples of endurance, dedication, friendliness, and they are also great motivators. The support they provide to guests is beyond words!

The KULUAR team believes that such a spiritual journey through "different worlds" will really allow you to look at the world with a new perspective. After all, we experienced it ourselves 😉

We are not wasting time, we are happy to share not only interesting facts that those who are going to travel to Africa should know, but also our own insights. Let's go!

Basic information about Mount Kilimanjaro

Where is it located?

Our heroine settled in the northeastern part of Tanzania, between the Serengeti and Tsavo national parks.

What are the dimensions?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa, the fourth-highest peak in the Seven Summits program. It is also the world's largest single mountain: its base is 97 km long and 64 km wide.

Why is it so named?

Kili has no equal on its native continent, so it is rightly called the "roof of Africa," but as for its name, there are several versions of its origin. The most common one claims that it is a combination of words in the Kikuyu language, where "kilima" means "mountain" and "njaro" translates as "light" or "brilliance". So, Kilimanjaro is a "shining mountain" or "shining mountain". Legend has it that the local people had never seen snow, so they believed that the mountain was covered with silver.

Is there snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro now?

Today, it is only on two of the three peaks. During the 20th century, the snow cap shrank by more than 82%. Scientists note that if the melting continues at this rate, the last cover will completely disappear by 2030-2050.

Are the Kili not just one mountain?

In fact, it is a combination of 3 peaks - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, which are the remnants of volcanic activity. The highest point, Uhuru Peak, is located on the Kibo cone and has an altitude of 5895 meters above sea level. Interestingly, the name "Uhuru" means "freedom" in Swahili. It was given in honor of Tanzania's independence, which the country gained in 1961. Another significant point, Stella Point, is located on the edge of the Kibo Crater and is popular among climbers.

When was the last eruption?

The last eruption that formed the crater is dated in the range of 270-170 thousand years ago.

What can I read and watch about the mountain?

It has become a muse for many writers, artists, and filmmakers. The most famous works are Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" and the feature film of the same name, based on this book by Henry King. Another inspiration is the song "Mountain" by the Ukrainian band The Hardkiss, which is dedicated to Kili and encourages you to find inner strength, believe in yourself, not be afraid to dream big and go for your goal, even if the path seems difficult and unpredictable

By the way, the KULUAR club also resisted the temptation to convey this message and capture the heart of Africa on film. We invite you to watch it:

A variety of zones

Kilimanjaro National Park, located around the highest mountain in Africa, is rich in animal and plant diversity and covers various ecosystems:

• The Farmland zone (800 - 1800 m) is characterized by volcanic soil and heavy rains. Tourists here are amazed by lush green forests and fields with bright flowers.
• Mountain Forests (1800 - 2800 m) is the most fertile region. In this zone, you can find elephant, leopard, monkey and Kanna antelope, and there are many exceptional birds.
• The Lower Alpine Zone (2800-3800 m) is dotted with wildflowers and is home to Kudu antelope, buffalo and bushbuck. It is in this zone that you can see a unique giant tree - the Kilimanjaro cross tree (Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari)
• Alpine Zone (4000 - 5000 m) - it is characterized by sandy soil and harsh weather. During the day, the temperature can rise to +40°C, and at night it can drop sharply to minus values, creating conditions that resemble a desert.
• The summit (5000+ m) is the highest part of the mountain, where several glaciers are located, the most famous being the Great North Kibo Glacier.

In addition to the cold beauty of the peaks, the list of must-sees always includes the "Big Five of Africa", because it's cool to watch the wild exotic nature 😉 However, to guarantee a safe and secure sighting of the top 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - we recommend visiting the famous Safari in Tanzania.

Facts about climbing Kilimanjaro

How many travelers come to see the shining mountain?

Every year, about 50,000 people come to Tanzania to meet Kili.

What is the mortality rate among the gardeners?

Approximately 10 people a year die while climbing Kilimanjaro for a variety of reasons, including long and tiring treks, changes in climate zones, and the very real threat of altitude sickness (oxygen deprivation)... and most tragically, due to their own recklessness.

What is the percentage of successful summits?

It varies depending on the route and the training of climbers, but on average it is about 60-70%.

It should be noted that the main factor that affects the success of the expedition is the duration. The more days the group spends in the mountains, the better its members acclimatize and the higher the chances of successfully reaching the summit.

How many routes are there to climb?

In total, there are 7 routes to Kilimanjaro Peak. And there is also one - the eighth, only for descent.

1. Marangu is considered one of the easiest and gentlest, but the total distance from the start to the finish line through the top is about 68 km.
2. Lemosho is the western road. It is the longest, with a length of over 70 km from start to finish.
3. The Shira is one of the two western routes to the peak, in fact, it repeats the Lemosho route.
4. Umbwe is the most spectacular and shortest destination in terms of kilometers, with fewer tourists than others.
5. Machame is also in the top of the most beautiful routes to the top of Kili. It is more difficult than the first option, but at the same time more logical and convenient.
6. Rongai is the only route to the "roof of Africa", which lies on the northern slope of the mountain near the Kenyan border.
7. The northern traverse is new and ideal for professional photographers.
8. Mweka is for descending only.

The KULUAR club has written all the necessary information in more detail here: Kilimanjaro climbing routes.

Interesting records:

• Fastest climb to the top: Swiss-Ecuadorian athlete Karl Egloff. Year: 2014. Time: 4 hours 56 minutes. He did it by choosing the Umbwe route. By the way, Umbwe is the choice of KULUAR. This is the main route we use for our climbs. Why? Because it's the shortest, least crowded, with amazing views and contrast.
• The fastest female climber is Swiss Anne-Marie Flammersfeld. Year: 2015. Time: 8 hours and 32 minutes.
• The oldest person to successfully climb Kili is Ann Lorimore. Year: 2019. Age: 89 years old.
• The youngest: British woman Ashlyn Mandryk. Age: 6 years old.

How much does a Kilimanjaro tour cost?

From 1 500 to 4 000$. The price depends on the route, the level of service, the duration of the expedition and the included services.

The best time to climb

The climbing season on Kili lasts all year round, but ideal conditions are not always available. Tanzania doesn't have any seasons as such, there are only dry and wet seasons. May and November are the wet season, when you shouldn't go on the routes. That's why KULUAR selects the dates taking these points into account. Read all about the weather in our article.

Kilimanjaro is not just a geographical object, but a real natural and cultural creation. Climbing this legendary volcano will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy the unforgettable views and feel the spirit of Africa.

Whether you are looking for adventure or peace of mind, the "brilliant mountain" will give you unforgettable impressions and memories for a lifetime.