Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and one of the most magnificent sights to see. Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanic cones named Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira and the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro is an impressive 5895 metres high! Even though everyone in the world knows that Kilimanjaro refers to a majestic mountain in Tanzania nobody really knows why it was named “Kilimanjaro”….? The most popular belief is that Kilimanjaro comes from 2 Swahili names that together mean “white shinning mountain”…. but, no one is completely sure.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the 4th highest of the 7 summits and is often referred to as “Sky Island”… simply because when you reach the summit of Kilimanjaro which is above the clouds it will feel as if you are on an island in the sky! Kilimanjaro rises through lush rainforests to alpine meadows and finally crosses a barren lunar landscape to the twin summits; besides others, the Machame and Marangu route are the most famous routes that lead you to the summit. At 5895 metres height, the views from Kilimanjaro are spectacular! The area covering the rainforests are home to animals including eland, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and monkeys… there is lots more to do and see than simply climbing Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be done any time of the year, but January, February and September are the best months. July, August, November and December are also good months to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The rainiest period is March to June. During the rainy period from March to May, clouds tend to pile up over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base of this mountain.

During the shorter rainy season from October to December you often see storms passing over the mountain, dropping rain as they go. The temperatures at this time of year are relatively warm. The dry season begins in late June and, through July it can be very cold at night, but usually is clear of clouds. August and September are also cool and clear days are rare as usually a cloud belt clings to the mountain above the forest. The Kilimanjaro summit can be totally clear and the view is a spectacular sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks poking through like islands. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime experience (even though people regularly summit it again and again) and something that should be attempted at least once in your lifetime; the views of Tanzania are amazing and the feeling of success after completing this challenge is magical. Chat to us about exploring the Kilimanjaro National Park.!