It is not just the largest mountain in Africa but also the highest free standing mountain in the world rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland of elevation around 900 metres  to a record 5,895 metres.

More so, it is located three degrees from the equator, technically the hottest region of the world, yet it is capped with snow. From above, the peak of Kilimanjaro is wreathed in veils of clouds and conveniently located on the right of the flight path from the cold of Nairobi winter months and the comforting tropical heat of the Tanzanian coastal paradise. The breathtaking journey to Africa’s highest point begins at Kilimanjaro airport, one hour away, or 128Km from Arusha.

From the ground, Kilimanjaro rises from the vast open plains. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.

The cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, 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.

The name Kilimanjaro is straight from the local language of the Chagga phrase ‘Kilema Kyaro’ which means ‘that which cannot be conquered’. Today, the Kilimanjaro has been conquered by thousands of eager pilgrims to conquer the unconquerable.

According to the Tanzanian National Parks, there are principal routes up the mountain - Marangu, Shira, Mweka, Umbwe and Machame. The last three routes require special permission to use as they are difficult and dangerous.

These routes are marked and provided with single bivouac huts and water. The most popular and easiest way to reach the summit however, is the Marangu route, which has modern huts with all the necessary facilities.

It takes about five days to climb Kilimanjaro along the Marangu route (about 80km). The route begins at Marangu Gate at 1,860m and then passes through the tangled rain forest to the Mandara Hut at 2,725m, close by the Maundi Crater.

Next day, the forest soon gives way to rolling alpine meadows with giant heather trees. The altitude begins to make itself felt. Horombo Hut is 12km away at 3,780m.

From here, the landscape becomes progressively more rugged and rocky and giant groundsels and lobelias appear on the open moor. The path skirts Mawenzi and then crosses the desert of the saddle towards the last hut that nestles below Kibo at 4,740m.

The final ascent begins well before dawn and is the most strenuous part, needing some five hours to reach Gillman’s Point in the crater rim at 5,685m.

The highest point is Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, an hour’s walk along the crater’s rim. At any of these points a climber acquires earns their climbing certificates.

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