Kilimanjaro is the largest free-standing mountain in the world surrounded by snow-shrouded dormant volcanoes all around. Standing at a height of 5,895m, it is the highest peak of Africa. But because mountaineering gear and experience are not needed for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it can be summited without having any technical skills. This is why tens of thousands of climbers ascend the mountain each year.

It is made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. The highest point on Kibo’s crater rim is called Uhuru peak which is the Swahili word for “freedom.” In the year 1889, German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller became the first ever people to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Since then, Climbing Kilimanjaro has become popular among locals and tourists alike.

Kilimanjaro has a succession of vegetation zones consisting of well-watered southern slopes, dense forests; open moorlands and alpine deserts among others. The forests of the southern slopes and surrounding areas are home to elephants, buffaloes, and elands. Smaller mammals inhabiting the forests include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbucks and duikers. The forests also have a rich variety of birdlife.

Kilimanjaro Mean? The exact meaning of Kilimanjaro is not certain, but it is closely tied to two words: one in Swahili, “Kilima,” which means “mountain,” and a local tribal word from the Chagga, “Njaro,” which means “whiteness.” Together we get “Mountain of Whiteness,” presumably for the ever-present snow cap on the major volcano’s top.

Special About Kilimanjaro? Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. ... Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant and could erupt again.

History of Kilimanjaro? Mount Kilimanjaro's three peaks were formed after volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. One volcanic cone, Shira, is now extinct and eroded, while the other two, Mawenzi and Kibo, 'melted' together after subsequent eruptions. Kibo is now the highest with its famous Uhuru peak at almost 6000m above sea level.

Kilimanjaro So Popular? Kilimanjaro is very popular with both experienced hikers and first time adventurers because it is considered to be the easiest of the seven summits. ... Kilimanjaro is not only Africa's tallest peak, but also the world's tallest free standing mountain.

Here, are some Mount Kilimanjaro Facts everyone needs to know! –

• You can hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro without climbing gear.
• Less than 50% of climbers can only reach the summit.
• The oldest person ever to summit Mount Kilimanjaro was an 87-year-old French man named Valtee Daniel.
• Approximately 35,000 people attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro every year. And out of them, only two-thirds are successful.
• Altitude-related problems are the most common reason that climbers cut their climb short.

The Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging, and the name itself is a hurdle just to mutter correctly, let alone understand its meaning. Kilimanjaro has a rich history of exploration and conquest, and the “Shining Mountain” or “White Mountain” is nothing but a majestic sight to behold.

All of our Kilimanjaro Climb is tailored to a luxury specification and supported by a full complement of mountain guides, camp staff and Kilimanjaro Porters. Our Kilimanjaro Guides are the most experienced on the mountain. Let’s start with Kilele Climb.