Mount Kilimanjaro is the peak of Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. At 5,895m above sea level, Uhuru Peak towers the surrounding plains that include world famous sites like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, and Amboseli and Maasai Mara in Kenya. Kilimanjaro consists of 3 volcanic cones, of which Kibo is probably the best known, but there are also Mwenzi and Shira, which today is one of the highest plateaus in the world. The mountain, above else, guarantees some of the most spectacular views you can imagine.
Thanks to its location, which is just a tip below the Equator, Kilimanjaro poses relatively consistent climate throughout a year. People living at its base may be quite poor by economic standard, but they live a rich life in harmony with the nature.
Kilimanjaro is a perfect climb for all adventurers, no matter how much experience in mountaineering you have. It is very easy reach the mountain, with daily flights from Europe and the USA, and position of nearby Moshi Town which is usually the starting point of any Kilimanjaro expedition. Climb does not require technical training or skill, and compared to other mountains around the world quite affordable (in average less than 2,000$ for a week-long climb).
Origin of the name ‘Kilimanjaro’ is not absolutely defined, some say it comes from Swahili, and loosely translated means ‘Mountain of Greatness’, others say it comes from Chagga vocabulary, meaning ‘ That which defeats the caravan’. These names, if the interpretation is correct, are both clear references of the sheer enormity of the mountain. Kilimanjaro carries many stories and legends from local people, saying that the mountain is a home of supernatural beings, which they define as gods.
With all being said, this mighty colossus of Africa must be in a bucket list of every true adventurer, and its unrivaled beauty remains temptation for many. And for some really fortunate ones, memory of a lifetime!