Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light,
Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The
local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole
massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that
stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak
on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing
mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the
surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an
imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet). 
Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits,
a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the
crater rim with little more
than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who
reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of
the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes 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 continen
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Getting there
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.
What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes.
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.
When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Accommodation
Huts and campsites on the mountain.
Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi.
More info on accomodation
NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximise your chances of reaching the summit.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
NOTE 2:
NEW RATES FOR PORTERS AND GUIDES
(JUNE '08)
Porters
USD 10 per day
Cooks
USD 15 per day
Guides
USD 20 per day
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