Mount Kilimanjaro‘s snow-capped peak is usually veiled by clouds but on clear days the sight of the summit is one of the most arresting on the continent. Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but it’s also the largest free-standing mountain in the world – rising nearly six vertical kilometres from the surrounding plains – making a Mount Kilimanjaro safari a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Made up of three peaks – Shira, Mawenzi and Uhuru – Mount Kilimanjaro, or Kili as it is affectionately known, is a relatively young mountain and was formed by volcanic activity about a million years ago. It’s an iconic, evocative destination and from an altitude of 2 700m the entire mountain falls under the protection of the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
The 15 Days Climb Kilimanjaro & Tanzania Safari is a double adventure that takes you climbing Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, and after rapid descent of 4,500 feet, relax and catch your breath on a 4 day wildlife game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro National Park and the magnificent Serengeti National Park before you head home to tale the Tanzania safari stories.
Arriving in Kilimanjaro International Airport and seeing the behemoth geomorphologic structure that is Mount Kilimanjaro rise into the African heavens like one giant pimple on the Tanzanian landscape, it is hard to imagine not wanting to set foot on its highest peak. Leaving, without having done so, would in a way feel ‘wrong’!
Soaring above the rippling tea plantations and low hills of northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340′) is Africa’s highest peak. Follow the less traveled Shira Route up the western slope, hiking eight days through the spectacular landscapes of five temperate zones. On this once-in-a-lifetime trek, take in extraordinary views extending hundreds of miles, and experience the sunrise from the roof of Africa.
