Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain known to man. It is a mountain where you can hike for more than 90 kilometers, gain 4,000 meters in altitude, traverse rain forest, moorland, alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs, all virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure.

There are five main routes to the top -- Marangu, Shira, Mweka, Umbwe and Machame. The most popular route is the Marangu Route which starts at the Marangu Gate at 6000 ft. and has huts and facilities along the way. The other routes are more scenic with stunning views of the glaciers.

They are also more challenging for the advanced trekker, requiring special permission and the use of tents. Regardless of the route taken, the vistas are magnificent and the flora and fauna of the different life zones are fascinating.

Rain forests give way to moorlands and alpine meadows until these, too, give way to an alpine desert where lichens cling tenuously to rocks. The landscape, though desolate, is hauntingly beautiful as you walk among the clouds.

The mountain consists of three volcanoes: Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. Shira became extinct and collapsed leaving a series of rocky ridges on the Shira plateau. Mawenzi is dormant and its jagged peaks require a technical climb. Uhuru Peak, (19,340 ft.) is Kibo's highest peak but one is considered to have "conquered" the mountain by reaching Gillman's Point at 18,635 ft.

Best Times to Go:

January, February and September. These are the drier months and there are fewer hikers.

Clothing/Gear:

Comfortable clothing will suffice for the first two days. However, many underestimate the frigid conditions of the mountain above 12,000 feet. Warm clothing is essential and should include a down-filled parka with hood, fleece shirts, warm pants, waterproof and windproof shell pants, thermal underwear, mittens, wool hat or balaklava and scarf. Good walking shoes and socks are appropriate to about 15,000 feet but sturdy hiking boots with warm socks and sock liners are needed to challenge the summit. At this altitude sun protection is necessary so bring snow goggles, dark glasses, suntan lotion and a hat with a brim to protect your face and neck. Also necessary are your water bottle, sleeping bag, trail mix, energy snacks and candy bars, flashlight, camera with film and personal toiletries including toilet paper. None are available past the park gate.

It is better to bring your own gear. Equipment can be rented at the Marangu gate but the quality may not be the best and you run the risk of having to use shell pants repaired with electrical duct tape!

Children ten and under are allowed to climb to Mandara Hut at 8,858 feet. Otherwise, good health and physical fitness are the only requirements for a Kilimanjaro climb.