Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the Roof of Africa, the highest mountain on the continent at 5,895 metres and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, a majestic snow-capped volcano rising in solitary splendour from the plains of northeast Tanzania. A UNESCO peak, it is famous as the highest summit that can be reached by trekking rather than technical climbing, drawing thousands each year to make the multi-day ascent through five climate zones to the glaciers of the summit, Uhuru Peak.

What you actually see

• Uhuru Peak - the snow-capped summit, the Roof of Africa.
• The five climate zones - from rainforest to alpine desert to glacier.
• The sunrise summit - the dawn arrival at the crater rim.
• The glaciers - the shrinking ice fields near the top.

When to go

The two dry seasons, January to March and June to October, are the best and safest times to climb; the mountain makes its own weather, and the summit is bitterly cold with snow and ice year-round. Longer routes with more acclimatisation days greatly improve success and safety.

Honest expectations

It is a serious, demanding multi-day high-altitude trek, not a walk, and altitude sickness is the main reason people fail or, rarely, suffer serious harm; choosing a longer route for acclimatisation, going slowly and a reputable operator are vital. It must be climbed with a licensed guide and porters. The summit night is brutally cold and hard. Success is not guaranteed.

Nearby

The Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the safari circuit are nearby; Zanzibar makes a relaxing finish.