Kilimanjaro Facts

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain on the planet — meaning it is not part of any mountain range. The fourth tallest of the Seven Summits and the most prominent peak in Africa, it rises roughly 4,600 m from base to summit and crowns the East African skyline alone, in a silence all its own.

"A mountain so tall, and so close to the equator, that it carries its own winter at the top."

The true meaning and origin of the name Kilimanjaro have been lost to history. The most accepted reading combines the Swahili word Kilima — mountain — with the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as whiteness: the White Mountain.

Kilimanjaro is a single mountain shaped by three volcanic cones. Two are spent; one still sleeps lightly beneath the snow.

1. 01Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain on the planet — 5,895 m above sea level.
2. 02It is the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest of the Seven Summits.
3. 03From base to summit it rises roughly 4,600 m (15,100 ft) — unsupported by any range.
4. 04Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones: Mawenzi, Shira (both extinct) and Kibo (dormant).
5. 05Around 30,000 to 35,000 people attempt the climb every year.
6. 06Only about two-thirds reach the summit — most turn-backs are altitude related.
7. 07Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb — no special climbing skills are required.
8. 08Many climbers fail by choosing the shorter Marangu Route (five days round-trip).
9. 09Longer routes dramatically improve acclimatisation and summit success.
10. 10There are seven official routes — six for ascent, one (Mweka) for descent only.

Six routes lead up the mountain; one is reserved for descent. The choice of route shapes everything — pace, scenery, traffic, and most of all, your summit chances.

"The mountain doesn't ask whether you're strong. It asks whether you're patient."