Tanzania is home of the mountain Kilimanjaro which is the highest peak of the African continent. The Kilimanjaro (Maasai for "Large Rock") has three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawensi, and Shira. The mountain is situated in north-eastern part of Tanzania and is said to be the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world. Kilimanjaro rises from plains at approximately 2000 meters, right up to 5 895 meters. An ancient volcano, it now lies dormant except for some tell tale signs of fumaroles in the ash pit. Two other peaks, namely Mawenzi and Shira, flank the main peak of Kibo. These peaks form spectacular photographic backdrops when viewed from various vantage points along the routes to the summit.
Trekking
There are several routes to the summit. Although none of these hiking routes requires mountaineering skills, hiking to the "roof of Africa" is physically and mentally demanding and should not be under estimated. Around 40 percent of the people who set out to climb Kilimanjaro turn back before they reach Uhuru peak.
Example of routes:
Machame Route 6 Days Trekking
Marangu Route 5 Day Trekking
Londorossi/Lemosho Route 8 Days Trekking
Umbwe Route 5 Day Trekking
Western Breach Route 8 Days
Trekking Rongai Route 6 Days Trekking
Description of Londorossi/Lemosho route
DAY 1 - Londorossi Gate (2100m) - Mti Mkubwa camp (2750m) Hiking time: 3 hours Habitat: Montane forest
DAY 2 - Mti Mkubwa camp (2750m) - Shira 2 camp (3840m) Hiking time: 6.5 hours Habitat: Moorland
DAY 3 - Shira (3840m)-Lava Tower (4630m)-Barranco camp (3950m) Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: About 15 km's Habitat: Semi desert
DAY 4 - Barranco camp (3950m) - Barafu camp (4550m) Hiking time: 7 hours, Distance: About 13 km's, Habitat: Alpine desert
DAY 5 - SUMMIT ATTEMPT Barafu camp (4550m)--Uhuru, Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3100m) Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka Distance: About 7 km's ascent - 23 km's descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
DAY 6 - Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka Gate (1980m), Hiking time: 3 hours, Distance: About 15 km's, Habitat: Forest