Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa, but it is also a natural wonder, a place where people have set records, and one of the easiest high-altitude treks in the world.
If you’re preparing for your climb or just want to learn about the mountain trivia, these Kilimanjaro Facts will give you a better understanding of the mountain you’re dreaming of summiting.
Let's look at some of the most interesting facts about the mountain before starting your next Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the world's biggest mountain that stands alone. Other peaks, like the Himalayas, are part of longer mountain ranges. Kilimanjaro, on the other hand, comes straight up from the plains in northern Tanzania.
In this way, its presence stands out even more. On a clear day, you can see it from more than 100 kilometres away. It stands tall above the fields and farms nearby.
Kilimanjaro is not one volcano, but three volcanic cones.
Kibo is dormant and could erupt again one day. Hikers who visit the inner crater often report the smell of sulphur rising from deep underground, reminding us that Kilimanjaro is still a volcano.
The Kilimanjaro weather is such that climbing it feels like trekking across continents. As you ascend, you pass through five distinct climate zones:
No other trek offers such dramatic environmental changes in just a few days.
Not sure what to pack for each zone? Go through our Kilimanjaro Gear List and Kilimanjaro Packing List to prepare for every climate, starting from rainforest to Arctic tundra.
The glaciers on Kilimanjaro are thought to be more than 11,000 years old. There was ice on top of the peak in the early 1900s. Over 85% of the glacial ice has melted now, mostly because of climate change.
Scientists think that the mountain might lose all of its ice by 2060 if things keep going the way they are. It’s a sober reminder of how fast the environment is changing.
Kilimanjaro earns a spot in the Seven Summits of the world. This is a list of the highest mountains on each continent:
While Everest and Aconcagua require technical mountaineering, Kilimanjaro is considered the most achievable of the Seven Summits for beginners.
Hans Meyer and Yohani Lauwo were the first people to officially reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was on October 6, 1889. It wasn't easy. Meyer failed on his first try because of bad weather and heavy ice, but he came back the next year better prepared.
His helper, Yohani Lauwo, was only 18 years old at the time. He was a mountain guide for more than 70 years and lived to be 125 years old.
Several climbers have made history on Kilimanjaro:
Some do it for speed, others for causes, like Douglas Adams, who once climbed wearing a rhino costume to raise awareness for wildlife.
Want to be one of the few people who have climbed Africa's tallest mountain? If you choose one of our Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours, your trip will be remembered for a long time.
You can’t just “find your path” up the mountain; there are seven official Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, each with its personality:
All routes end at either Stella Point, Gillman’s Point, or the summit at Uhuru Peak. Descent is usually via Marangu or Mweka.
Need help picking your route? Browse our Kilimanjaro FAQs for route comparisons, daily distances, and more.
At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the air pressure is half of what it is at sea level. This means every breath brings in much less oxygen, leading to fatigue, headaches, and altitude-related symptoms.
The most common risk is Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. That’s why our guides include slow-paced hiking, extra acclimatisation days, and daily health checks to ensure everyone stays safe.
Over 30,000 climbers attempt to summit Kilimanjaro each year. But not everyone makes it to the top. Those who choose longer routes, like Lemosho or the Northern Circuit, have much higher success rates. That’s because the body has more time to adjust to the altitude.
Good preparation also includes:
When you go climbing is very important to your chances of success. Some months are better than others because the weather is clear, the roads are dry, and there aren't as many problems. Find the Best Time to climb Kilimanjaro by looking at the weather, how clear the views are, and how busy the trails are.
Here are a few more interesting Kilimanjaro facts you may not know:
Mount Kilimanjaro is more than simply a place to hike; it's a living environment full of tales, science, and quiet strength. Every Kilimanjaro fact mentioned here, from prehistoric glaciers and volcanic cones to modern-day records and cultural folklore, adds to the excitement of the journey that lies ahead.
At Best Day Safaris, we help you every step of the way with care, experience, and a love for the mountain. If climbing Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list, now is the time to make it happen. Your adventure starts the moment you decide to go.
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We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
It's exciting to climb Kilimanjaro, but it's even more fun when you're ready. There are plans, training tips, packing lists, safety tips, and more here for you to find all the trip guides you need. Before your trip, click on each of the guides below to learn more.
Whether you are ready for Tanzania Safari Dream or Kilimanjaro Adventure or Beach Relaxation for a few days or a few weeks long, our experts will create an itinerary from scratch, fully tailored to your wishes. Want to visit a beautiful destination or start an adventure to reach the top, or relax in a paradise, we will make it happen.
