Exploring Africa’s iconic peak

Many people would recognise a photo or picture showing Mount Kilimanjaro rising from African plains. Usually snow-capped, rising to 5895m above sea-level, it is Africa’s tallest peak and is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It is actually a volcanic mountain with three distinct volcanic cones; the highest of these being Kibo. Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Kibo.

For nature lovers, the climb up the slopes of Kilimanjaro will take you on a steep walk starting in the tropics and finishing in a snowy Arctic landscape. The green, lush forested slopes at the foot of the mountain are home to elephants, leopards, small antelope and primates. For the keen ornithologist, there is an abundance of bird life with hornbills, colourful sunbirds and flycatchers to be seen in the forested area. Higher up, walkers and nature lovers will easily find kites, buzzards and eagles circling above the heather clad moorland or, above 4000m, flying over sparse mosses and lichens growing on rocky slopes.  Eventually, there is nothing but icy glaciers and snow covered rocky outcrops.