Overview of Mount Kilimanjaro

The name Kilimanjaro is believed to come from a mix of Swahili and the local Chagga language. Though its exact origin is debated, common interpretations suggest: "Kilima" (Swahili for "mountain") and "Njaro" (a Chagga word meaning "whiteness" or "shining"), referring to its snow-capped peak. Some also believe "Njaro" could mean "caravan" or "difficult to climb."

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant stratovolcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo (5,895m) – the highest and still potentially active but dormant. Mawenzi (5,149m) – rugged and extinct. Shira (4,005m) – collapsed, forming the Shira Plateau. The last major eruption occurred around 360,000 years ago, but minor activity (like gas emissions) still occurs at Kibo’s crater.

There are several routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, each offering different difficulty levels, scenic views, and summit success rates. The choice of route depends on factors such as experience, acclimatization time, and preference for solitude or social trekking.