Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro
Rising 19,340 feet (5895 meters) above the East African plain, Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, has lured trekkers from around the globe. Located just below the equator in northeastern Tanzania near the city of Arusha and not terribly far from the Kenyan border, Mt Kilimanjaro is a volcano complex consisting of three extinct cones: the smallest, Shira; the rough, craggy, sinister-looking Mawenza; and Kibo, the tallest and largest cone and what people typically think of as Kilimanjaro. The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru (freedom in Swahili) Peak—this is what trekkers aspire to reach.
Here are some fun facts about Kilimanjaro:
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No one knows exactly where the name Kilimanjaro comes from though there are a number of theories. Possibly the name is an ironic combination of the Swahili Kilima which means “hill or little mountain” and Njaro, ancient Swahili for “white or shining.”
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Climbing Kilimanjaro requires no technical skill though it does require EXCELLENT aerobic physical conditioning.
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There are several routes to the summit (see the routes page). The Machame route is the signature route of Blue Rhino Expeditions.
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There are two rainy seasons in northern Tanzania: the small one in November; and the larger one in March/April.
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The gateway to a Kilimanjaro trek is Kilimanjaro International Airport located in Arusha, Tanzania.
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Some of the most spectacular game parks in the world are located in the vicinity of Kilimanjaro. If you climb the mountain, consider at least a one-day safari.
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Kilimanjaro has been the title of albums by such recording artists as Miles Davis, Teardrop, Joshua Jones, Superpitcher, and the Rippingtons.
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Johnnie Clegg’s Kilimanjaro is a fast, upbeat song about the mountain. There is a cool rendition on Youtube.
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After reaching the summit, celebrate with a Kilimanjaro Premium Lager when you get back down—it’s not half bad.
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And lastly, if a high-altitude Kilimanjaro trek is not in the cards this year, check out the Kilimanjaro ride at Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL for a taste of East Africa.
Your experience begins with our US-based team who will send you a Blue Rhino Information Pack and talk through your plans, including your group, your needs, your budget and your goals for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
