03Cities, Parks & Islands

The summit

Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest roof

Mount Kilimanjaro is a large dormant stratovolcano in northern Tanzania; Uhuru Peak is commonly cited at 5,895 m—the highest point in Africa. The national park around the mountain was established in 1973 and inscribed by UNESCO in 1987. From neighbouring plains the scene is a snow-capped cone above low savannah, even when the photograph is taken from Kenya’s Amboseli side; the mountain itself stands on the Tanzanian side. Climbing is a multi-day trek on organised park routes, while many travellers only view the summit from below or from a flight toward Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves the northern circuit. Do not confuse “seeing the mountain” with summiting: the climb needs days, fitness and park permits. Two days around Moshi or Arusha cover viewing and planning; a full climb is roughly a week depending on the route.

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Uhuru elevation

1973

Park established

1987

UNESCO inscription