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At 5,895m, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest
point on the continent, earning it the title "The Roof of Africa." Its snow-covered
peaks have fascinated locals and visitors for years: from Ernest
Hemingway, who called the mountain "as wide as all the world",
to the local tribes, who call it Kilema Kyaro -- "that which
cannot be conquered."
Mt. Kilimanjaro
also draws hundreds of people to its grassy slopes each year,
attracted by the possibility of climbing such a formidable
mountain without the need for technical equipment. Kilimanjaro's
peak, Kibo, is a giant crater, and reachable by anyone in fairly
good shape.
At the base of the mountain is the Kilimanjaro National
Park, a lush rainforest that is home to many animals including
Cape buffalo, elephants, monkeys and leopards. As you ascend
the mountain the greenery changes to low-lying grasses, heather
and groundsels, and finally to the snowy glacier covering
Kilimanjaro's peak. The best time to climb the mountain are
the drier months of January, February and September. Although
anyone who is reasonably fit can climb Kilimanjaro, you
must train before
your trip, be prepared by bringing the proper
clothing and equipment and be aware of the possible health
risks associated with climbing at such a high altitude.
Location: 3.07 S, 37.35 E
Elevation: 19,335.6ft (5,895m) |