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Kilimanjaro stands a scant 205 miles south of the equator, on the northern boundary of Tanzania. Its location on an open plain close to the Indian Ocean, and its great size and height strongly influence the climate, vegetation, animal life and the climbing conditions. It is made up of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters), Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters).
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It's the highest mountain in Africa and one of the largest free standing mountains in the world.
Kilimanjaro National Park takes in the area above the 8,850 feet, or 2,700 metre line, on the mountain. It includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. In addition, the Park has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve which is also a Game Reserve.
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Kilimanjaro towers above the Great Rift Valley, possible birthplace of humankind and the site of Leakey's research in the Olduvai Gorge. This gives Kilimanjaro an awesome mystique. One can imagine the mountain towering above our ancestors and recording all the changes made in these early days with its continual impression on the species. When you walk on the mountain you'll probably see some odd arrangements of stone. Your guides will tell you they know what they mean. Perhaps they do then again prehaps they don't.
On Kilimanjaro, some mysteries may never be answered
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At the foot of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, lie bustling towns like Moshi and Marangu where you may catch a glimpse of the colourful, village life. Arusha is also nearby and one of Tanzania's fastest growing towns, surrounded by coffee, wheat and corn estates. Towards the north you will find authentic Maasai villages. Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha national parks.
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