KILIMANJARO:

THE BASIC FACTS

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1. Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

It is 5895m (19,341ft) above sea level at its highest point, Uhuru Peak. Before reaching Uhuru Peak trekkers pass by Gilmans Point and Stella Point.

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2. The mountain is situated in the East African republic of Tanzania. It is in the north of the country, right against the border with Kenya.

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3. The mountain actually has three summits, of which Kibo is the largest and highest. It is also the only one that has snow and glaciers on it all through the seasons.

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4. As you ascend the mountain trekkers pass through several different vegetation zones this starts with cloud forest, then heath and moorland, alpine desert – before finishing at the snowy summit. This is why people say that to climb Kilimanjaro is like walking through all four seasons in one week.

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5. Though people say ‘we climb Kilimanjaro’, it is actually a hike. There is no climbing involved, a long sometimes steep walk.

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6. The first recorded successful ascent was by Hans Meyer from Leipzig. Along with his Austrian companion Ludwig Purtscheller, in October 1889.