Your all purpose fact-book for Mt. Kilimanjaro
On Kilimanjaro you’ll be experiencing a history and cultural expedition that is one-of-a-kind with the help of Berguide. As well as connecting mountain climbers to guides, we’re here to connect climbers to the incredible history and knowledge that makes mountains that much more special.
Pioneering climbs of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro was first summited in 1889 by German and Austrian climbers Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller. Their climb confirmed the existence of volcanic craters on the peak — owing to the fact that Kilimanjaro has been a dormant volcano since the 19th century.
Kilimanjaro has three of these volcanic peaks for you to take in on ascent — Kibo, the highest at 5,895 meters; Mawenzi at 5,149 meters, and Shira, the shortest at 4,005 meters. Mawenzi and Shira are both extinct, with Kibo being the only volcanic crater that has been dormant for over one hundred years, and looks likely to stay that way for many decades to come.
Mountains around Europe offer climbs up many extinct and dormant volcanoes, however the height and scenery close to the peak of Kilimanjaro is something special. Photographing the panoramas and vista views over Tanzania for yourself and you’ll be able to appreciate what draws climbers and explorers from all over the world here.
Pristine Glaciers and Volcanic Peaks
Stunning glaciers still cover the high altitudes of Kilimanjaro, with the Rebmann glacier offering a rare glimpse into the once massive ice fields that cover the summit for thousands of years. The glacier was named for the explorer and missionary Johann Rebmann, who was first to report snow and glaciers atop the mountain in 1848, far before the first ascent to the summit ever happened.
Experiencing some of the beautiful views of snowfall covering the mountain along your climb is something you’ll likely come across, such is the great diversity of not only the national park below but also all the way to the summit.
Rebmann glacier is predicted to be nearly gone before the turn of the 21st Century, due to climate change factors mounting over many decades of great change in development around the world. Visiting is certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity along your climb in getting to know what has made everything around Kilimanjaro’s great peaks so elusive, and yet captivating for climbers around the world to explore.
A World Heritage African Park
All three volcanic peaks offer stunning views over the Kilimanjaro national park. Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1987 — it boasts a range of exceptional biodiversity in flora and fauna. Elephants, leopards, and buffaloes are amongst the beautiful range of famous African animals that populate the montane forests and plains of the park.
It’s an area certainly worth a visit after you’ve climbed to the summit and back - relaxing or photographing the scenery here will certainly help top off your journey to Tanzania.
Tropical Temperatures of Tanzania
Kilimanjaro’s climate ranges dramatically depending on your altitude on the mountain or in the forests surrounding it. Temperatures can go down to well below freezing (−9 °C) near the glaciers on Kibo, and conversely the tropical atmosphere of the forests below can reach up to 30°C in the summer climbing season.
This diversity gives you the truly authentic experience of what Africa has to offer during your time here both on and off of Kilimanjaro, and as you’ve read from the above — it’s definitely worth exploring.
Looking for the next step on your Kilimanjaro adventure? Check out our complete guide to finding the route for you here:
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