| FLORA
AND FAUNA
The
ascent takes you on a climatic journey from
the tropics to the arctic. The grassy cultivated
lower slopes soon turn into lush rainforest
inhabited by elusive leopard, elephants, antelopes
and buffalo. Above this is heath and moorland
dotted with particularly impressive giant groundsel
up to 16 feet (5 metres) high, along with huge
lobelias and massive heathers. Iridescent blue-green
sunbirds and drab brown but shrill-voiced alpine
chats inhabit this strange world of giants.
As the air grows dry and cold the terrain changes
to Alpine desert, then finally ice, snow and
cold rarefied air slow the pace to a dawdle.
The crater rim at sunrise is the final achievement
in this great African challenge.
SEASONS
Mt
Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year,
but the rainy season makes the forest more slippery
and the summit may be blocked by snow. Be prepared
for bursts of rain on the mountain at any time
of the year. Just after the end of the rains
is scenically the most attractive time to go.
Be prepared for climatic extremes, from rain
in the forest, intense sun in the alpine desert
and freezing temperatures at the summit.
Dry Season: It is best to climb
the mountain in the dry months from late June
to early October (which are cool and dry) or
late December to early March (which are hot
and dry).
Rainy Season: Rain usually
falls from April to June and in November and
early December. Heavy snowfalls may be experienced.
Temperatures: the lower slopes
are warm and pleasant at around 59-68°F
(15-20°C). Above 13,200 feet (4,000 metres)
temperatures drop to lower than 41°F (5°C)
and plunge to well below freezing in the icy
winds on the summit.
KILIMANJARO
SPECIALITIES
• Highest mountain in Africa
• Highest free standing mountain in the
world and one of the world's largest volcanoes
• Unique flora and fauna
FACTS
The National Park covers an area of approximately
470 miles² (755 km²).
It attained park status in 1973.
The mountain is about 80 miles (120km) from
Arusha.
There are six usual trekking routes to the summit.
Equipment and porters can be hired.
Nearly half of those who attempt Kili don’t
make it to the top.
The mountain is a not a malarial area, but the
surrounding lowlands of Tanzania are.
Check out our recommended 6 day Kilimanjaro climb
with a top Kili specialist: KILI
TREK
|
