Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kippo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer the continent, the summit of Africa.
Size: 755 sq km.
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi. ]etting there: 128 km from Arusha. About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.
What to do:
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. Trout fishing. Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s south-east slopes.
When to go: Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Accommodation: Huts and campsites on the mountain. Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi.