Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro is actually a snow-capped volcano which is located in Tanzania approximately 300 km south of the equator. At 19,340 ft. it is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest single free-standing mountain in the world. It’s higher than any of the Alps and only 2 peaks in North America are higher.

There are 5 distinct climactic zones from the base of the mountain to the summit

·        Bushland/Lower Slope: 800 m – 1,800 m (2,600 ft – 5,900 ft).

·        Rainforest: 1,800 m – 2,800 m (5,900 ft – 9,200 ft).

·        Heather/Moorland: 2,800 m – 4,000 m (9,200 ft – 13,100 ft).

·        Alpine Desert: 4,000 m – 5,000 m (13,100 ft– 16,400 ft).

·        Arctic: 5,000 m – 5,895 m (16,400 ft – 19,300 ft).

Temperatures in the upper Arctic region average −7 °C and nights can cool to as low as −15 to −27 °C. Oxygen levels at the peak are approximately 50% less than at sea level. 

Summit attempts are generally begun at midnight so that climbers can reach the rim of the crater to view the sunrise over the African plains.

Even though our decision to take on this challenge came relatively quickly it wasn’t made lightly. The main barrier to a successful climb is altitude sickness. To maximize our chances of success, we will be taking 8 days to reach the summit to allow us the maximum time to acclimatize to the high altitudes thus greatly increasing our chances.