Mount Kilimanjaro

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Mount Kilimanjaroo is a stratovulcano composed of three cones in Tanzania (with magma a mere 400m from the surface…). It also happens to be the tallest mountain in Africa. It also is the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain, which can be done in 6 or 7 days.  The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also relatively easy, but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy, and ascent and descent routes are the same.

About 10 climbers die from altitude sickness this each year, together with an unknown number of local porters – figures for these are guessed at between 10-20. Kilimanjaro summit is well above the altitude at which high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) can occur. All climbers will suffer considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches, and though most young, fit people can make the Uhuru summit, a substantial number of trekkers will abandon the attempt at a lower altitude. (from Wikipedia)