Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and you can walk to the summit without climbing skills. The main routes are Marangu (the only one with huts), Machame, Lemosho, Rongai and the Northern Circuit; Umbwe is steep and hard.

Altitude is the main challenge. Choose a route of at least 7 or 8 days to give your body time to adjust, walk slowly ('pole pole' in Swahili), drink plenty of water, and turn back if you have symptoms of altitude sickness. Summit night starts around midnight to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

You must climb with a licensed operator, with guides and porters. Choose one that treats its porters fairly (look for KPAP partners), and budget for tips. The best seasons are January to March and June to October. Moshi and Arusha are the usual bases, near Kilimanjaro International Airport.