"Kili" is truly one of the most impressive sights in Africa. It can be seen from various points in northern Tanzania, and even as far away as Tsavo and Amboseli parks in Kenya. Part of its spectacular appeal is that Kilimanjaro is not part of a mountain range—it's a 19,342-ft/5,895-m dormant volcano rising dramatically from a relatively flat plain—it's the world's highest freestanding mountain. Clouds blanket the snowcapped peak most of the time, often dissipating at dusk and dawn to offer stunning views from Moshi and elsewhere in the vicinity. (Some scientists who watch global weather patterns are predicting that the snowcap will disappear completely in 15 years. Roughly 35% of the ice has disappeared in the past two decades, 82% since 1912, so you may want to see Kili sooner rather than later.)
Because of its relatively gentle slope, even inexperienced climbers can climb Kilimanjaro—it is the tallest mountain in the world that can be simply walked up. Having said this, it is still hard work and you need to be fit (consult your physician first, because of the altitude). The climb takes a minimum of five days—four up and one down—but your odds of reaching the summit will be greatly improved if you add an extra night or two on the way up in order to to acclimatize to the altitude. A guide is compulsory—and a godsend if you get hurt or sick. Most people start near Marangu and gladly use the rest huts that are along the way. (Mandara Hut is at 9,000 ft/2,750 m, Horombo Hut is at 12,225 ft/3,790 m and Kibo Hut is at 15,520 ft/4,811 m.) Experienced mountain climbers may opt for the Machame route, a more scenic and considerably more strenuous path up the mountain. (The Machame route is known as the whiskey route, and the Marangu route is known as the Coca-Cola route. These nicknames are derived from the climbs' hard and soft natures, respectively.) Several other possibilities are available, including the very gradual Shira Route and recently opened Rongai Route. Whichever route you take, go well-prepared—some 20,000 people attempt the climb each year, but fewer than half actually reach the summit. Altitude sickness, known locally as mountain sickness, is the primary reason most don't make it to the top. 295 mi/475 km northwest of Dar es Salaam.
