Mount Kilimanjaro is found in the north east of Tanzania, close to its border with Kenya. It has three volcanic cones (all inactive you will be pleased to hear) - Kibo, Mawensi, and Shira - and its highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo.
The climb to Uhuru Peak is considered to be relatively straightforward by mountaineering standards - in fact 15,000 people attempt the climb every year, although only 40% reach the summit. That might not sound like a great success rate, but three times as many people conquer Kilimanjaro each year than have ever climbed Everest.
The main reason for failing to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro altitude sickness caused by a lack of acclimatisation. Get that right and you should be able to reach the summit.
There are six official routes to the top, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Umbwe and Shira, and one extra route for descending, Mweka.
The most popular route is Marangu - hence its nickname The Coca Cola Route. It typically takes five days to reach the summit, although many climbers take six by allowing an extra day for acclimatisation. This is the most comfortable route because at the end of each day you get to stay in huts with cooking facilities, bathrooms, and electricity. On all the other routes you make do in tents.
For the slightly more adventurous who don't mind roughing it, consider going up via the Machame route which offers the most beautiful climb to the top.
Although close to the equator, as you climb Kilimanjaro you will pass through practically every climate type there is. At the foot you are on the African plains, but Mount Kilimanjaro is snow capped throughout the year so by the time you reach the summit the temperatutre is likely to be below freezing point.
The final ascent is usually done in the early hours using lamps because the scree slopes are easier to climb when frozen together.
You are required to have a licensed guide to climb Kilimanjaro. Entry to the Kilimanjaro National Park and camping / hut fees will cost you about US$100 per day although all inclusive trips are likely to be significantly dearer. Most climbers also use porters who also need to be paid for.
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