Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
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Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro means “glittering mountain.” The mountain is dominant but not extinct. The volcano is located on the northern border of Tanzania. Since 1921, this territory has been a protected area; in 1973, the reserve was declared a national park but officially opened only in 1977. At 5895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest mountain in the world to walk on. The diameter of the base of this immense mountain is as much as seventy kilometers. On clear days, the impressive outline of the mountain can be seen even from one hundred and sixty kilometers away. Although Kilimanjaro is only 400 kilometers south of the equator, eternal ice lies at its summit.
Climbing the mountain can be done throughout the year, but it is not recommended to do this in the rainy season (April-May) and during short rains in November due to poor visibility. And from December to February, the temperature is highest here. With the help of guides, it is possible to reach the summit without special climbing equipment or experience, and anyone can conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
The youngest man to reach its summit was only seven years old, and the oldest was seventy-eight! While thousands of people climb to the top of the mountain every year, unique routes have also been created, providing beaten paths for experienced climbers. There are five routes for climbing the mountain: Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Shira, and Machame. The most popular route is Marangu, as it is the most straightforward ascent.