Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Volcanic activity started 2.5 million years ago, beginning with Shira. Mawenzi and Kibo began erupting 1 million years ago, and Uhuru is situated on the Kibo volcanic cone. The last major volcanic activity at Kibo occurred between 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Today, thousands of tourists from all over the world attempt to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year.
Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak is every hiker’s dream destination on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it’s also the highest point of the mountain. Uhuru stands at an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. The name Uhuru is derived from a local Swahili word translated to mean “freedom.”
Mount Kilimanjaro is a strata volcano, with Mawenzi and Shira being extinct while Kibo is still active, evident from gas emissions from its crater. At the caldera is an inner cone containing Reusch crater, named after Gustav Otto Reusch by the Tanzanian government after he climbed Kilimanjaro for the 25th time, following 65 attempts in his lifetime.
There are three peaks at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, with Kibo being the highest of all three, making it the highest not only in Tanzania but also in the African continent. Mount Kilimanjaro is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range.
Climbing to Uhuru Peak is a thrilling experience as you get to hike through 5 distinct ecological zones from the base to the summit, starting with bushland and plantations, montane rainforests, heather-moorland zones, alpine desert, and the arctic zone at the summit.
There are seven well-established trails set by Kilimanjaro National Park for hiking to the summit. These include the Lemosho route, Rongai route, Marangu route, Umbwe route, Machame route, Kilema route, and Shira route. All these routes provide different experiences in terms of difficulty, number of days hiking, views, and more.
The best time for hiking Uhuru Peak is during the drier months of June to August and December to February when the hiking trails are in good condition, making it easier to hike. This period also aligns with the best time for visiting other Tanzanian national parks for wildlife viewing.
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is considered the easiest of all the seven summits to hike, you still need to prepare yourself physically and mentally before embarking on Mount Kilimanjaro trekking. The major challenge almost all hikers face while hiking is altitude sickness. For a successful summit rate, it’s advisable to stay longer on the mountain by choosing a longer route that provides good acclimatization.
Having a successful summit to Uhuru Peak is a dream come true for many hikers. The outstanding views at the top are indescribable unless you see them for yourself. You will reach the summit just in time to witness a glorious sunrise like you’ve probably never seen before!
Tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak must come prepared with garden gloves, hiking poles, waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved and warm clothes, plenty of drinking water, energy-giving snacks, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellents, among other essentials.