| FLORA
AND FAUNA
The
ascent takes you on a climatic journey from the
tropics to the arctic. The grassy cultivated lower
slopes soon turn into lush rainforest inhabited
by elusive leopard, elephants, antelopes and buffalo.
Above this is heath and moorland dotted with particularly
impressive giant groundsel up to 16 feet (5 metres)
high, along with huge lobelias and massive heathers.
Iridescent blue-green sunbirds and drab brown
but shrill-voiced alpine chats inhabit this strange
world of giants. As the air grows dry and cold
the terrain changes to Alpine desert, then finally
ice, snow and cold rarefied air slow the pace
to a dawdle. The crater rim at sunrise is the
final achievement in this great African challenge.
SEASONS
Mt
Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year,
but the rainy season makes the forest more slippery
and the summit may be blocked by snow. Be prepared
for bursts of rain on the mountain at any time
of the year. Just after the end of the rains is
scenically the most attractive time to go. Be
prepared for climatic extremes, from rain in the
forest, intense sun in the alpine desert and freezing
temperatures at the summit.
Dry Season: It is best to climb
the mountain in the dry months from late June
to early October (which are cool and dry) or late
December to early March (which are hot and dry).
Rainy Season: Rain usually falls
from April to June and in November and early December.
Heavy snowfalls may be experienced.
Temperatures: the lower slopes
are warm and pleasant at around 59-68°F (15-20°C).
Above 13,200 feet (4,000 metres) temperatures
drop to lower than 41°F (5°C) and plunge
to well below freezing in the icy winds on the
summit.
KILIMANJARO
SPECIALITIES
• Highest mountain in Africa
• Highest free standing mountain in the
world and one of the world's largest volcanoes
• Unique flora and fauna
FACTS
The National Park covers an area of approximately
470 miles² (755 km²).
It attained park status in 1973.
The mountain is about 80 miles (120km) from Arusha.
There are six usual trekking routes to the summit.
Equipment and porters can be hired.
Nearly half of those who attempt Kili don’t
make it to the top.
The mountain is a not a malarial area, but the
surrounding lowlands of Tanzania are.
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