Kilimanjaro

What it is

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth. Its summit, Uhuru Peak, sits on the rim of the Kibo crater. On the way up you pass through five climate zones: farmland, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and finally ice. No technical climbing is involved; the real challenge is altitude.

The route

Climbing is allowed only with a licensed guide, usually backed by a team of porters. The most popular routes are Machame, Lemosho, Marangu and Rongai, taking six to eight days. Summit night starts around midnight from the last camp at about 4,700 m, and reaching the top usually takes six to eight hours.

Season and a tip

The best windows are January to early March and June to October, outside the rainy seasons. Choose a seven- or eight-day itinerary: an extra acclimatization day noticeably improves your chances. Keep spare headlamp batteries in an inside pocket, since the cold drains them fast.