Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous and highest
freestanding mountains in the world, rising from the north-eastern part
of Tanzania. Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 metres (19,336 feet) high above
sea level. Kilimanjaro comprises 3 volcanoes of which the most famous
(and the most recent), snow-capped dormant Kibo stands at 5,895 m
(19,455 ft). The mountain is situated in the Kilimanjaro National Park
in Tanzania. The trek crosses five distinct vegetation zones, namely
lower slopes, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine and desert and the
glaciers/summit. Within each zone there is an association between
altitude, rainfall, temperature, plants and animals. The name
Kilimanjaro, is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima,
meaning “mountain,” and the Kichagga vernacular language word ’Njaro’,
translated as “whiteness,” giving the name White Mountain itself.
