The Other Spot

Kilimanjaro is one of the highest volcano (inactive) in the world, located in Tanzania, Africa. Richard Bass (1986) nominated this mountain as one of “The Seven Summits”, means the highest mountains froam each of the seven continent on earth.

Some theories appear to explain the origin of its name, but I believe that the name “Kilimanjaro” come from local language, Swahili, means “a shine mountain”, very similar with another local language, Masai, means “a white mountain”. The highest peak of this mountain, Uhuru Peak, used to call Kaiser-Wilhem-Spitze in 1889, regarding the name of German’s Kaiser which control owned this territory.

The highest peak of Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, located on Kibo volcanic cones. It is 5,895 metres (19,340 ft) above sea level. Due to Kilimanjaro’s equatorial location and its high elevation, we can see that almost every climate type on earth is represented, including a year-round snow-topped summit.

Climbing the Uhuru Peak is not too difficult, but it takes a lot of time to prepare your body against the elevation shock. There are easy climb routes, such as Marangu, Rongai, and Machame. It take around 5 days to reach the peak if you use the routes of Marangu.

You’ll find some traditional cottage on the route to the peak. So you don’t have to worry about supplies while climbing. You can buy a a lot of things there. Some of them also have an electricity. So, you can recharge your cellphone there. Oh, I forgot to tell you. This mountain, including the Uhuru Peak, is the highest peak in the world that covered by GSM mobile phone network, provided by Vodacom. So, you can talk to your buddies while you in the top.

When you reach the Uhuru peak, you’ll see the words: “Congratulations! You are now at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania, 5,895 m. AMSL. Africa’s Highest Point. World’s Highest Free-Standing Mountain. One of World’s Largest Volcanos. Welcome.” You can also write your name in the guestbook, provided by the local Government.

So, if you like to try the highest mountain in Africa, let’s prepare yourself to go to this spot!