Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Uhuru Peak on Kibo is its highest point. Unlike mountains in long ranges, Kilimanjaro rises alone from the surrounding plains, which makes it look especially dramatic from Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

Climbers pass through several climate zones on the way up, from farmland and rainforest to heath, alpine desert and finally an arctic summit with glaciers. The climb does not require technical mountaineering skills, but altitude sickness is a serious risk. About 35,000 to 50,000 people attempt the climb each year.

Shrinking glaciers

Kilimanjaro's glaciers have shrunk dramatically over the past century, losing most of their ice since 1912. Scientists link the loss to changes in climate, including drier air and less snowfall. Some studies predict the ice fields could disappear within the next few decades.

Did You Know?

Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent, which mountaineers try to climb.