Two Peaks Two Weeks

Uhuru Peak

Uhuru peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most sought after destinations by climbers. Uhuru peak is the highest point or peak of Mountain Kilimanjaro, sought after to be reached by so many travellers climbing Kilimanjaro Mountain. Mountain Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in the African continent, and the highest free standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered as the easiest to climb of the Seven Summits, and thus a popular hiking destination for both experienced and amateur hikers.

Uhuru Peak is 5,895 meters above sea level, found on the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Uhuru Peak is located on the volcanic cone Kibo, of Mountain Kilimanjaro. Reaching the Peak is a goal of about 20,000-35,000 hikers every single year, to reach the top point of Africa. An impressive 40% of climbers or hikers actually do reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching the Uhuru Peak.

The word Uhuru is a Swahili word meaning freedom, given to the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro back in 1961 when Tanganyika now Tanzania was granted her independence from the then colonialists the British.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano made up of layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and tephra forming three separate volcanic peaks. Two of the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro are considered extinct namely Mawenzi and Shira Peaks, with the Kibo is considered dormant but definitely extinct. Mount Kilimanjaro found in Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania has unique climate and vegetation levels, which travellers do go through as they climb Kilimanjaro to reach the various peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro including the Uhuru Peak. The various climates that youn shall go through include the alpine Desert Zone, Arctic Zone, Cultivated Zone, Heather-Moorland Zone and Rainforest Zone. Whilst climbing Kilimanjaro, the average temperatures at the base are 21-27 degrees Celsius, while the top, up at the Uhuru Peak, the temperatures can drop to as low as 0 to -30 degrees Celsius.

Uhuru Peak
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Uhuru Peak

Whilst climbing Kilimanjaro is considered relatively easier to climb as compared to other mountains including the other Seven Summits, there are still many things that trekkers should take time to prepare for their hike to Uhuru Peak. To be able to reach the Peak, below are some preparation ideas that you may make use of;

  • Select a long enough hiking route, say an 8 day tour to climb Kilimanjaro. Many travellers have however been able to complete the 8 day hike of Kilimanjaro Mountain in 6 days or even less. This 8 Days Kilimanjaro hike gives trekkers more chances of finishing the hike, giving you more acclimatization time.
  • Pack correctly, and sensibly. You do not want a lot of luggage, but yet also you do need a bit of comfort during the trek. Be sure to pack layered clothing to meet the challenging wildly fluctuating temperatures; air mattresses, sleeping bags to accommodate your comfortable rest at the end of the day, enough drinking water, among so many other essentials for Climbing Kilimanjaro Mountain.
  • Take time to build up endurance a head of your hike. Cardio training helps you build up heart and lungs to altitude changes, be sure to try them as you prepare to embark on the Climb of Kilimanjaro Mountain to reach Uhuru Peak.
  • Plan your hike a head of time. While there are Kilimanjaro Hiking trips available every time of the year, different times of the year affect travellers differently. Plan to Climb Kilimanjaro Mountain to reach Uhuru Peak while the weather and temperatures fit your preference.

Fun Facts about Uhuru Peak

Uhuru Peak, when reached offers some of the best and most amazing views you would ever have. Below are some of the fun facts about the Peak that you may know;

  • Experienced athletes and climbers can make the climb to Uhuru Peak from the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in less than a day! Yes, though Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa, some really experienced hikers and athletes can reach easily reach the summit.
  • There are seven well established Mount Kilimanjaro routes that travellers can take to climb Kilimanjaro Mountain. These routes include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe routes.
  • Though Mount Kilimanjaro is not an active volcano, the Peak is situated on a volcano which would see an eruption sometime in the future.
  • Travellers who do not reach the Peak is often times attributed to altitude sickness rather than the hike was a challenge itself. Preparing for altitude sickness is therefore very important as you look to climb Kilimanjaro to reach Uhuru Peak.
  • At Uhuru Peak is a book protected by a wooden box, which visitors do record their details when they do reach here.

Uhuru Peak is a sought after destination by a number of travellers looking for a challenge and definitely ticking off their bucket list, especially the adventurous travellers. Intent on hiking and looking to Climb Kilimanjaro Mountain, or want to be at the top of Africa? Plan to visit Uhuru Peak with  Kilimanjaro Hiking trip. Get in touch with your trusted tour operator to help you plan an amazing Tanzania safari Tour , and get to climb the highest mountain in Africa and be at the top of the whole African continent, an achievement that you shall feel proud of.

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