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 Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest Mountain in Africa, is located in northern Tanzania (formerly called Tanganyika). It is located around 200 miles south of the equator. Mount Kilimanjaro, an extinct volcanic Mountain, is 19,341 feet in height.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located within the boundaries of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The National Park, 756 square kilometers is size, was originally established as a game reserve in the early 1900's. In 1921, the government of Tanganyika renamed the game reserve to a forest and game reserve. In 1957, the Tanganyika National Parks Authority with support from many local and international conservation organizations and interest groups formally proposed the establishment of a national parkat encompassed Mount Kilimanjaro. The area above 2700-meter contour was established as Kilimanjaro National Park and was officially opened for tourism in 1977. In 1989, the World Heritage Convention declared the Park a World Heritage site
Mt Kilimanjaro is composed of three peaks: Kibo (5895m)- whose highest peak is Uhuru Peak, Mawenzi (5150m)- which is a technical climb - and Shira (3962m). Its mass rises 4800m above a rolling plain that averages 1000m above sea level. After reaching a height of 5900m during its last major eruption 360,000 years ago, Kibo has been eroded by glaciers, rivers and landslides to its present height. It is believed that Kilimanjaro like its neighbor Mt. Kenya is loosing glaciers due to global warming.
 Mt Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year, but the rainy season makes the forest more slippery and the summit may be blocked by snow. Be prepared for bursts of rain on the mountain at any time of the year. Just after the end of the rains is scenically the most attractive time to go. Be prepared for climatic extremes, from rain in the forest, intense sun in the alpine desert and freezing temperatures at the summit. Dry Season: It is best to climb the mountain in the dry months from late June to early October (which are cool and dry) or late December to early March (which are hot and dry). Rainy Season: Rain usually falls from April to June and in November and early December. Heavy snowfalls may be experienced. Temperatures: the lower slopes are warm and pleasant at around 59-68°F (15-20°C). Above 13,200 feet (4,000 metres) temperatures drop to lower than 41°F (5°C) and plunge to well below freezing in the icy winds on the summit.
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