Everyone always wants to have a picture against the perfect background, right? Imagine this. You, in a picturesque surrounding - savannah in the foreground, Kilimanjaro in the background – too good to be true! But it does actually exist in the real world.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes climbers through five distinct ecological zones, each of which offers different scenic characteristics.
Want a lifetime of incredible memories?
Here is the best place to take the most spectacular photos you’ll spot on the journey to the Roof of Africa.
SHIRA PLATEAU
On the Western Approach and Grand Traverse treks, this is the first time when you’ll be above the forest. Take the time to see your fill of the beautiful, rolling sky. And when the clouds part, that is when you’ll get to see Kibo’s snowy peak in the distance.
On a clear night, you can see the spectacular sunset behind Shira Peak and a vast sea of stars. You can see uninterrupted views of Uhuru Peak.
Climbers on the Shira Route and Lemosho Route can get their first glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Shira Plateau.
LAVA TOWER
Lava Tower is a fun Kilimanjaro Hike up that provides spectacular views from the top. The formation is 300 feet tall, creating a large, visible landmark on the trail.
Lava Tower provides such beautiful views that in the past, tourists would scramble up to the top. It was so that they could get their fill of the breathtaking views from up the tower. But in time, tourists were banned from doing it because park authorities deemed it too dangerous.
BARRANCO WALL
The Barranco Wall is a massive and intimidating structure. The wall rises 257 meters above the valley. Many people get nervous when viewing this seemingly sheer cliff. However, navigating this rock is much easier and safer than it looks.
The Barranco Wall is a feast for the eyes against the backdrop of the blue sky and clouds.
THE SADDLE
Between Kibo and Mawenzi lies a barren plain of alpine desert known as “The Saddle.”
It is a five-mile-long plateau connecting Kilimanjaro’s highest peak with its neighbor, Mawenzi. Its main ascent route that is, the Coca Cola route, can be seen on the left part of the mountain.
The views of Mount Mawenzi to the east and the views of Kibo to the west are both amazing.
MAWENZI PEAK
Mawenzi is the second-highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro. It stands at a height of 5,149 meters and is made of very steep terrain and loose rocks. It has a unique appearance due to its spiky and jagged top.
Mawenzi provides breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset atop the mountain.
BARRANCO VALLEY
Like a landscape from a romantic novel, the Great Barranco Valley is a surreal sight to behold. It is the only place in the world that has the alien-looking giant groundsel plant.
It has unique flora, crystal clear waterfalls, and impressive views of the glaciers shimmering above. And its massive wall will have you scrambling up the path.
When you reach the top of Barranco Wall, you see majestic views of the blue sky and clouds.
SOUTHERN ICE FIELD
Southern Ice field’s world-renowned glaciers have covered Africa’s highest peak for centuries. But they have been thinning rapidly in recent years.
All of the routes when Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro offers you grand views of the Southern Ice Field. The views become more breathtaking when you get nearer to the summit.
Don’t forget to snap a picture with these beautiful ice structures before you descend. No one knows if you’ll ever get to see them again so!
CRATER CAMP
If you have the chance to detour to Crater Camp, take it! Towering blue glaciers stand in stark contrast to the ash and lava covered the floor of the crater.
Climbers who stay here have the opportunity to explore one of Kilimanjaro’s last remaining glaciers, Furtwangler Glacier.
Best described as a mix between a lunar and arctic environment, it’s like no other landscape on earth.
UHURU PEAK
Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro –5,895 meters above sea level. It’s not the fanciest sign, but once the summit sign comes in to view, you know the goal is near!
When you reach the end of your Kilimanjaro Hike, take in the dazzling beauty around you.
BARAFU CAMP
The Barafu camp shows off a picturesque landscape. An early wake-up call is rewarded with a picture-perfect sunrise over the jagged outline of Mawenzi Peak.
It provides a majestic view across a moon-like landscape to Uhuru Peak. This is where your Kilimanjaro Success Rate accelerates the most.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging and life-changing experience that will provide a lifetime of incredible memories for you. Need the inspiration to get you started? Well, it’s about the beauty around you.
Want to experience these picturesque views? At Jerry Tanzania Tours, we are here to help you achieve all your Kilimanjaro dreams. Contact us now!
