Uhuru Peak : On the Kilimanjaro region, stands the tallest highest mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. This means, it is not part of mountain ranges. It is about 5895 meters high above the sea level making it a spectacular destination for mountain climbers and hikers around the world. Thousands of visitors travel from different corners of this planet to witness this snow-caped mountain. It receives about 20,000 to 35,000 hikers per year. It is a destination goal for tens of thousands of hikers each year. However, only 40% reach the summit successfully. Mount Kilimanjaro is found in Kilimanjaro region close to the Moshi town in the Kilimanjaro National Park.
It is easily accessible by air, road and railway. By air, you can reach this park from external flights whose destination is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You can also fly from Dar es Salaam or any region to JRO and take a drive to one of your favorite Kilimanjaro gates. The best time to visit this park is from June to October. However, there are some routes, that are easily trekked in wet season, one of which is Lemosho route. Therefore, you can plan your trip at any time.
There are seven routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which will help you to reach the Uhuru peak. These are Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira Plateau, Umbwe and Marangu routes.
If you follow these routes, you will go to the top of Africa’s highest peak. Machame, Marangu and Umbwe routes start from the south while Lemosho, Shira and Northern Circuit routes are in the west gates. Rongai route is in the north and visitors from Kenya. You can imagine witnessing the sunrise on top of the highest peak in Africa. You are a hero of all peaks in Africa. Yes, you are on Uhuru peak, the highest peak in Africa and also the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Uhuru peak is found on Kibo, one of the three volcanoes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Other volcanic cones include Mawenzi and Shira. Mawenzi is 5149m high while Shira is 3962m high above the sea level. While Mawenzi and Shira are considered to be extinct volcanos Kibo is dormant but not extinct with its last volcanic eruption happened 200,000 years ago.
While other highest peaks in the world are dangerous to climbers, Uhuru peak is said to be a favorable one. It poses less health complications to climbers. These complications can be avoided by acclimatizing your body to highest altitudes. The favorable peak for acclimatization is Mt. Meru, the little brother of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru’s peak, Socialist peak is 4566m above the sea level. This is enough to make your body adapt and get used to high altitudes.
Mount Kilimanjaro has favorable weather condition as compared to other peaks like Mount Everest. Therefore, it can be climbed by anyone from any climate zone. The average temperature of Mount Kilimanjaro is from 21⁰C to 27⁰C and that of Uhuru peak is from 0⁰C to -30⁰C.
During climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is easier to hike because the altitudes increase gradually from the base to Uhuru peak. Then, it favors both amateur and hobbyists. If you haven’t climbed any mount, you don’t have to worry much because you will learn it. A fun fact about Uhuru peak is that; athletes can climb it from the base to the summit in one day. This is due to its easiness.
You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro to the summit, Uhuru peak in 5-8-day hike. The number of days to reach the summit depends on the choice of the route and type of safari packages you chose. Luxurious trips always take 8-9 days. These trips enable to explore stunning scenic views before witnessing the gorgeous scenes of sunrise on the peak. The average cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to the summit ranges from 1,590 USD to 3,450 USD per person. You will ascend through various vegetation zones including; Rainforest zone, Heather-Moorland zone, Cultivation zone, Arctic zone and Alpine desert zone.
What to expect from Uhuru Peak?
Mount Kilimanjaro has a lot of things to offer to its visitors. On your trek to the summit you will encounter scenic views of Mother Nature, diverse vegetation and some wild animals. You may encounter some wild animals like elephants, antelopes and monkeys.
Uhuru Peak Hiking Gears
There is a special packing list you must carry with you when climbing this majestic mountain otherwise you will suffer from cold and uncomfortable. Here are some of the gears you may pack for a Kilimanjaro hike;
Clothing; On your hike to Uhuru peak you will hike across different points with different weather and vegetation. You will have to pack some important clothes that will save you from cold and other uncertainties during your hike. Such clothes you will have to carry include;
Jackets; Jackets protect from excessive cold, rain and injury by trees. Three important types of jackets you have to pack include;
Fleece jacket; this type of jacket will help to keep your body insulated especially during the night.
Down jacket. As I said earlier, the temperatures at the peak ranges from 0 ⁰C to -30⁰C. A down jacket will help you to be warm especially on your final day of your hike to the summit.
Rainy jacket; Rainfall is common in Mt. Kilimanjaro especially in the Rainforest zone and Cultivation zone. A hard shell rain jacket will protect you in these moments.
Trousers; Most of the routes to the summit consist of unspoiled Mother Nature including tremendous vegetation and reptiles like snakes. Long trousers help you avoid having your leg hurt. Common used trousers are warm trousers, membrane pants and trekking pants. Warm trousers will keep your feet warm. Membrane pants are waterproof and will protect you from rainfall. Trekking pants are flexible, they can be used during sunny day.
Bag; A bag is must-carry thing for a hiker. There are some that you will carry on your while others are carried by your porter. Remember that, a porter is not allowed to carry bags with weight above 20kg. So, you should pack light things and gears. You will also carry a bag packed with frequently used things. Here are two bags commonly used by hikers;
A daypack; In this bag you will pack all most frequently used things like sunglasses, sunscreen, flashlight, water and some snacks. Most recommended daypack is waterproof to avoid rain and it should be easier to be carry.
A waterproof duffle bag; This bag is usually carried by a porter. You will pack most of gears which may be used in your hike including footwear, headgear, clothing and other things.
Footwear; This includes all shoes, sandals, hiking boots, sneakers, trekking socks and other things frequently worn to protect feet. Your hiking boots must have a good ankle support and must be waterproof. You have to pack as many pair of socks as possible because you will have to change them regularly to avoid your feet from being infected with fungus. Sandals and open shoes will help your feet relax and get some air especially when resting at the camp.
Sleeping Equipment; Sleeping gears are very important during your hike. You need to get enough sleep before starting your hike early in the morning. Some sleeping gears recommended are 3 to 4 sleeping bags that provide warm during night.
Trekking poles; Your knees may feel exhausted when climbing to high altitudes. Trekking poles may help your body through these heights and you may not feel tired. These poles help you when you are tired in the trek. Your knees joints would be saved from being too much tired, if you have trekking poles. So, trekking poles are important and you will have to carry with you.
First Aid; This is an important thing to have with during your hike. Although, some tour operators have their first aid kits, it is important to carry your own kit. Your kit must include drugs as pain killers and other antibiotics, oral, plasters to cover wounds. In addition, personal hygiene tools like tooth brush, hair brush, body oil may be carried in this kit.
Headgear; You have to keep your head, eyes and other anterior body parts are safe by carrying headgears which will protect them. These gears include;
Sunhat; Overheating and sunburns are common problems associated with Kilimanjaro climbers. These problems can be avoided by wearing a sunhat.
Sunglasses; During daylight you may facing bright sunrays. Sunrise at the summit is always affect heroes of Uhuru. Sunglasses will help you avoid this problem.
Headlamp; Hiking begin earlier in the morning between 3.am. in order to reach the summit by early in the morning. You need a headlamp to aid you hike safely.
Gloves. These keep your hands warm throughout your hike especially during cold moments.
Uhuru peak is one of the Seven Summits in the world. Climbing to this peak is a dream for every hiker. With travel conditions being made easier by Tanzanian authorities travelling to this country is simple and less cost. The country itself is proudly welcoming tourists to view various attractions including the mighty snow-caped mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
