Uhuru peak kilimanjaro national park, Tanzania
Uhuru peak of mount Kilimanjaro, old sign post with a snow covered ground at dawn
Uhuru peak of mount Kilimanjaro, some of the scenery the area with the southern ice fields in the distance- Near Uhuru peak of mount Kilimanjaro (behind), southern ice fields (right) with Mawenzi in the distance at dawn
Altitude: 5895 m.a.m.s.l.
The summit of mount Kilimanjaro, situated on Kibo — one of the mountain's three peaks.
Its name comes from the swahili word for freedom 'Uhuru' for its part in the history of Tanzania's (then Tanganyika) independence from British colonial rule.
On 8th December 1961, the eve of the country's independence day, the late Brig. Alexander Nyirenda (then army officer) erected the Uhuru torch and the national flag on top of the mountain as a celebratory act.
At the same time, the Union Jack (then flag of Tanganyika) was lowered at the national stadium.
Formerly known as the Kaiser Wilhelm peak by German explorer Hans Meyer under then German colonial rule, it was renamed in 1964, three years after Tanzania got independence.
Since then it has been the target of many people, aiming to reach the highest point in Africa.
The final part of the climb to it usually starts just after midnight, reaching the summit just before or after sunrise — depending on fitness.
Uhuru peak is now marked by a huge signpost, courtesy of the park authorities and there are no remains of the torch or flag that was erected back in 1961.
There are about 8 routes (including the special permission western breach) to Uhuru peak, with most getting there within 5 or 6 days.
Location of Uhuru peakUhuru peak is located along the crater rim of Africa's highest mountain — Kilimanjaro, and well within view of the vast plateau that is its crater.
There is no vegetation in the area and almost no animals in sight, mainly due to the harsh conditions in the area — sub zero temperatures, high winds and no rainfall.
However, there is snow in the area from moisture that has condensed during the night when temperature are even lower.
The high altitude and sheer size of the mountain affect gravity in a way that makes it tough to know exactly which way is up.
The peak may not seem like the highest point to those on the mountain thus making it easier to get lost, another reason as to why you would need an experienced guide on the mountain.
Abbreviationsm.a.m.s.l - metres above metric sea level
The summit of mount Kilimanjaro, situated on Kibo — one of the mountain's three peaks.
Its name comes from the swahili word for freedom 'Uhuru' for its part in the history of Tanzania's (then Tanganyika) independence from British colonial rule.
On 8th December 1961, the eve of the country's independence day, the late Brig. Alexander Nyirenda (then army officer) erected the Uhuru torch and the national flag on top of the mountain as a celebratory act.
At the same time, the Union Jack (then flag of Tanganyika) was lowered at the national stadium.
Formerly known as the Kaiser Wilhelm peak by German explorer Hans Meyer under then German colonial rule, it was renamed in 1964, three years after Tanzania got independence.
Since then it has been the target of many people, aiming to reach the highest point in Africa.
The final part of the climb to it usually starts just after midnight, reaching the summit just before or after sunrise — depending on fitness.
Uhuru peak is now marked by a huge signpost, courtesy of the park authorities and there are no remains of the torch or flag that was erected back in 1961.
There are about 8 routes (including the special permission western breach) to Uhuru peak, with most getting there within 5 or 6 days.
Location of Uhuru peakUhuru peak is located along the crater rim of Africa's highest mountain — Kilimanjaro, and well within view of the vast plateau that is its crater.
There is no vegetation in the area and almost no animals in sight, mainly due to the harsh conditions in the area — sub zero temperatures, high winds and no rainfall.
However, there is snow in the area from moisture that has condensed during the night when temperature are even lower.
The high altitude and sheer size of the mountain affect gravity in a way that makes it tough to know exactly which way is up.
The peak may not seem like the highest point to those on the mountain thus making it easier to get lost, another reason as to why you would need an experienced guide on the mountain.
Abbreviationsm.a.m.s.l - metres above metric sea level
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