From lush tropical rainforests to the unending expanse of snow atop Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest summit, every step of the ascent showcases distinct and breathtaking vistas.
From lush tropical rainforests to icy permafrost, every step of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, offers distinct and breathtaking vistas. In celebration of the launch of the new Air France Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) - Kilimanjaro (JRO) service beginning on November 18, 2024, we present five extraordinary natural scenes you can encounter during your journey up this majestic African landmark.
Between 1,800 meters and 2,800 meters lies a thick and moist montane woodland.
From the outset, you find yourself enveloped in the vivid environment of the dense mountain forest surrounding Kilimanjaro’s base in Tanzania. This warm and moist region, situated between 1,800 and 2,800 meters elevation, boasts an abundant variety of flora including towering ferns, cascading lichens, and stately trees. As you progress, expect to encounter the lively calls of colorful avian species as well as glimpses of frequently seen blue monkeys and colobus monkeys native to these woodlands.
Between approximately 2,800 and 4,000 meters above sea level, one can find heath and moorlands.
When you exit the rainforest, you arrive at a moorland plateau blanketed with heather, situated between 2,800 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Here, the air turns cooler by several degrees, transforming the scenery entirely; forests yield to resilient bushes and native flora like colossal groundsel and towering lobelias. Meandering paths traverse undulating terrain dotted with flowering heather, providing unobstructed vistas of the valley floors beneath.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 meters lies the alpine desert region.
As elevation rises, plant life becomes sparse. Situated between 4,000 and 5,000 meters lies the alpine desert zone, characterized by its dry, stony terrain dotted with volcanic stones. Harsh climate patterns, remnants of old lava eruptions from the nearby volcano, along with insufficient oxygen levels lend this region a lunar appearance. Notably, within this section resides one of the most striking landmarks on your journey: the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall—a towering rock formation measuring nearly 300 meters in height—which can only be navigated via a slender trail, proceeding in a line as climbers hold onto the precipice for support.
At an altitude of 5,000 meters, you'll find glaciers and permanent snow cover.
As you approach the peak, climbing higher than 5,000 meters, you reach an area covered with eternal snow and ice fields. Despite their recent retreat due to climate change, Kilimanjaro’s glaciers remain awe-inspiring. Particularly striking is the sight of the Rebmann Glacier on the mountain’s southern slope, offering climbers some of the most unforgettable moments during their ascent.
Around 5,895 meters high, the crater along with the breathtaking panorama from the summit offers a stunning vista.
After several hours of hiking, you're nearly at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Often, the journey to the Kibo crater begins during the night so that climbers arrive at the edge of the caldera just as the sun rises. From there, it’s merely a 200-meter stroll across the crater—a short one-hour walk—to get to Uhuru Peak, which stands tall at 5,895 meters above sea level. The vista from the peak is absolutely stunning. With good visibility, you can gaze out over vast expanses below. Tanzanian savannah , the adjacent mountains and occasionally even Mount Kenya on the horizon.