The word Kilimanjaro, in the local language, means either “Mountain of Greatness” or “Shining Mountain”.

Either way, both are perfectly apt for Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain standing in the middle of this 75, 575 ha park. One of the world’s largest volcanoes, Kilimanjaro towers 5,895 meters above sea level and is – often referred to as ‘the roof of Africa.

This dormant volcano is made up of 3 separate cones: snow-capped Kibo (5895m), Mawenzi (5149m) and Shira (4005m), standing in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak peeping through a blanket of clouds. The mountain is encircled by a dense forest - home for numerous mammals, many of which are endangered.

With five vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point:  Lower slopes, Montana Forest, Heath and Moorland, Alpine Desert and Summit, the whole mountain plant and animal-rich. Kilimanjaro is a superlative phenomenon and a true natural wonder.