See Mount Kilimanjaro from the sky

See Mount Kilimanjaro from the sky : At roughly 5,895 metres (19,340 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro, which is situated in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa. Since it is not a part of a mountain range, it is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world.

Kilimanjaro, which consists of the three cones Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is also known as a stratovolcano, a term used to describe a very massive volcano composed of ash, lava, and rock. Kibo is the highest of the three volcanic structures and the peak of the mountain. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, while Kibo is dormant and may erupt once again. According to scientific estimates, it last erupted 360,000 years ago. The highest point on Kibo’s crater rim is known as Uhuru, which translates to “freedom” from Swahili. The pinnacle of the mountain is famous for having snow on it, but scientists caution that the snow may vanish in the next 20 years or so.

The first two individuals to climb Kilimanjaro on record were Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller and German geographer Hans Meyer in 1889. Since then, both residents and visitors have grown to love Kilimanjaro as a trekking safari destination. Tens of thousands of climbers ascend the mountain every year because no experience or equipment specific to mountaineering is required to reach the summit. However, altitude sickness, a condition experienced by climbers who ascend too quickly and which can be fatal if left untreated, makes the ascent still risky.

To preserve its distinctive ecosystem, the mountain and the six adjacent forest corridors were designated as Kilimanjaro National Park in 1973. In 1987, the park was designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The mountain’s environs are home to a wide range of creatures, including blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis).

 

Long, difficult mountain excursions are obviously not for everyone, but even just getting a bird’s-eye view of the world’s highest free-standing mountain is a delight for any tourist. With its many distinct vistas that are unavailable from the ground, the mountain safari experience is considerably different from that of the sky.

Views of the dangerous Mawenzi Peak, the volcanic Kibo Peak and Reusch Crater, shimmering 197,000-year-old glaciers, and, of course, the iconic Kilimanjaro summit in all her snow-covered beauty can be seen from 21,000 feet.

The path will take you from Arusha to the Ngurudoto Crater and Shira Plateau, where you will see the abrupt transition from forest to desert landscapes, and finally arrive at the breathtaking views of the mountain directly in front of you. An informative audio tour is provided for the excursion to ensure you don’t miss any of the natural splendour the area has to offer.

There are two options to do your sightseeing in the sky.

Kilimanjaro by plane.

The more affordable choice is to board a normal flight with other travelers who are just as thrilled about the chance to see the mountain’s vistas from above as you are.

Kilimanjaro by helicopter.

Private flights are offered on the helicopters that soar above the mountain, making them ideal for anyone seeking a more solitary, intimate experience to take in the scenery with loved ones or friends.

The airport in Arusha is where the planes and helicopters take off from. Once you leave your hotel and head to the departure location, Focus East Africa Tours will pick you up and see you off on your amazing flight over the sky above Mount Kilimanjaro.

We can help you see the well-known mountain that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no matter how you wish to.

Learn more about Mount Kilimanjaro Scenic Flight, your options for a scenic flight around the mountain.