Uhuru Peak

Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest peak in Africa, standing at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). It is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape from its summit.

But what makes it popular, why people Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and what is Best Time To Climb Uhuru Peak? Let’s find the following.

Origin of Uhuru Peak

Africa got its independence from Britain in 1931, and Uhuru Peak represents this hardest-earned freedom. Uhuru means freedom. The original name of Uhuru Peak was Kaiser- Wilhelm-Spitze (Kaiser Wilhelm Peak), which was named by Hans Mayer who was the first person to climb and reach the crater ridge.

Later in 1964, when Tanzania was formed, this name was changed to Uhuru Peak and it was recognized as the highest peak in Africa.

What makes it popular

Each year about 20,000-30,000 hikers climb the top of Mount Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak. Because all hikers can climb Uhuru Peak. Even with a little preparation and planning, first-time climbers can reach Uhuru Peak with ease.

Because of the ease of climbing, Uhuru Peak is considered Everyman’s Everest.

The Best Route for Uhuru Peak

The best route for reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, depends on your preferences and fitness level.

• The most popular and scenic route is the Machame Route, which takes 6-7 days to complete and offers stunning views of the mountain. Machame Route is known as Whiskey Route and is more difficult than Marangu Route (also known as Coca Cola Route).
• The Lemosho Route is also a great option, offering a longer and more gradual climb, and a higher chance of seeing wildlife. The main drawback of this route I, it is an expensive route. Lemosho Route is ideal for experienced climbers.
• The Marangu Route is the only route with huts for accommodation but is also the busiest and less scenic. But this route takes longer to reach Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak.
• The Rongai Route is less crowded and offers a unique perspective of the mountain. This is the most straightforward route to Uhuru Peak and it approached from the north.

Best Time for Uhuru Peak

There are two distinct times of the year, that can be considered the Best Time For Uhuru Peak. One is from January to early March and the other is from June to October. While, the reason throughout these two months, the sky remains bright and days remain warm.

We strongly advise you avoid climbing Uhuru Peak from April to November, these months are the rainiest months of the year.

How to prepare for Uhuru Peak

Reaching the Uhuru Peak Kilimanjaro does not need any special preparation or any climbing experience. Still, there’re some elements that you need to keep in mind while preparing for Uhuru Peak.

• Pack the essential and high-quality gear. Warm clothes, comfortable sleeping bags, sturdy boats, air mattresses, trekking poles, trekking gloves and winter jackets.

• Consider health insurance and check what it covers. Make sure your insurance must cover all the emergency evacuation costs.

• Work on your fitness level, though you don’t need to have high-level fitness, still you need to maintain considerable health, which can accommodate the Kilimanjaro weather patterns.

• You can bring some snacks or an energy bar with you which is super helpful during your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.

• Get The Vaccination For Yellow Fever, Which Is Essential Before Uhuru Peak Climbing.

• Before climbing on Uhuru Peak, choose the right number of days you need. 8 days tour is considered the best because of the higher success rate.

• Slow down where possible. While climbing the Uhuru Peak Kilimanjaro, it’s important to slow down, so that you can get proper time to acclimate. Remember that, ascending Uhuru Peak Kilimanjaro, is not a race. So, take your own time and know that the slower you will climb, the higher your success rate will be.

• Prepare mentally. Reaching Uhuru Peak needs both mental and physical preparation. Hiking for almost 18 hours, in sub-zero temperatures and t harsh Kilimanjaro weather is not an easy task. At the time you reach Uhuru Peak, you will feel exhausted both mentally and physically. This is the time when need to motivate yourself for the next step.

• Take altitude medication with you. but make sure you consult your physician. As per the statistics out of all Kilimanjaro Hikers, only 40% can ascend the peak. And, altitude sickness, is the number reason for the failure of the rest 60% of hikers.

• Choose the right to reach Uhuru Peak with ease.

Witnessing The Beauty on Uhuru Peak

The Uhuru Kilimanjaro Peak is jampacked with scenic beauty. Hiking towards Uhuru Peak, you spot the unique vegetation which starts with thick forests. And the thick forest is home to some unique birds and animals.

You can spot unique animal species such as velvet monkeys, genet cats, honey badgers, and baboon giraffes. Moreover, these thick forests in Kilimanjaro are a haven for more than 150 different species. Some of the notable bird species are the white-necked raven, resident black shoulder kite, African Eagle, grey hornbill and many more.

You can spot these birds from November to April.

Final Thoughts -Climb the Everyman’s Everest

Reaching Uhuru Peak does not require any special expertise in climbing. The climbing experience is easy but that does not mean it's worthless. While hiking the Uhuru peak you will witness fantastic views of the surroundings.  

If you want to Climb Uhuru Peak you can stay in touch with our guides. For other information on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, check out the best time to climb Kilimanjaro and Kilimanjaro Climbing cost.