The adventurous climb to Uhuru Peak – the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – offers a thrilling experience on the Kilimanjaro Trek. Starting the trek in the dead of night, bearing the cold, and climbing more than 4,000 ft over 5 km to reach the top in time for sunrise is nothing short of an expedition.

This spectacular feat can be achieved only by extremely fit trekkers. To put it in perspective, imagine climbing to an altitude which is just 10,000 ft below the height of Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world. It is mind-boggling when we think of it!

It is this sense of achievement that brings trekkers from all over the world to ascent Mount Kilimanjaro.

The most interesting thing about trekking in Kilimanjaro is the five distinct climatic zones you pass through.

a. Bushland Zone (2,600 ft to 6,000 ft):  As you leave Moshi and head to the park gates to begin your climb, you’ll see plenty of evidence of human activity. From grazing of livestock to small farming operations. This has changed the native vegetation patterns, which would once have been scrubland and lowland forests. The southern side of the mountain has more rainfall and coupled with the fertile volcanic soil, makes it an ideal growing condition.

b. Rain Forest Zone (6,000 ft to 9,200 ft): Encircling the whole of the mountain is a montane or tropical rain forest. Dense and damp, this forest is home to many different bird and animal species as discussed previously.

c. Heath and Moorland Zone (9,200 ft to 13,200 ft): The forest seems to stop abruptly as you enter this zone, and suddenly you’ve got magnificent views. Characterized by the scrubby shrubs, giant heathers, and tussock grasses, the lower part of this zone is sometimes compared to the Scottish Highlands.

d. Alpine Desert Zone (13,200 ft to 16,500 ft): Intense rays of the sun beat down during the day and at night it’s below freezing. There is very little water in this area, and only the hardiest plants can exist. It’s barren and inhospitable. You’ll come across small hardy plants, very few flowers, and odd tussock grass.

The landscape is dominated by rugged rock formations and panoramic views. If you look closely, you’ll see mosses and lichens, which cover the rocks, avoiding the soil altogether. They may look inert, but these are the plants that thrive in this barren environment.

e. Arctic Zone (16,500 and above): This area is arid, cold at night, and subject to intense sunshine during the day. With half the available oxygen at sea level, the area is dominated by huge glaciers and large boulders. There is no resident animal or plant life, except for a few very hardy lichens, slow-growing and probably ancient.

The vegetation found on Kilimanjaro is unique. In the initial part of the trek, you come across fern and sycamore trees, junipers, and an old man’s beard (a type of lichen) that covers almost all the trees.

Above 10,000 ft, you’ll start seeing plants and trees that look otherwordly and are endemic to the region. There are giant Groundsels also known as Senecio trees, Red Hot Pokers, and Lobelias.

These plants have developed unique characteristics to allow them to thrive in the drastic temperature swings. As the Senecios grow taller, their leaves die and stay on the plant, forming fur-like insulation around the trunk. Lobelias close their leaves at night, covering their central core for warmth. They are a treat to look at and wonder about.

Coming to fauna, most of the birds and animals are found in the rainforest region. There are birds like Silvery cheeked Hornbills, tropical Boubous, Green Wood Hoopoes, and Hartlaub Turacos to name a few. Primates like Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Blue Monkey are heard and seen throughout the forest. There are also Civets, Dik-Dik, Bushpigs, Abbott’s Duikers, and Elephants, but their sightings are extremely rare.