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How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro? The Definitive Answer
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it
Africa’s tallest mountain (surpassing Kenya’s Mount Kenya at 5,199m)
The world’s tallest free-standing mountain (not part of a mountain range)
One of the Seven Summits (the highest peak on the African continent)
Kilimanjaro’s Height Compared to Other Famous Peaks
| Mountain | Height | Location | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Everest | 8,848m | Nepal/China | 3,953m taller |
| Mount Denali | 6,190m | Alaska, USA | 295m taller |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | 5,895m | Tanzania | Free-standing |
| Mount Kenya | 5,199m | Kenya | 696m shorter |
Fun Fact: Kilimanjaro is roughly 4.8 times taller than the Burj Khalifa (828m)!
Why Kilimanjaro’s Exact Height Matters for Climbers
Altitude Sickness Threshold
The death zone begins at 5,500m – Kilimanjaro’s summit (5,895m) brushes this limit
Summit night pushes you through 4 climate zones in hours
Glacial Recession Impact
The summit ice cap has shrunk 82% since 1912 due to climate change
Current measurements show yearly height variations of ±0.5m from snow accumulation
Summit Success Rates
Climbers on 7+ day routes (better acclimatization) have 85% success rates
Those attempting 5-day routes average just 45% success due to the rapid altitude gain
How Kilimanjaro’s Height Was Measured
First Survey (1889): 5,895m by Hans Meyer’s team (still accepted today)
2014 GPS Survey: Confirmed 5,891m (±0.5m) – but Tanzania maintains original 5,895m
Why the Discrepancy? Ice cap melting and volcanic activity cause minor shifts
What This Height Feels Like When Climbing
Base (1,400m) → Summit (5,895m) Experience:
Oxygen Levels Drop 50% (vs sea level)
Temperature Plummets from +25°C to -25°C
Physical Effects:
Breathing feels like “sucking air through a straw”
Every step burns 5x more energy than at base
3 Key Height-Related Climbing Tips
Acclimatize Properly
Choose Lemosho (8 days) over Marangu (5 days)
“Climb high, sleep low” strategy
Know the Danger Signs
Headache + nausea = early altitude sickness
Blue lips/fingernails = seek immediate descent
Summit Night Prep
Start at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) by sunrise
Layer for -20°C (-4°F) wind chills
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kilimanjaro taller than Everest?
A: No – Everest (8,848m) is 2.95km taller, but Kilimanjaro is more accessible to non-climbers.
Q: Could Kilimanjaro’s height change?
A: Yes! Volcanic activity could theoretically increase it, while glacial melt may alter measurements.
Q: What’s the hardest part due to height?
A: The final 1,000m from Stella Point (5,756m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – known as the “altitude marathon.”
