Kilimanjaro is a mountain in northeastern TanzaniaThe name is Swahili and means "the mountain that glitters." It is the highest peak in Africa which makes it entitled to the position of one of the Seven Summits. Although believed to be extinct by many, this volcano is very much active. Fumaroles emit gas in the crater of Kibo, one of Kilimanjaro's volcanic cones. Scientists in 2003 concluded that molten lava is just 400 m (1,312 ft) below the summit crater. Although new activity is not expected, there are fears that the volcano may collapse, causing a major eruption similar to Mount St. Helens. Several collapses and landslides have occurred on Kibo in the past, one in particular creating the area known as the Western Breach.

Although there is no recorded history of eruptions, local legend speaks of activity at around 150-200 years ago.

The highest point of Kilimanjaro is known as Uhuru Peak, located on the top of Kibo at 5,892 m (19,331 ft). The summit was first scaled by Dr. Hans Meyer in 1889.

There are two other peaks which make up Kilimanjaro, both which are now extinct volcanoes. Mawenzi at 5,149 m (16,893 ft), which is the third highest peak in Africa (after Mount Kenya) and Shira with a peak of 3,962 m (12,999 ft). An ascent of Mawenzi requires rock climbing and ice climbing skills.

The climb to Uhuru Peak is considered to be a relatively straight forward endeavour, however ample time must still provided for proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. The three easiest routes to Uhuru Peak are Marangu, Rongai and Machame. These can be scaled by a person of good health with no mountaineering experience. Other routes such as the Polish Glacier and the Western Breach are more technical in nature and require greater mountaineering skills. Approximately 15,000 people attempt to climb the mountain annually with roughly 40% ever seeing Kilimanjaro's summit.

At the end of 2008, my wife Wanda decides to join me in another of my mountain expeditions. After trekking in Bhutan in 2006 and a tour of Mont Blanc in 2007, she is anxious to try a more challenging trip. Kilimanjaro is another mountain which I need to conquer on my quest and we decidec to pair up for this adventure. We agree to extend the traditional eleven day trip with a safari on the Serengeti and a relaxing stay on Zanzibar. Our climbing trip is organized by Mountain Kingdoms. On February 12th, 2009, we board a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam.

After a short stopover and another KLM flight headed south-east, we finally arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Unfortunately, it is the middle of the night and we do not get a chance to see Kilimanjaro in the distance. After a drive, we arrive at the Arumeru River Lodge. The first leg of our journey has taken 20 hours of non-stop travel.