Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain peak in Africa with a height of 5,895m and is a dominant volcanic mountain. It is composed of mainly three volcanic peaks namely Mawenzi that is at a height of 5,149m, Kibo is the highest with the height of 5,895m and Shira the smallest of the three with a height of 3,962m. It supports six major eco-zones that include moorland, heath, cultivated land, glaciers, alpine forest and rainforest. The mountain consists of several gas-emitting fumaroles in its crater and is a large stratovolcano.
The mountain is a famous trekking site and the government has declared seven official trekking routes namely Shira, Umbwe , Mweka, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai and Machame. Machame route is considered as one of the best routes as it has ample scenic beauty and can be covered within six or seven days of trekking. The Marangu is a busy route but is comparatively easy than Machame route. The vegetation on the mountain comprises of Subalpine Erica forest, Sinarundinaria alpine and Montane Ocotea forest. The fauna found on the mountain includes African buffalos, elephants and mega herbivores that are spotted on the northern slopes of the mountain.