Kilimanjaro

In early 2013, a group of adventurers from every corner of the globe will come together for the 1st time ever to climb to, and fly from, the “Roof of Africa”.They will push themselves and their nerves to the limit by flying from the summit of the highest free-standing mountain on the planet, and in doing so will raise over a million in charity.

For over 20 years the Government of Tanzania has strictly enforced the ban on the use of Paragliders, Hang Gliders and Mountain Bikes in the Kilimanjaro National Park. In 2013, however, they will lift this restriction for a one time only event, Wings Of Kilimanjaro. Using Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, as the platform for our activity and the vehicle for our cause, it is Wings Of Kilimanjaro’s shared vision that we can utilise this rare opportunity to reinforce the universal need for humanity, compassion and generosity inherent in all of us.
While the mountain climbing and the paragliding/hang-gliding activities form the foundation of this event, we do not underestimate the vital importance and need for our wider community to get involved! Wings Of Kilimanjaro is not just a unique stage for adventurers; it is also a unique opportunity that can propel us all to do better for and by one another.

Not only is this Mount Kilimanjaro the highest peak on the African continent; or fourth highest of the Seven Summits, it is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit. Kilimanjaro structure is composed of three volcanic cones, Shira , Kibo and Mawenzi. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant and could erupt again. The most recent activity was about 200 years ago; the last major eruption was 360,000 years ago. The Holy Grail of all Kilimanjaro climbers is Uhuru Peak that is the highest point of Kibo, and the highest point of the mountain. 

Rising majestically above the African plains, Mt. Kilimanjaro has beckoned to climbers since the first recorded summit in 1889 as a spiritual journey or as a personal challenge. Today, approximately 25,000 people attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro each year, and around 70% of those are successful.

Fast Facts

Elevation: 19,340 feet (5,895 meters above sea level)

Country: Tanzania, east Africa (3 degrees north of the equator). 

Origin of Name: It is largely a product of speculation. It is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning “mountain,” and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as “whiteness,” giving the name White Mountain. 

Location: Located in the 756-square-kilometer Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

First Ascent: Hans Meyer (Germany), Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo (Tanzania), and Ludwig Purtscheller (Austria) on October 5, 1889.

Fastest ascent: Bruno Brunod (2001) summitted Uhuru Peak in 5:38.
Fastest roundtrip: Local guide Simon Mtuy (2004) went up and down the mountain in 8:27.
Oldest person ever to summit: 87-year-old Frenchman Valtee Daniel.

Ecological Life: Mount Kilimanjaro Is one of the few places on earth that encompasses every ecological life zone including tropical jungle, savannah, and desert to montane forests, subalpine plants, and the alpine zone above timberline.