Mawenzi is the second-highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,149 meters above sea level. It is the least climbed of the three peaks due to its loose rocks, steep slopes, ice, melting snow, high inclines, and the technical skills needed for climbing Kilimanjaro through it. Rock scrambling is not allowed on Mawenzi, and only experienced climbers are permitted to attempt it.
Climbing Mawenzi is risky and very dangerous. Mountaineers planning to climb it must follow the rules and regulations set by the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. In the past, fatalities have been recorded on Mawenzi.
The highest point on Mawenzi is called Hans Meyer Peak. It is named after a German geologist who was the first European to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The first people to reach the highest point of Mawenzi were F. Klute and E. Oehler in 1912.
Mawenzi was formed during a volcanic eruption within the Shira caldera after the Shira peak became extinct.
Best Time to Climb Mawenzi
The best time to climb Mawenzi is during the dry months of June to August and December to February when the trails are dry and the weather is better.
Climbing is allowed only between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. Night climbs are not allowed.
Mawenzi’s Peaks and Features:
Mawenzi has several peaks:
- Hans Meyer Peak: 5,149 meters
- Nordeke Peak: 5,136 meters
- Purtscheller Peak: 5,120 meters
- Borchers Peak: 5,115 meters
- Klute Peak: 5,096 meters
- Latham Peak: 5,087 meters
- Londt South Peak: 4,945 meters
There are also ridges, gullies, dyke swarms, deep gorges, crags, pinnacles, and rock faces on Mawenzi.
Routes to Mawenzi
Out of the seven hiking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, only two routes can be used to reach Mawenzi: the Marangu route and the Rongai route.
Requirements and Rules for Climbing Mawenzi
- Climbers must book with authorized tour operators who have valid mountain TTLB licenses and employ technical climbing guides.
- Only groups of two climbers are allowed to attempt Mawenzi at a time.
- Climbers must be at least 18 years old.
- Tour operators must submit application letters with the technical climbing CVs of their clients to the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.
- Reliable communication systems must be available for emergencies and rescue plans.
- A first aid kit is required during the climb.
Mountaineering Gear for Mawenzi
Climbers must bring the following mountaineering gear:
- Crampons
- Ice axes
- Long and medium-length slings
- Rappel devices
- Carabiners
- Helmets
- Waterproof climbing boots
- Alpine harnesses
- 60m, 8.5mm ropes
- Locking carabiners
Indemnity Forms
All climbers must fill out indemnity forms provided by the park before the climb. Climbing Mawenzi is very dangerous, and climbers do so at their own risk.