London to Dar es Salaam

Glaciers and ice still cling to the upper reaches of Kibo and Uhuru Peak - however, this ice is melting at an estimated rate of half a metre every year.

The peak of Kilimanjaro is on the right of this satellite image; the mountain is flanked by the Amboseli National Park to the north and the Arusha National Park to the south and west.

Isolated patches of glaciers and ice walls still cling to the upper reaches of Kibo and Uhuru Peak - trekkers pass these overwhelming features on their final ascent to the summit.

Glacial ice atop Mount Kilimanjaro, demonstrating the source of its Swahili name "shining mountain".

This composite model shows Mount Kilimanjaro from the air in Feburary 1993, the snow and ice capped "shining mountain" is an iconic image.

This composite model shows Kilimanjaro in February 2000 - a drastic difference in the ice cover of the mountain. Some scientists believe that Kili may be ice free by 2020.

Glacial melt and collapse near the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - aerial photography shows that the glaciers across the white peak are receeding further every year.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant stratovolcano and the highest mountain in Africa. Kibo Summit (5,895 m) at the top of Kilimanjaro is one of the few peaks in Africa to retain glaciers.

1920s - The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro from the air. Notice how much more snow and ice covered the summit is compared with modern day Kibo.

Mount Kilimanjaro rising from the surrounding Moshi plains - it is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Mount Kilimanjaro from the air - it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world, at 5,895 metres above sea level and 5,882 metres above its base.

Mount Kilimanjaro is often visible from passing aircraft - breaking through the cloud, it is the highest mountain in Africa.

The channels carved from melt run-off from the glaciers and ice on Kibo's peak can be clearly seen from above - this water is an important input into Tanzania's river system.

Broadleaf subtropical forest can be found on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, with tall trees and ferns hung with trailing climbers.

Transitioning through the broadleaf forests found between 1,400 metres and 3,000 metres on Kilimanjaro's slopes to the treeline.

A stunning Malachite Sunbird - one of the most spectacular birds seen on Kilimanjaro, feeds on nectar from a flower.

Giant groundsels, which are endemic to high altitude African environments, can be seen on the slopes of Kilimanjaro up to heights of 4,500 metres.

Torch lilies (often known as "red hot pokers") bloom at the Horombu Huts, 3,720 metres above sea level. Kibo and the summit can be seen in the distance.

Higher up the slopes, the rocky, dry landscape is home to hardier shrubs and vegetation such as the proteas, here with reddish leaves and bright white flowers.

A beautiful malachite sunbird sits on top of a protea plant on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, which is home to a vast range of flora and fauna.

Lobelia deckenii - the giant lobelia - is endemic to Kilimanjaro and can be found growing high up the mountain.

Coffee plantations at the foot of Kilimanjaro - soil rich in volcanic ash and nutrients make the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro fertile and rich, and suitable for farming.

Tiny brightly coloured impatiens flowers, like jewels, can be found on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. These flowers are often now grown as hybrids for garden plants.

The foothills of Kilimanjaro - the lower slopes are covered in lush, broad-leaved tropical forests.

Slivery-cheeked hornbills can often be found in the lower broadleaf forest, especially around fig trees. However, much of the fauna on Kilimanjaro hides away from large groups of trekkers.

A Kniphofia thomsonii - better known as a red hot poker plant - after rains on Kilimanjaro. This is another species which is now often domestically bred for use in gardens.

1908 - "Eternal snow amid equatorial jungles - Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa".

Trekkers cross the rocky, dusty landscape aiming for the Uhuru Peak summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trekking routes often trace the edges of glaciers, which continue to recede at an astonishing pace.

1908 - "Hunters on the fever-haunted veldt below Kilimanjaro".

1908 - "The top of Africa". Peter MacQueen, an American explorer, approaching the summit of Kibo.

Trekkers at Bafaru Huts camp, 4,681 metres above sea level, where many battle altitude sickness to make their attempt on the elusive Uhuru Peak.

1926 - Gillman and Stewart's flags. They completed the first successful climb of Kilimanjaro whilst it was under British rule in 1919, whilst accurately surveying the mountain.

Trekkers make an attempt on Uhuru Peak and the summit of Kilimanjaro through the dawn, to make the most of the firm grips provided by the frozen ground.

The famous sign on top of Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro - a welcome sight for many trekkers who have walked through the dawn to make the summit.

1908 - Picking coffee in the Moshi Province, on the fertile plains below Kilimanjaro.

A contoured map showing the main routes and features of Mount Kilimanjaro, with the Lemosho and Mweka routes highlighted in black and red.

1908 - A Chagga village on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The mountain is central to many Chagga legends and beliefs.

Porters are an essential part of most organised hikes up Kilimanjaro - using local skills, knowledge and acclimatisation brings an important source of income for locals.

Moshi town, which sits of the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, is the centre of much of the tourist industry associated with Kili and the trekking routes.