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Mount Kilimanjaro |
HISTORICAL NOTES ON KILIMANJARO
Unique Characteristics: Kilimanjaro is composed of three extinct volcanoes. Kibo (5895 meters), Mawenzi (5149 meters) and Shira (3962 meters). It is one of the world's highest free standing mountains: its mass rises 4800 meters above a rolling plain that averages 1000 meters above sea level. After reaching a height thought to be 5900 meters during its last major eruption 360,000 years ago, Kibo has been eroded by glaciers, rivers and landslides to its present height. It is believed that Kilimanjaro, like its neighbor Mt. Kenya , is losing glaciers due to global warming.
The Name Kilimanjaro: Given the stature and greatness of Kilimanjaro, there is relatively little recorded history of the peak. Even the origins of the name present somewhat of a dilemma. May people believe the name derived from the Kishwahili tribal name, Kilima meaning mountain. The local Wachagga people claim to have no name for Kilimanjaro, but did name the dual peaks Kipoo and Kimawenzi.
First mention of Kili by Westerners: John Rebmann, published account in 1849.
First climbed: Hans Meyer, 1889
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Africa's Greatest Mountain and Climbers Paradise It is Africa's highest mountain Rising 19,340ft (5895 m) above the African plain, Kilimanjaro truly stands alone among the mountains of the world. The huge, solitary volcano is unaccompanied by any mountain chain. Though its size is immense, it also has one of the world's most accessible peaks. People who are in good shape can make the ascent to its summit, Uhuru peak, in a matter of days, passing through five distinct ecological zones along the way.
Coffee and banana fields that rise up and end define the lower slopes of the mountain where the mountain's forest begins. An average of 80 inches of rainfall a year make the forest home to some botanical treats. Tree ferns in this region are known to grow up to 20 feet, and giant lobelia often reaches 30 feet. At an altitude of about 9,000 feet, the forest gives way to grasslands and shrubbery, and elephant can sometimes be spotted roaming the high slopes. At about 13,000 feet life begins to recede, a result of extreme weather conditions inhospitable to anything more than small mosses and lichens. Once the summit area is reached, three glaciers and three volcanic peaks sit in lofty, placid contemplation of the tremendous plains over 3.5 miles below.
It is highly advisable to take the mountain slowly. The thin air is a well-known killer of impatient weekend climbers, who misjudge their abilities and ascend too fast. Altitude sickness is common and can be fatal. No climb is permitted without a guide, and there are six routes up the mountain with varying degrees of difficulty. Huts are available at different points along the way, and the final ascent begins near midnight (so melting snow isn't a problem) and culminates with a spectacular sunrise at the peak.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the Everest of Africa, with its summit close to the altitude of Mt. Everest 's base camp. Yet Kilimanjaro does not stand out as the highest peak in a snow-capped mountain range. It rises in complete isolation in a land of flat plains grazed by elephants, zebras and other African animals. Kili - as the mountain is often referred to - rises to 19,336 feet (5,895 metres) in a land where no mountain seems fitting. If you arrive when this dormant volcano is obscured by cloud, you could miss it altogether, as there are no rugged foothills or plunging valleys to suggest its presence. Conquering this mountain is the dream of many visitors to Tanzania and about 20,000 hikers climb it every year. FLORA AND FAUNA The ascent takes you on a climatic journey from the tropics to the arctic. The grassy cultivated lower slopes soon turn into lush rainforest inhabited by elusive leopard, elephants, antelopes and buffalo. Above this is heath and moorland dotted with particularly impressive giant groundsel up to 16 feet (5 metres) high, along with huge lobelias and massive heathers. Iridescent blue-green sunbirds and drab brown but shrill-voiced alpine chats inhabit this strange world of giants. As the air grows dry and cold the terrain changes to Alpine desert, then finally ice, snow and cold rarefied air slow the pace to a dawdle. The crater rim at sunrise is the final achievement in this great African challenge. SEASONS Mt Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year, but the rainy season makes the forest more slippery and the summit may be blocked by snow. Be prepared for bursts of rain on the mountain at any time of the year. Just after the end of the rains is scenically the most attractive time to go. Be prepared for climatic extremes, from rain in the forest, intense sun in the alpine desert and freezing temperatures at the summit. Dry Season: It is best to climb the mountain in the dry months from late June to early October (which are cool and dry) or late December to early March (which are hot and dry). Rainy Season: Rain usually falls from April to June and in November and early December. Heavy snowfalls may be experienced. Temperatures: the lower slopes are warm and pleasant at around 59-68°F (15-20°C). Above 13,200 feet (4,000 metres) temperatures drop to lower than 41°F (5°C) and plunge to well below freezing in the icy winds on the summit. KILIMANJARO SPECIALITIES • Highest mountain in Africa • Highest free standing mountain in the world and one of the world's largest volcanoes • Unique flora and fauna FACTS The National Park covers an area of approximately 470 miles² (755 km²). It attained park status in 1973. The mountain is about 80 miles (120km) from Arusha. There are six usual trekking routes to the summit. Equipment and porters can be hired. Nearly half of those who attempt Kili don't make it to the top. The mountain is a not a malarial area, but the surrounding lowlands of Tanzania are.
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