In the northeastern part of the African country of Tanzania, between the Serengeti and Tsavo National Parks, lies Mount Kilimanjaro, which gives its name to Africa’s only mountain national park. With its impressive size, Kilimanjaro rivals its counterparts on other continents, making it the fourth-highest mountain among the “Seven Summits.” As the highest mountain on the continent, it is rightfully known as the “Roof of Africa.” In addition, Kilimanjaro is the world’s largest free-standing mountain, with a base length of 97 km and a width of 64 km.
General information
The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro consists of the tips of three extinct volcanoes of different ages. With a height of 5,895 meters, it is not surprising that snow falls on the summit year-round. In Swahili, the national language of Tanzania, the word “Kilimanjaro” means “the shining mountain.” The indigenous peoples who traditionally inhabited the area around Mount Kilimanjaro, who had never seen snow, believed that the mountain was covered in silver.
Geographically, Kilimanjaro is located very close to the equator, but the large differences in elevation have led to a shift in climate zones, resulting in the presence of species that are characteristic of different latitudes. In fact, is Kilimanjaro an active or dormant volcano? This question is sometimes debated, as the youngest part of the mountain occasionally shows signs of volcanic activity.
Another feature of Mount Kilimanjaro is the rapid melting of its snow cap. Over the past 100 years, the snow cover has decreased by more than 80%, and in the last half-century, the mountain has lost most of its glaciers. Only two peaks still have snow, but experts predict that they will be lost within the next 15 years. The cause of this is global warming. Photos of Mount Kilimanjaro from different years of the last century clearly demonstrate the reduction and gradual disappearance of white areas on the mountaintops.
Flora and fauna
The mountain slopes are covered with dense tropical forests and surrounded by vast African savannas. The flora and fauna of Tanzania’s national park are rich in species that are common in the area, as well as unique and endangered species that were preserved in the reserve.
The mountain’s vast territory, both in height and width, encompasses almost all the zones typical of the highlands of Africa:
- the southern parts are covered with savannas of different heights up to 1 thousand meters. m and approximately at an altitude of one and a half km on the northern slopes;
- foothill forests;
- mountain forests – from 1.3 to 2.8 km;
- subalpine marshy meadows;
- the Alpine tundra is the largest in Africa;
- The mountain’s summit is occupied by an alpine desert.
Forests located above 2,700 m are included in the protected area of the national park. The vegetation of Mount Kilimanjaro deserves special attention. It is home to a variety of species that are typical of much more northern latitudes, as well as ancient and bizarre plant forms. These include croton and calodendron in the forests of the northern and western parts of the mountain (at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 m), and cassipora is found even higher. On the opposite slopes, the same heights are occupied by okotea (or the East African camphor tree). In the areas above them, there are rare tree ferns that can reach up to 7 meters in height.
Mount Kilimanjaro lacks the belt of bamboo rainforests found in other similar mountainous regions of Africa. The subalpine zone on different sides is covered with dense vegetation of Hagenia and Podocarpus. The alpine tundra is strikingly different in appearance and population of living organisms. The area is dominated by plants that have adapted well to the harsh high-altitude conditions, such as heather, immortelle, adenocarpus, Kilimanjaro sweatweed, waxberry, African mircine, and numerous grasses from the hardy sedge family.
The fauna of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is no less diverse and amazing. There are over 150 species of mammals, of which almost 90 inhabit the forests. These include several groups of monkeys, dozens of species of predators, antelopes, and bats. The most common animals in the forests include leopards, monkeys, galagos, buffaloes, and others.
Two hundred African elephants travel in the floodplains of the Namwai and Tarakia rivers, occasionally climbing to the heights of Kilimanjaro. Where the forests end, small insectivorous mammals live. The slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are home to a diverse range of birds. There are approximately 180 species of birds, including the Barbary Vulture, the Monarch Butterfly, the Hunter’s Cisticola, the Thread-Tailed Nectarivore, and the White-Cheeked Raven.
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Weather conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro
The climatic zonality of the Kilimanjaro natural complex in Africa is reflected in the temperature regimes and weather conditions in general. There is a well-defined rainy season, and the weather is variable, with temperatures fluctuating significantly at different altitudes, depending on the time of day. The base of the volcano typically experiences temperatures of 28-30°C, while temperatures as low as -15°C are common at altitudes above 3,000 meters. The mountain’s slopes are divided into distinct climatic zones.
- The tropical forest has a warm and humid environment. There is a lot of greenery, and the air warms up to a comfortable 25°C during the day (about 15°C on average).
- The mountainous tundra of Africa contains almost no moisture, and the temperature is several degrees lower.
- The Alpine desert will delight winter lovers with its initial sub-zero temperatures, although the daytime temperature remains comfortable for this region.
- The summit glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania provide an average temperature of -6°C. Ice winds reign here, and the frost can reach -20°C at night.
At different times of the year, depending on the slope and altitude, there is cloud cover of varying degrees, increased or moderate precipitation, and thunderstorms. All of this affects visibility and the comfort of being on the slopes, as the Kilimanjaro volcano in Africa is a popular destination for climbers seeking to reach its colorful peaks.
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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
It is believed that the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are accessible for climbing all year round. However, there are periods that are more convenient for climbing, as well as difficult and even dangerous periods. The most suitable periods are from July to September and from January to February. During these months, the weather conditions are favorable, and the months coincide with the summer or New Year holidays for tourists. Mountain tours in Tanzania are available from various locations near the base of the mountain. These tours typically last between 5 and 8 days. You can book an expedition with the mountain operator Altezza Travel, whose office is located right at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. They currently account for 15% of the global market for expeditions to this volcano.
The routes are diverse due to the vastness of the territories they cross, as well as the variety and characteristics of each climate zone. The tours to the highest points of the volcanic extremes end with a sunrise observation, after which the return journey begins. There are a total of 6 routes, mostly named after the settlements from which they originate:
- Marangu;
- Rongai;
- Umbwe;
- Machame;
- Lemosho;
- north traverse.
An expedition to the crater is offered as an additional route.
Hiking in Tanzania is not done alone. Any mountain is a serious challenge for climbers, even those with years of experience. In addition, climbing a mountain requires special equipment and gear, which is always better to share with someone. Although it is possible to climb the mountain from both Kenya (the northern slope) and Tanzania, only the Tanzanian routes are maintained and serviced by agreement between the two countries. The Kenyan slope does not have the necessary infrastructure.
In order to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles on the way to reaching the summit, it is necessary to meet certain important conditions.
- It is mandatory to have a guide and assistants (at least 1-2 people), as it is not possible to climb without them.
- Appropriate equipment, special shoes, thermal underwear (possibly more than one set), and insulated and waterproof items.
- Sufficient physical training, hardened body, strong immunity, responsible attitude towards health, and proper distribution of energy and strength.
In addition, you will need food, personal hygiene items, and basic comfort items. A complete list of items required for the climb can be found on the website of the company that organizes tours in Tanzania. There is also a list of recommended items that are desirable but not necessary to have. In addition to clothing and warm items, you should bring a sleeping bag, sunglasses, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a water bottle. The organizing company usually provides a tent, a hiking mat, cooking utensils, and camping furniture.
The approximate cost depends on the route, the duration of the climb, the number of people in the group, and the specific conditions. Prices start at \$1,400 (Marangu route, 8 days) and can reach up to \$4,500 (1-person route with an expedition to the crater). It is also important to consider the location of Mount Kilimanjaro, as the company’s services may include transportation from the Tanzanian airport or require independent travel. As a rule, travelers stay in the city of Arusha, the country’s tourist center before and after the climb.
Some interesting facts
- Compared to other mountain peaks, Mount Kilimanjaro is not an insurmountable obstacle, but only 40% of climbers reach its summit.
- The first ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro was recorded in 1889. It was done by the German Hans Mayer and the Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller.
- The size of the volcano at its base is about 50*70 km. This is larger than the area of Luxembourg.
- The mountain is not only accessible to healthy tourists: in 2009, 8 blind climbers reached the summit, raising funds for 52 blind children.
- The oldest climber on Kilimanjaro was 87 years old.
- Every year, about 20,000 people attempt to climb the mountain.
- Almost 10 people die here every year during their climbs.
Mount Kilimanjaro is not only a unique natural park full of amazing creatures, but also a real adventure. To experience a surge of emotions, gain unforgettable impressions, and touch the grandeur of Africa, you must visit Tanzania and witness the unparalleled qualities of Kilimanjaro firsthand.
