🏔️ Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s Highest Peak
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant stratovolcano located in northeastern Tanzania. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, it is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world
🗻 Geological Features
Mount Kilimanjaro comprises three volcanic cones:
- Kibo: The highest peak, home to Uhuru Peak, the summit point.
- Mawenzi: The second-highest peak, characterized by rugged terrain.
- Shira: The oldest and lowest cone, now eroded.
🌿 Climate Zones
As climbers ascend Kilimanjaro, they pass through five distinct ecological zones:
- Bushland (800–1,800 m): Cultivated land with villages.
- Rainforest (1,800–2,800 m): Dense forest with rich biodiversity.
- Moorland (2,800–4,000 m): Shrubs and unique flora.
- Alpine Desert (4,000–5,000 m): Sparse vegetation, arid conditions.
- Arctic Summit (above 5,000 m): Ice and snow-covered peak.
🧗 Climbing Routes
There are several established routes to reach Uhuru Peak:
- Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, offers hut accommodations.
- Machame Route: Popular “Whiskey” route, scenic but challenging.
- Lemosho Route: Offers panoramic vistas and high success rates.
- Rongai Route: Approaches from the north, less crowded.
- Umbwe Route: Steep and direct, suitable for experienced climbers. :contentReference
🌍 Cultural Significance
The mountain holds spiritual importance for the local Chagga people, who have lived on its slopes for centuries. The name “Kilimanjaro” is believed to derive from Swahili and Chagga words meaning “Mountain of Greatness” or “Unclimbable Mountain.”
❄️ Glacial Retreat
Kilimanjaro’s glaciers have been retreating rapidly due to climate change. Over 80% of the ice cover has disappeared since the early 20th century, with projections suggesting complete loss by the mid-21st century. :contentReference
📚 Learn More
For a comprehensive overview, visit the Mount Kilimanjaro Wikipedia page.
Mount Kilimanjaro (/ˌkɪlɪmənˈdʒɑːroʊ/) is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level and 4,900 m (16,100 ft) above its plateau base. It is also the highest volcano in the Eastern Hemisphere and the fourth most topographically prominent peak on Earth.
| Mount Kilimanjaro | |
|---|---|
 Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park, Kenya | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,895 m (19,341 ft)  |
| Prominence | 5,895 m (19,341 ft) Ranked 4th |
| Isolation | 5,510 km (3,420 mi) |
| Listing | Ultra |
| Coordinates | 03°04′33″S 37°21′12″E / 3.07583°S 37.35333°E |
| Geography | |
  Mount Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro's location in Tanzania  Mount Kilimanjaro Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) .svg) Mount Kilimanjaro Mount Kilimanjaro (Earth) | |
| Location | Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania |
| Parent range | The Eastern Rift mountains |
| Topo map(s) | Kilimanjaro map and guide by Wielochowski |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | 4 million years |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | Between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 6 October 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller |
Kilimanjaro's southern and eastern slopes served as the home of the Chagga Kingdoms until their abolition in 1963 by Julius Nyerere. The origin and meaning of the name Kilimanjaro is unknown, but may mean "mountain of greatness" or "unclimbable". Although described in classical sources, German missionary Johannes Rebmann is credited as the first European to report the mountain's existence, in 1848. After several European attempts, Hans Meyer reached Kilimanjaro's highest summit in 1889.
The mountain was incorporated into Kilimanjaro National Park in 1973. As one of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is a major hiking and climbing destination. There are seven established routes to Uhuru Peak, the mountain's highest point. Although not as technically challenging as similar mountains, the prominence of Kilimanjaro poses a serious risk of altitude sickness.
One of several mountains arising from the East African Rift, Kilimanjaro was formed from volcanic activity over 2 million years ago. Its slopes host montane forests and cloud forests. Multiple species are endemic to Mount Kilimanjaro, including the giant groundsel Dendrosenecio kilimanjari. The mountain possesses a large ice cap and the largest glaciers in Africa, including Credner Glacier, Furtwängler Glacier, and the Rebmann Glacier. This ice cap is rapidly shrinking, with over 80% lost in the 20th century. The cap is projected to disappear entirely by the mid-21st century.