Background of Mt. Kilimanjaro and The Serengeti
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It rises 5895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and is considered a dormant volcano. The Serengeti Plains are located in the same area and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the animal migratory patterns and biodiversity of the wide-open planes.
The Serengeti Plains and the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro are two of the most stunning geological sights in East Africa. The two regions are separated by a distance of roughly 130 kilometers.
Can you See Mt. Kilimanjaro from The Serengeti?
The answer to this oft-asked question is that it depends on the weather, air conditions, and the location of the observer in the Serengeti. Due to the high altitude of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the vast distance between it and the Serengeti, it is not always possible to see the mountain from the plains.
Mt. Kilimanjaro does, however, have a good view of the Serengeti. When air conditions are in favor of visibility and there are no clouds and dust, the mountain can be seen from the plains. The best chance of seeing the mountain is in the months of May and June when the weather is generally clear.
Expert Perspectives
Experts believe that it is not only possible to see Mt. Kilimanjaro from the Serengeti, but that it is quite a breathtaking experience. According to Dr. Sam Roberts, of Oxford University in the United Kingdom,
“Mt. Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable sight when viewed from the plains of the Serengeti. Not only does the peak reach more than 19,000 feet, it is surrounded by some of the most amazing wildlife viewing areas in the world. This makes for an incredibly beautiful, and awe-inspiring sight.”
Photographer David Sahr of the United States echoed Dr. Robert’s sentiments when he commented on his experience of seeing the mountain from the Serengeti,
“It is truly a humbling sight. The proportions of the mountain, the vastness of the plains, and the diversity of the animal species of the Serengeti, all combine to create a stunning and bold contrast in the landscape.”
The Profile of The Mountain
Standing from any point of view, the profile of the mountain is quite majestic. From the Serengeti, visitors are able to view the entirety of the snow-capped peak and the glaciers that adorn it. At its peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro is rounded off with the iconic “Hans Meyer” rock formation, named after the first person to conquer the peak in 1889.
The profile of the mountain is striking, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the sky is lit up with a warm golden hue. At times, the peak can also display pink and orange hues, depending on the nature of the weather system.
Additional Aspects of The Serengeti
The Serengeti Eco-System supports the migration of large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other incredible animals. It is also home to some of the most breathtaking predators in the world like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
The plains also boast amongst its attractions flamingos, a variety of bird species, and small wildlife like antelope, gazelles, and giraffes. Visitors to the area often come for a few days for game drives and photography, but can choose to stay for weeks to truly absorb the unique beauty of the land.
Where to View the Mountain From The Serengeti
To get the best view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the Serengeti, it is recommended to take a guided game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. This is not only a major tourist attraction, but is timed with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, when they cross the Mara River.
The Ngorongoro Crater is also the highest part of the plains and provides visitors with an unspoiled view of the mountain. It is best viewed before 11am when the cloud cover still hangs low in the atmosphere, and the visibility is at its most optimum.
The Danger of Moisture and Pollutants
Unfortunately, air pollution and rising levels of moisture adversely affects the visibility of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the Serengeti. Pollution generated by cities and industry, as well as smoke from the fires set by farmers, makes the air humid and murky. This moves the cloud level up, blocking the view of the mountain.
The amount of water vapor in the acre has increased by an estimated 8% over the last thirty years, impairing visitor’s views of the mountain. Experts are warning of an impending environmental crisis in East Africa brought on by unsustainable development, over-exploitation of resources, and climate change.
The Value of Sustainable Practices
To ensure that Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti continue to be attractions for visitors and remain true to the mission of conserving natural heritage for future generations, sustainable practices must be instituted.
The local governments have implemented a set of regulations governing industry, construction, and agriculture amongst other aspects, but much more needs to be done to protect the region and its ecosystems from the ravages of development.
By committing to sustainable practices, such as reducing deforestation and investing in renewable energy sources, the chances of preserving the breathtaking beauty of this region increases.
Mountain Climbing and Supporting the Local Economy
One way of both enjoying the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while helping to preserve the environment is to take part in the mountain climbing expeditions. These expeditions can be planned through local tour operators, and are often the lifeblood of the local population.
By booking through local tour operators, tourists help support the local economy and provide jobs to the communities living on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This in turn helps to create a level of environmental awareness amongst the communities, which leads to improved sustainable practices, reducing threats to the environment.
Tourist Education Programs
Tourism, when done responsibly, can help support the local communities, reduce economic disparity and foster conversations between locals and foreigners. However, this must be accompanied by strong educational programs that teach tourists about the values and cultural traditions of the region.
Through these programs, tourists can learn about local customs, the significance of the animal migration patterns, and the importance of preserving Mt. Kilimanjaro’s natural ecosystems. The knowledge they acquire by taking part in these programs may help to encourage the continued conservation of the region.
Limiting Animal Populations
The Serengeti is home to an abundance of wildlife, from the lion population to over 500 species of birds. However, due to the region’s fragile ecosystem, it is important to limit the numbers of some of these animals.
This will help limit the damage to plant life and the disruption of their habitats, allowing the ecosystems of the Serengeti to remain healthy and diverse. Game hunters must be managed carefully and safari game drives should be limited to the local rules and regulations.
Conclusion
From the Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro is a stunning sight, both in its beauty, and in its fragility. With the right precautions and sustainable practices, the mountain and the surrounding Serengeti can remain unspoiled and awe inspiring for generations to come. Thus, supporting tourism and the local communities, while preserving the region’s beautiful ecosystems.
