Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania and is one of the tallest mountain peaks in the world. It is often referred to as the ‘rooftop of Africa. It is made up of three volcanic cones, two of which are still active. Although there is much debate around how old the mountain is, estimates range from 700 million to three million years old.
The vast majority of Mount Kilimanjaro’s mass lies below the surface, extending 5 kilometers deep within the Earth. Mount Kilimanjaro sits 13,000 feet above sea level, making it the fifth highest peak on the continent. Its three distinct volcanic cones rise another 10,000 feet as they extend towards the summit. The tallest of the three is Kibo, followed by Shira and Mawenzi.
Kibo is believed to have first erupted some 500,000 years ago and is the only one of the peaks that still shows signs of activity. The other two peaks, Shira and Mawenzi, are believed to have become dormant sometime in the very distant past. Over the years, Kibo has gone through a series of eruptions that have left the mountain much of its current shape.
Since then, the mountain has been a popular spot for adventurers, mountaineers, and professional climbers that flock to experience the challenge of scaling its steep slopes. The volcanic nature of the mountain may be one of the reasons why it has stood the test of time and remains one of the most beautiful summits in the world.
Scientists have long been curious as to the age of Kilimanjaro. To date, the evidence collected suggests that Kibo and Mawenzi formed at least 1.9-3.1 million years ago, while Shira is believed to have formed later, around 700,000 years ago. This makes the age of Mount Kilimanjaro somewhere between 1.9-3.1 million years old.
It is also believed that, at some stage in its ancient past, Mount Kilimanjaro was a much taller peak, rising 16,000 feet above sea level. Over the centuries, the mountain has slowly eroded, leaving the three volcanic cones that we see today. The main reasons behind the erosion are believed to be the intense weather that the mountain often experiences, as well as its rich vegetation.
It is clear from the evidence that Mount Kilimanjaro has been around for thousands of years and is one of the oldest and most majestic landscapes on the planet. The ability to study, explore and climb the mountain offers a unique opportunity to witness a true piece of history.
Climate
Mount Kilimanjaro is known for its extreme weather conditions, which are affected by the mountain’s position at the equator. As a result, the mountain remains relatively cold all year round, although temperatures can sometimes spike during the wet season. The lowest temperature ever recorded on the mountain was between -11 to -9 C, which was recorded in the summit crater.
The peak of Mount Kilimanjaro experiences heavy snowfall throughout the year and can be covered in snow as early as August. Although the mountain is known for its unpredictable weather, climbers can find shelter during times of bad weather in the various hut and campsites that surround the base of the mountain.
The climate of Mount Kilimanjaro is also affected by its position near the equator, which gives it a unique atmosphere. The temperatures are always cooler for climbers that traverse the higher elevations of the mountain. However, the lower elevations are much warmer, creating a unique atmosphere for climbers and visitors alike.
The mountain has a unique eco-system and is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The mountain has five climactic zones, from the lush lowlands through to the shrublands, moorlands and alpine deserts. This range of flora and fauna make for unique wildlife observations for climbers.
History
The first Europeans to set foot on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro were German explorer Ludwig Purtscheller and Austrian mountaineer GustavJohann gütter. They ascended the mountain in 1889. Since then, the mountain has become a popular destination for climbers, adventurers, and mountaineers.
The British Alpine Club dedicated the first route to the summit in the early twentieth century. Prior to this, the mountain had been a popular destination for local natives. They believe that the mountain is home to the spirit of Mawenzi, the god of the clouds.
Today, thousands of people attempt to ascend the peak each year, in search of the thrill and challenge of conquering its slopes. The majority of climbers aim to ascend the highest peak on the mountain, Kibo, which stands at 19,341 feet. Unfortunately, this has led to a rapid increase in waste and litter on the mountain, with almost 60 tonnes of rubbish being removed annually.
Efforts are being made to reduce the amount of waste generated on the mountain, with major campaigns and awareness initiatives being implemented by local authorities.
Conservation
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the extraordinary landmarks of Africa and attracts climbers from around the world. It is also one of its natural treasures and, as a result, numerous conservation efforts have been launched to protect the mountain from environmental degradation.
The Kilimanjaro National Park, established in 1973, is a World Heritage site which covers the entire region. The park is managed by the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and is responsible for the management and conservation of the mountain.
The organisation has implemented a range of conservation initiatives and has opened up various trails and hut sites along the mountain to cater for climbers. In addition, a limit has been set on the number of climbers that can ascend the mountain each day, in order to minimise the impact on the environment.
In recent years, the Kilimanjaro National Park has been working closely with the United Nations Development Programme to create an integrated environment and socioeconomic development plan for the park. This is to ensure that the natural landscape is preserved, while also ensuring that local communities are able to benefit from its tourism potential.
Impact on Local Communities
The thousands of people that have been attracted to Mount Kilimanjaro have had a huge impact on the local communities. Climbers are often reliant on local guides and porters to assist them in scaling the mountain, and this has created job opportunities for locals.
On top of this, the influx of climbers has given rise to an array of small businesses that cater to the needs of hot tubs, restaurants and souvenir shops. These businesses are an important source of income for locals and provide much-needed jobs for the surrounding communities.
The income generated from the tourism potential of the mountain has also been used to provide education and health services to the local population. This has helped to improve the living standards of the people living in the area, as well as making the mountain a destination of choice for adventurous travelers.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a unique destination that has attracted adventurers, climbers and tourists for countless years, and its unique landscape and history make for an unforgettable experience. Its popularity and potential continues to increase, and it is clear to see why this ancient mountain is considered one of the most iconic summits in the world.
