Mount Kilimanjaro’s Height
Mount Kilimanjaro is an imposing and awe inspiring peak that stands tall in Tanzania. It is the highest elevation point in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The mountain stands at an impressive 19,341 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak on the continent. It was also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world until recently, when Denali in Alaska was measured as slightly taller.
The mountain has three distinct volcanic cones which are often surrounded by clouds. The most famous of these is Kibo, the highest point. Its crater is filled with ice, which is a source of great fascination to many climbers. Despite its impressive height, Kilimanjaro is relatively easy to climb. Its slopes are gentle and the majority of tourists don’t require specialist mountaineering gear to summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s Ecology
Mount Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecology is remarkable, and ranges from hot semi-arid bushlands to snow and ice. This landscape helps create conditions for a number of species to thrive, and biologists believe that around 1,000 animal species inhabit the mountain and its surrounding environment.
Kilimanjaro National Park protects the mountain, its forests and the numerous species that dwell there, from human interference. The mountain is also home to some of the world’s rarest animals such as the Abbot’s duiker and the Abbot’s serotin.
The Causes of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Height
Geologically speaking, Mount Kilimanjaro is considered to be a young mountain. It is thought to have formed around 750,000 years ago, when two tectonic plates collided and forced up the Earth’s crust in the area. However, the mountain has likely been growing ever since.
The forces that act to raise a mountain like Mount Kilimanjaro are twofold. The first is tectonic uplift, which refers to the movement of Earth’s crust and the shifting of plates. The second is erosion, which is caused by the wind and rain that erode the mountain’s rocky face. This is particularly true in the case of Kilimanjaro, as its peak is topped with glaciers which are subject to the elements.
Kilimanjaro’s Debate
Where Mount Kilimanjaro sits in the African continent’s pantheon of tallest peaks is a matter of debate. Some claim that its 19,341 feet mark it as the tallest in Africa, while others claim this title belongs to Mount Kenya, whose peak is 17,057 feet. Experts in the field disagree over the matter, making it difficult to definitively settle the debate.
However, the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) declares Mount Kilimanjaro as the highest peak in Africa, confirming it as the continent’s highest mountain.
Famous Climbers and Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro has been climbed by an impressive list of adventurers and famous climbers. The first person to summit the peak was Hans Meyer in 1889, with accompanying local guide Luise-Rudolf Shgaidaer. Since then, the peak has been ascended by some of the world’s most revered mountaineers, including the Duke of Abruzzi, George Mallory, Edmund Hillary and Reinhold Messner.
The Kilimanjaro Initiative, founded by Chris Morris in 2007, has enabled many ordinary citizens to climb the peak as part of a comprehensive global conservation effort.
The Future of Mount Kilimanjaro
As the world’s population continues to surge, it is becoming ever more difficult to protect the environment and the ecosystems that rely on it. Mount Kilimanjaro, like many other mountains around the world, is under threat, due to global warming.
The glaciers at the summit of the mountain are retreating at an alarming rate, and it’s thought that they will completely disappear within the next two decades. This is a worrying prognosis for the mountain’s ecology, and conservationists have warned of the potential loss of animal habitats due to the melting ice.
Human Activity and Mount Kilimanjaro
Aside from global warming, other human activities can cause damage to the mountain’s fragile ecosystems. Unauthorized mining activities, expanded farming, and poaching are all threatening the mountain’s environment.
As well as this, the mountain’s popularity among tourists puts pressure on the natural environment at the summit. The Kilimanjaro National Park Authority has implemented rules to limit the number of visitors, in order to better protect the steady state of the summit’s ecosystem.
Kilimanjaro Research
As part of an effort to better understand the mountain and to protect its environment, a number of research projects have been undertaken on Mount Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro Initiative, an international research organization, is currently conducting a range of studies into the mountain and the conditions in its environment.
The organisation has stated that it is “committed to preserving the World Heritage Site of Kilimanjaro and its surrounding areas, and to empowering local communities who share its future”. Their research will help us further our understanding of the mountain, and assist in its conservation.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physically and mentally challenging endeavor, but it also has its rewards. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from reaching the top of the mountain is simply incomparable.
Aspiring climbers and mountaineers must remember that Kilimanjaro is a high altitude peak, and should take the necessary precautions before attempting the climb. This includes consulting with a physician for health advice and completing the correct training.
The Environment Around Mount Kilimanjaro
The area surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro is rich in wildlife and greenery. The mountain’s forests are home to a wide range of fauna, and the lower slopes are inhabited by local human populations who rely on the mountain’s resources.
The environment around the mountain is fragile, and the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority works tirelessly to protect it. The Authority is responsible for ecosystem monitoring, wildlife protection and conservation efforts, as well as helping maintain the area’s essential services such as water, energy and food.
Kilimanjaro’s Cultural Significance
Mount Kilimanjaro is an important cultural symbol, not only for its native people, but also for many other religions, culture and traditions. The mountain is mentioned in many legends, and its slopes have been home to ancient civilisations for centuries.
To this day, Mount Kilimanjaro remains a fascinating and revered symbol for many people around the world. Its importance to the native Maasai people is particularly significant, as it represents a sacred symbol in their culture and faith.
