Mount Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Straddling the border between Tanzania and Kenya, the mountain has long been one of the most popular tourist attractions in East Africa. But its fame goes beyond its fame as a natural wonder – Mount Kilimanjaro is also home of the world’s highest peak.
At 19,340 feet above sea level, Kilimanjaro challenges climbers from around the world. Reaching the summit is considered one of the most difficult feats in the world, with temperatures at the peak often plunging below zero. As a result, the majority of summit attempts will fail, and only the most reliable and skilled climbers will make it to the top.
Measuring its altitude is also a difficult endeavor, and though it has been measured at numerous points throughout its existence, the exact height of Kilimanjaro has remained a mystery. Given its extraordinary elevation, it is usually considered the tallest mountain in the world, though there are some who dispute that claim.
One of the most popular contenders for the title of world’s tallest mountain is Mount Everest. Situated in the Himalayas, Mount Everest is part of a mountain range that stretches across some of the highest and most remote regions of the planet. With an elevation of 8,848 meters above sea level, it is nearly 10,000 feet shorter than Kilimanjaro.
However, some argue that a peak known as Huascarán, located in the Andes in Peru, is actually the world’s highest mountain. The oddly named mountain is located in an area known as the Cordillera Blanca, and at an elevation of 11,179 meters above sea level, it is much higher than Everest.
Given that most mountains in the region are interconnected, this has caused some to challenge the validity of Huascarán’s title as the world’s tallest mountain. But others are adamant that the peak should be considered the highest, as it stands above all other surrounding mountains.
For those who refuse to accept either Kilimanjaro or Huascarán as the tallest mountain in the world, there is another peak that can challenge for the title. Mauna Kea is an inactive volcano located in Hawaii and part of the ‘Big Island’. As with Huascarán, there is debate as to whether Mauna Kea should be included in calculations for tallest mountain.
At an elevation of 4,207 meters above sea level, it appears to be much lower than both Kilimanjaro and Huascarán. But when one includes its base underwater, which rests 3,963 meters below sea level, the mountain has an overall height of 8,170 meters, making it taller than Mount Everest and almost as tall as Huascarán.
Effect of Global Warming on Kilimanjaro
At the conclusion of the 20th century, glaciologists studying Mount Kilimanjaro estimated that 88 percent of the mountain’s original ice had disappeared due to global warming. In the years since, the situation has only continued to worsen. In 2018, researchers from the University of Iowa reported that the mountain had lost 87 percent of its ice over the previous 20 years, a startling rate of decline for the mountain.
The conclusions drawn from the study indicate that the impact of global warming has been profound, and that Kilimanjaro may have lost all of its ice in the relatively near future. The disappearance of Kilimanjaro’s ice is not only a tragedy for the mountain but for the millions of people who depend on its runoff for sustenance, including the numerous species of wildlife found in the surrounding forests.
Furthermore, the mountain’s disappearance will mean a dramatic shift in the landscape of East Africa, with the mountain’s eastern edge losing hundreds of meters in height. It’s a stark reminder of how the impact of climate change can be felt around the world, and how the consequences can be devastating.
Kilimanjaro’s Cultural Significance
Mount Kilimanjaro is not just a limestone and granite mountain, it is a symbol of hope and strength for many people. Kilimanjaro nation park is a Unesco World Heritage Site which is sacred to the local Chagga people and a beloved national icon to the Tanzanian people.
The mountain has played a significant role in African literature, with Ernest Hemingway’s classic novel The Snows of Kilimanjaro conveying the emotion and energy of the mountain. It has been mentioned in countless books, cartoons, movies, songs and poems, making it not just an iconic figure in Africa but also a cultural symbol throughout the world.
In addition, the mountain has become the source of numerous environmental initiatives to raise awareness of climate change and its effects on the environment. Charities such as The Kilimanjaro Initiative, Climate Care and Tusk Trust have all been involved in projects aimed at protecting the mountain.
In many cases, these initiatives have resulted in great success, with many local communities in the region benefiting from the experience and inspiring others to take further action in their own communities.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a destination for climbers from around the world, who come in droves from Tanzania, Kenya and beyond to attempt the challenge. The most popular route to the summit is the Marangu Route, which follows the southern side of the mountain and is the least demanding of the six known routes.
This route is geared towards more beginner climbers, as it is the easiest and has the most successful summits of all the routes. It is also the shortest, taking around five days to complete the round trip. Other routes, such as the Machame, Lemosho and Rongai routes, are more demanding and require more technical skill, but tend to be more scenic.
No matter which route climbers choose, however, Mount Kilimanjaro will throw plenty of surprises their way. Due to its extreme altitude, summit attempts can be dangerous, and climbers should be aware of the potential hazards before starting the challenge. Furthermore, climbers should also be aware of the requirements for successful summiting before setting out, as many individuals have come away unsuccessful.
Risks Involved with Climbing Kilamanjaro
When attempting to summit the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, climbers should be aware of the risks they are putting themselves in.
Hazards such as altitude sickness, dehydration and hypothermia are all very real possibilities on the mountain and can end a summit attempt before it begins. As a result, prospective climbers should ensure that they are fully prepared for the rigors of a Kilimanjaro climb.
Furthermore, the mountain’s unpredictable weather and challenging terrain can make the journey to the summit a dangerous one. For this reason, it’s important to have climbs guided by experienced professionals who know the route, and have the necessary safety measures in place.
Additionally, climbers should be aware of the presence of wild animals on the mountain, as they can be dangerous and unpredictable. Lions, elephants, leopards and hyenas all inhabit the region, and can be as much a threat as the mountain itself.
Environmental Impact
Mount Kilimanjaro’s popularity as a tourist destination and the extreme environment it exists in can have an impact on the environment. Negative human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and improper waste disposal can all contribute to the mountain’s decline.
Several organizations have set out to ensure the mountain is preserved for future generations. International conservation efforts, such as the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania, have been established with the goal of preserving the mountain and its natural resources.
Furthermore, local communities have been encouraged to work together in order to ensure the mountain’s protection and have taken it upon themselves to help protect its wildlife and plants. This has lead to the creation of numerous conservation projects in the region, such as the planting of trees to protect the mountain’s slopes from erosion.
The efforts of these organizations and communities have had a positive effect on the mountain, and it has become an international symbol of hope and cooperation as this icon of Africa continues to be preserved.
