Climate on Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and at 5,895 metres, it stands as one of the most iconic snow-capped peaks on the continent. Rising from the plains of Tanzania and Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro offers breathtaking views from its summit and provides a unique climate experience for hikers, trekkers and adventurers. The climate of Mount Kilimanjaro is generally divided into four distinct zones, each with its own unique characteristics.
The first zone starts around 1800 metres above sea level and is known as the Montane forest. This is a densely forested region, with a warm, wet climate characterised by high humidity. The air temperature remains relatively mild, rarely dipping below 10 degrees Celsius. As you climb higher, the moisture in the air begins to decrease and the temperatures become cooler.
The second zone begins at 3000 metres and is known as the Alpine desert. Here, the climate turns much colder and drier, with temperatures between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent. The air is much thinner at this altitude and most plants and animals cannot survive here. This is often the longest and most challenging stretch of the climb, as hikers must acclimatize to the conditions.
At 3600 metres, the third zone is known as the Snow Line. As its name suggests, this area is permanently covered in snow, with temperatures between -2 and 5 degrees Celsius. This is a transition zone where the landscape slowly transitions from an Alpine desert to glacial terrain.
The final and highest zone is the glaciated zone. This starts at around 4500 metres and is unlike any other mountain climatological region. The air temperature rarely rises above freezing and is mostly between -10 and -15 degrees Celsius. The unique combination of cold, wet and windy weather makes this a particularly difficult and dangerous zone to traverse.
Plants and Animals
Mount Kilimanjaro is home to a variety of unique plants and animals, adapted to the extreme climate created by altitude and latitude. At the lower altitudes, plants such as juniper and cypress trees, wild flowers and herbs dominate the landscape. As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes sparse and changes from deciduous forests to alpine grassands and coarse plants adapted to survive in the cold and dry conditions.
Animals such as antelopes, hyrax, monkeys and birds can be found in the Montane forest and the Alpine desert. Above the snow line, there are no mammals, but visitors will be able to spot a variety of reptiles, such as chameleons, as well as hardy alpine birds. The only primates found on the mountain are the endangered Kipunji monkeys, found only in the montane forests of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Climbing Experience
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat due to the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. At any given time, a climber may experience strong winds, rain and snow. The weather can change suddenly, and temperatures can drop quickly, so it is important to be well prepared before making the ascent. A climb to the summit usually takes 3-5 days, and most routes start near the town of Moshi in Tanzania or Marangu in Kenya.
The most popular route is the 6-day Marangu route, which is relatively easy and accessible, however it is important to remember that this is still an extreme environment and without proper planning and preparations, the journey can quickly become dangerous. Many climbers choose to hire a guide to help them navigate the terrain, identify the wildlife and advise on the best route for their particular fitness and experience levels.
Meteorological Factors
The climate of Mount Kilimanjaro is subject to a number of meteorological factors. The mountain is located near the equator, and its high elevation makes it susceptible to temperature changes. The weather experienced at the summit of the mountain can be vastly different to the weather at the base. Rainfall is generally higher during the wet season between October and March, with the driest months being between April and September.
Given the mountain’s proximity to the equator, its climate is mostly affected by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Seasonal low-pressure systems originating from these bodies of water are largely responsible for the rainfall patterns observed on the mountain. However, these systems are highly variable, with the frequency and intensity of these systems changing over time, making the mountain’s weather difficult to predict.
Solutions for Climate Change
Climate change is having a significant impact on Mount Kilimanjaro, with temperatures rising and glaciers melting at an alarming rate. According to recent estimates, the glaciers could completely be gone by 2020, which would be a devastating loss for the region and its people. Local initiatives such as The Kilimanjaro Initiative are working to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and promote sustainable practices, such as preserving forests and using renewable energy sources.
In addition, a number of national and international organisations are working to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and slow down the rate of climate change. These efforts include the promotion of renewable energy, the development of carbon capture technologies and the planting of trees to help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
It is clear that climate change is having a profound impact on Mount Kilimanjaro and its communities, and it is up to us, the people of the world, to take action to protect and preserve this unique and beautiful mountain for future generations.
Economic Impact
Mount Kilimanjaro is also an important economic resource for both Tanzania and Kenya. The mountain is a major tourist attraction, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The tourism industry around the mountain provides jobs and income for many local people, as well as generating tax revenue for the local governments.
Livestock and agriculture are also important economic activities, with wild animals such as kudu, elands, elephants and hyrax, as well as cattle and goats, providing valuable protein and subsistence income for the local population. In addition, timber harvesting is a major economic activity in the mountain’s forests.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s beauty and unique climate make it a place of beauty, wonder and natural abundance. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly evident, it is more important than ever to protect, preserve and sustainably manage this incredible mountain.
Man-made Factors
In addition to the meteorological factors affecting the climate of Mount Kilimanjaro, human activities such as deforestation and mining are also having an impact. Deforestation has caused the temperatures to increase in the lower altitudes due to the loss of vegetation which would have helped to keep the temperatures cooler. In addition, pollution from mining activities have caused the air quality around the mountain to decrease, with harmful particles such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide, damaging the environment and causing health problems for people living in the surrounding areas.
The impact of humans on Mount Kilimanjaro’s climate is devastating and it is important to take action to reduce human-induced climate change. Reducing deforestation, implementing responsible mining practices and promoting sustainable tourism are just some of the actions which can be taken to protect the mountain and its environment.
Cultural Impact
Mount Kilimanjaro has a long history of being a cultural icon for many African cultures. The mountain is an important symbol for many people, representing resilience, strength and courage in the face of adversity. For many centuries, people have trekked up its flanks to pay homage to their ancestors, making offerings and performing ritual ceremonies.
In recent years, Mount Kilimanjaro has become an important symbol of African unity, with its flanks being climbed each year by people from across the continent. From the summit, it is possible to look out over the Great Rift Valley, a sprawling expanse of lakes, forests and plains, representing the continent in its wild and varied beauty.
Mount Kilimanjaro is much more than just a mountain. It is a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of nature. It is our responsibility to ensure that this incredible mountain remains a cultural icon for future generations.
