History and Geography of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in Tanzania in East Africa at 19°05’S, 35°30’E. It is the highest mountain in Africa, at 5,895 metres (19,336 ft) above sea level. Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawensi, and Shira, with Kibo being the highest peak. It was formed over 3 million years ago by the accumulation of lava and ash from eruptions of volcanoes. The mountain is located on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya and is a popular tourist destination.
Climate of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro has a unique climate, with five distinct climatic zones which range from desert, to tropical, to glacial. The mountain’s temperature ranges from a hot and dry climatic zone at its base of 5,000 Metres (16,404 ft) to a cold, icy environment at its peak. Although the temperature on the mountain’s slopes vary throughout the year, it is generally much colder at the summit than at the base.
What Time is it in Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is in the East African Time Zone (EAT). East African Time is three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and two hours ahead of Central European Time (CET). This means that when it is noon in Kilimanjaro, it is 9:00am UTC and 8:00am CET.
Is Daylight Saving Time Followed in Kilimanjaro?
No, Kilimanjaro does not follow Daylight Saving Time and the clocks do not go forward 1 hour at the start of summer. This means that throughout the year, the time difference between Kilimanjaro and UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) always stays at three hours.
Why Was the East African Time Zone Created?
The East African Time Zone was created in the colonial era and is still used today. This time zone was created to facilitate trade and communication between the African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Do Other Countries Follow East African Time?
In addition to Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique, a few other countries in Africa also follow East African Time. These are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
How Does the East African Time Zone Affect Tourists Visiting Kilimanjaro?
As the time zone for Kilimanjaro is three hours ahead of UTC, this can affect tourists who are travelling to the area. Tourists planning to travel to Kilimanjaro should make sure they plan their journey and accounting for this time difference.
Culture of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is situated in the Chagga lands, home to the Chagga people. The Chagga people are a Bantu community, the descendants of migrants who arrived in the area hundreds of years ago. The Chagga people traditionally lived in small villages in the foothills of the mountain and to this day still worship the mountain.
Religious Beliefs and Significance of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a sacred mountain for the Chagga people, and is an important part of their cultural and religious identity. It is believed that Kilimanjaro is the spiritual home of God and the dwelling place of their ancestors’ spirits. The Chagga people often perform rituals on the mountain to honour their ancestors and seek guidance from God.
Myths and Legends of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is steeped in myths and legends, with many of these originating in Chagga folklore. One of the most famous tales is the legend of Rahanni and Chagga, two lovers who were turned into mountains by God. According to the legend, Chagga is the mountain we know today as Kilimanjaro.
Adventure Tourism and Activities on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the most popular mountain on the African continent and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Adventure seekers come to Kilimanjaro to hike its slopes and summit its iconic peak. There are several climb routes up the mountain, ranging from easier routes such as the Marangu Route to the more difficult Western Breach Route. For those not looking to climb the mountain, there are also other activities such as camping, mountain biking, paragliding, and hot-air ballooning.
Economic Impact of Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro plays an important role in the economy of Tanzania, both through the influx of tourism to the area and the jobs created by the tourism industry. The mountain is also a vital source of resources for the local population, providing soil for farming and water for irrigation.
Conservation Efforts around Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro National Park protects some of Kilimanjaro’s most valuable resources, and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including elephants, lions, buffaloes and antelopes. The area is currently under conservation management, with a focus on conserving the mountain’s sensitive ecosystem and protecting its vulnerable species.
Threats and Challenges Faced by Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro and its surroundings face many challenges, such as poaching and deforestation. In addition, the mountain’s glaciers are receding quickly due to rising temperatures, which is posing a major threat to the long-term sustainability of the area.
Kilimanjaro in Popular Culture
Kilimanjaro has achieved a great deal of recognition in popular culture, with references to the mountain in literature, film, and music. Ernest Hemingway’s novel ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’, and the film of the same name are two of the most famous works to feature Kilimanjaro. The mountain has also been featured in several songs, including Elton John’s ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
Conclusion
Kilimanjaro is a spectacular mountain, steeped in mythology and history, and is a popular tourist destination in Tanzania and across Africa. The time zone in Kilimanjaro is East African Time (EAT), three hours ahead of UTC, and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The area also faces many challenges, including poaching, deforestation and climate change, but also provides economic opportunities for the local population. Kilimanjaro has also achieved recognition in popular culture, with references in books, films, and music.
