Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. Thousands of people every year plan to climb to its summit to experience inexpressible sensations, to see mesmerising landscapes, to test their strength. Climb the volcano can even an inexperienced mountaineer, if you know how to prepare for the journey, what to pay close attention to.

General information about Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is not just a mountain, but a dormant stratovolcano ready to wake up at any minute. This is evidenced by regular gas streams ejected from the crater. It is located on the territory of Tanzania, one of the most touristy countries in Africa. But if you climb to the top of the mountain, you will see Kenya with its national parks, nature reserves.

Kilimanjaro is not a solitary mountain, but a mountain complex. Its three largest peaks - Kibo, Shira, Mawenzi - reach heights of 5,895 metres, 3,962 metres and 5,149 metres respectively. It is Kibo that makes Kilimanjaro the highest point in Africa and one of the highest on the planet. Even the famous Elbrus is inferior to the African giant, as its summit reaches only 5642 metres.

Due to the high altitude and proximity to the equator, the climate on Kilimanjaro can vary dramatically depending on altitude, time of day. At the foot, on the lower slopes, the average annual temperature can be around +30°C. However, at the peaks it is much colder. The temperature here can vary from -5°C to -15°C. So tourists preparing to make the ascent, it is necessary to take care of the presence of warm things.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not only an amazing mountaineering experience, but also a journey through several natural climatic zones, each of which will reveal previously unseen landscapes, flora, fauna:

Starting from the lower slopes of the mountain, you will be in a tropical forest with dense vegetation, trees, a variety of animals, birds.
Climbing higher, you get to the savannah, where the vegetation becomes less dense and you can observe open spaces with picturesque views of the nature of Tanzania.
Next comes the highland forest zone, where trees are noticeably fewer and shrubs, herbaceous plants predominate.
Closer to the summit you will enter the subalpine and alpine zones, where the vegetation is much thinner, the relief becomes mountainous, rocky, and there is no permanent animal population at all. This is where you will begin to feel the effects of altitude. Follow the instructions of the accompanying climbing guides to conserve your strength for the rest of the journey.

Finally, on the Kibo Plateau, which is the main peak of Kilimanjaro, you will enter the glacier zone, you will see glaciers, snowfields. You are unlikely to repeat such an experience of climbing a volcano, because most mountains of the planet are not so diverse in terms of climate."

How Mount Kilimanjaro came to be

Photo: antonytrivet. Source: Pixabay

As it becomes clear from the written above, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most unusual natural objects on our planet. But how did it appear and when did it start to attract people's attention? It is reliably known that all three major peaks of the mountain - Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo - were formed millions of years ago after the eruption of ancient volcanoes. The first peak collapsed rather quickly and is now a multitude of shattered craters, slopes with a maximum height of 3962 metres.

Mawenzi and Kibo proved to be much more resistant to natural cataclysms. Gradually they decreased, changed their shape to appear before mankind today in the form that we are familiar with in postcard photos. Now the height of Mawenzi peak exceeds 5000 metres, but the pointed shape of the mountain is considered more difficult to climb. Therefore, the volcano has not become famous among modern tourists.

Which is not the case with Kibo. Its main peak, Uhuru, reaches a height of 5,895 metres and yet remains so easy to climb that climbers do not have to bring special equipment or have extensive sporting experience. The craters of the Kibo volcano are full of snow and ice, as millions of years have passed since its last eruption. Today it is a quiet sleeping giant, the conquest of which becomes a matter of honour for climbers.

Kilimanjaro and Man

Photo: crobi15. Source: Pixabay

As for humans, they began living in Kilimanjaro's neighbourhood almost as long ago as mankind has existed at all. Researchers have found stone utensils dating back to 1000 BC in the vicinity of the mountain. It is not uncommon for the snow-capped African peak to be mentioned in ancient books. Coming here, tourists literally encounter the history of the formation of the planet as a whole and people in particular.

The first ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro volcano was made in 1889. German geology professor Hans Meyer and his Austrian guide Ludwig Pourtscheller were the first people to officially climb the mountain, but it was only on the third attempt. This journey helped to draw the world's attention to the mountain and contributed to the gradual development of tourism in the region.

When climbing Kilimanjaro became interesting to ordinary people, the infrastructure for travellers began to develop here. In 1932, a significant event took place: the construction of the Kibo hut on the Marangu route. A couple of years after that, groups of tourists begin to come here, eager to test their endurance, to see the amazing landscapes of Africa.

How to get to Kilimanjaro

As mentioned earlier, Mount Kilimanjaro is located on the territory of Tanzania, which means that the first thing to do is to take care of arriving here. There are no direct flights between Russia and the distant African country, but several major international airlines can offer tourists flights with connections in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or European capitals. Most fly to the beaches of Zanzibar, but there are flights that bring travellers to Kilimanjaro's neighbouring cities: Arusha and Moshi.

You need to buy tickets a few months before the proposed ascent. But you will not have to make a visa for travelling in Tanzania in advance. It will be put in the passport on arrival in the country. But you will have to pay a fee and spend some time in a queue. The inhabitants of African countries are often unhurried, and every year more and more tourists arrive.

Then from the airport you can go to check into a hotel, all in the same nearby towns of Arusha or Moshi. If you have flown in on an official tour, you won't have to worry about booking accommodation. Transfers to your accommodation and the foot of the mountain are always included in the price. Independent tourists will be much more difficult. Public transport in Tanzania, as well as in other African countries like Ethiopia or Congo, is practically absent. You'll have to take a taxi, which will cost $50 American dollars.

But the tour on the climb itself will have to be purchased in any case. Independently climb Kilimanjaro and Meru in Tanzania, the volcano Nyiragongo in Congo, other mountains in Africa is prohibited by law. The territory at their foot is always considered a national park or reserve, not to mention the proximity to the borders of other states. But there is good news: it is easy to buy a tour, because there are a huge number of accredited tour companies. Then you will only have to prepare things for climbing the mountain, to appear at the appointed time and meeting place.

Mt Kilimanjaro climbing routes

Photo: 251556. Source: Pixabay

Since climbing Kilimanjaro volcano is hugely popular, the infrastructure for tourists is very well developed. There are six official routes designed for athletes with different training:

The Shira route starts on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers climbers the opportunity to explore all climatic zones and landscapes along the ascent. However, the route is characterised by high difficulty and is therefore considered less suitable for beginners.
The Lemosho route is one of the most massive routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It also starts on the western slope, but involves a slow, gradual increase in altitude, which helps climbers adapt to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
The Machame route starts from the southern slope of the mountain range, from an altitude of about 1,490 metres above sea level. Climbing this route requires good physical fitness and adaptation to altitude. Nevertheless, many climbers take it because of the beauty and variety of scenery during the ascent.
The Umbwe route is considered one of the steepest and shortest routes to the top of the mountain. It starts on the south side of Kilimanjaro. The mountaineers are faced with almost vertical ascents and descents, which are technically difficult to overcome. That said, the Umbwe route is known for its beautiful views and wild character, as it passes through less inhabited areas of the mountain.
The Marangu route is called the "Coca-Cola Route" because of the more comfortable accommodation facilities specially designed for tourists. For instance, cottages for overnight stay instead of tents are provided in Marangu. This is especially convenient during the rainy season, when the most stable tents manage to get wet overnight without giving travellers a chance to warm up. In addition to the cottages, the camp has an equipped dining room, sanitary facilities.
The Rongai or Loitokitok route is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. From this side, not only Tanzania but also Kenya and its national parks come into view. That said, there are far fewer travellers on the route than on all of the above options.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes a week on average. By following some routes, you can reduce the number of climbing days to six or, conversely, increase it to eight. Do not forget to share information about your well-being with your guide. Remember that such a journey is always accompanied by physical health risks. It is impossible to predict how a person will behave in extreme conditions. Follow the instructions of an experienced chaperone to get pleasant memories and impressions from the trip.

Interesting facts about Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro surprises not only with its height, climate, but also with some features that distinguish it from similar stratovolcanoes. Here are some unusual facts about the elevation:

Kilimanjaro is not just the tallest mountain in Africa, but also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world."
Kibo Volcano was last active over 200 years ago, and its last eruption was 360,000 years ago. But we should not forget that this sleeping giant can wake up at any time. The natural preconditions for this scientists are already observing today.
The snows of Kilimanjaro have been actively melting in recent years, and the white cap is decreasing all the time. The reason for this is the notorious global warming and the interest in the mountain from more and more tourists.
The first ascent of Kilimanjaro in 1889 took a month and a half. Prepared routes were not yet available at the time, and the explorers twice aborted their journey.
Every year the mountain receives about 35,000 tourists, but only two-thirds of them reach the end point of their routes.

Finally, Mount Kilimanjaro is not only a natural wonder, but also a symbol of adventure, achievement, overcoming oneself, which attracts travellers, mountaineers to Tanzania.

What else to see in Africa

Photo: Stephan Bechert. Source: Unsplash

Mount Kilimanjaro is not the only attraction on the continent worth paying your attention to. A visit to Ngorongoro National Park, lost among the peaks of the Great African Rift in north-eastern Tanzania, is also a memorable experience. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is home to a vast array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos.

A trip to the Ruwenzori mountain range, located on the border between Uganda and Congo, can be no less exciting. Here, travellers will see the Stanley, Speke, Luigi di Savoia, Emin and Baker mountains - majestic, mighty and vibrant. They surround the Bujuku Valley, protecting it from the influence of mankind. This place has retained its pristine beauty and purity. The largest peak of the Moon Mountains, as the Ruwenzori Massif is called by the locals, reaches a height of 5109 metres.

Ethiopia also knows how to surprise travellers. Here tourists will find the waterfalls of the blue Nile, Mount Ras Dashen, and the active volcano Erta Ale. Mount Ras Dashen is the highest point in the country and one of the highest mountains in Africa. Its extraordinary landscape includes high plateaus, colourful valleys, and gorges. And Erta Ale is known for its bubbling lava lake, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Another African mountain whose peak reaches a height of 5,199 metres, Kenya. Yes, it is named after the country in which it is located. Moreover, Mount Kenya is the highest point of the nation. The mountain's surroundings are home to many species of rare plants, animals including Kenyan ostriches, wild cats, and elephants. It also holds great significance for locals, being associated with ancient myths and legends.

Mount Kilimanjaro has become a symbol of perseverance, self-confidence, and the ability to overcome difficulties. Many people take climbing it as a personal challenge and an achievement that is remembered for a lifetime. This majestic mountain attracts travellers and climbers time and time again, one of whom could be you.