This article will expose you to a lot of facts about Kilimanjaro that you didn’t know before.
You do not need to be a mountain-climber to fall in love with Kilimanjaro. In fact, just learning the facts about this mountain which is located in Africa will leave you very impressed and in love. Today, almost every mountain climber wishes to climb Kilimanjaro one day. If you have never heard of it before, then you are in the right place. This article will expose you to a lot of facts about Kilimanjaro that you didn't know before.
There was a time when the Mount Kilimanjaro was shrouded in mystery. But not anymore. However, there are still some myths and even funny untrue stories about this beautiful mountain located in Africa. Today, we will debunk those myths. You will also learn the true and verifiable facts about Mount Kilimanjaro.
Where is Kilimanjaro Mountain located?
Kilimanjaro Mountain is located in a small but beautiful country in Africa called Tanzania. This mountain is perfectly situated in the Northern part of the country in the area known as the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Kilimanjaro National Park is quite a big area. It is 100 kilometers long and as wide as 65 kilometers. Mount Kilimanjaro also holds the title as Africa's highest mountain. It has also been named as one of the world's most iconic peaks.
How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
You may have heard of Mount Everest and maybe even dream of climbing the Mount Everest one day. However, you cannot climb Mount Everest if you cannot climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This mountain located in Africa is only 10,000 feet shorter than Everest. However, Mount Kilimanjaro has the title as the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Overall, it is the 4th tallest mountain with 19,341 feet high.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands alone and it is not part of a mountain range such as the Alps. This is why it is known as a freestanding mountain. Below is how Mount Kilimanjaro compare to other mountains:
• Mount Everest 29,029 feet
• Aconcagua 22,838 ft
• Denali 20,157 ft
• Mount Kilimanjaro 19,341 ft
• Mount Elbrus 15,554 ft
• Mount Vinson 16,050 ft
• Puncak Jaya 16,024 ft
Does Mount Kilimanjaro have volcano?
Yes. In fact, Mount Kilimanjaro has 3 volcano cones. The name of these volcano cones includes Shira, Kibo (on which Uhuru summit stands) and Mawenzi. However, this shouldn't stop you from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and there is definitely no need to get scared since the volcano is dormant. According to history, the last major eruption from one of the cones (Kibo) was recorded 360,000 years ago. Similarly, Mount Kilimanjaro has the last volcanic activity in 200 years ago. As far as Science can tell, these volcanoes are sleeping and they don't look like waking up anytime soon.
What type of ecosystem is available in Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the few mountains in the world where you can see almost every type of ecosystem. Interestingly, when you hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will experience 5 different climates and ecological zones. A surprising thing is that each off this ecological zones has their own unique animals, vegetation and weather. Similarly, coffee is grown on the lower part of this mountain. You will get to see it as well as the rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts and even the arctic summit at the peak of this mountain.
What are the official climbing routes for Mount Kilimanjaro?
If you are planning on climbing the Mountain Kilimanjaro, it is important that you know that it has 7 climbing routes. The last one named Tusker Trail was recently established. With all these routes, it means you can now start your climbing from every part of the mountain except the east side. Some of the most popular routes for climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro include Lemosho, Marangu, Umbwe, Machame, Shira, Rongai, and Spiral. We recommend that you climb through Lemosho or Machame.
What type of animal can one see in Mount Kilimanjaro?
No doubt, if you are an animal lover, then you are in for a treat when you visit Mount Kilimanjaro. The wildlife here consists of 24 species of bat, more than 140 various species of mammal, 25 carnivores such as leopards, 7 primate species like baboons and blue monkeys, 7 larger animals like elephants and buffalo, 25 antelope species like eland and bushbuck as well as about 180 different species of birds.
Final words
Mount Kilimanjaro is no doubt a very impressive mountain. You will definitely have an awesome time here. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro could be one of your achievement this year. This will prepare you to climb other taller mountains like Mount Everest.
