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Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located in Tanzania, is approximately 5,895 meters high (19,340 feet). Independent of a mountain range, it is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world.
See the fact file below for more information on Mount Kilimanjaro, or you can download our 29-page Mount Kilimanjaro worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
ETYMOLOGY
- It’s unclear where the name Kilimanjaro came from.
- By 1860, European explorers had adopted the name and claimed that the Swahili word for the mountain was “Kilimanjaro.” However, “The Nuttall Encyclopædia” claims in the 1907 edition that the peak’s real name was “Kilima-Njaro,” a combination of the Swahili and Chagga words for “whiteness” and “mountain” respectively.
- According to Johann Ludwig Krapf, a German missionary who lived in the 19th century, the residents of Jagga refer to the snow-mountain Kilimanjaro as “snow.” The Swahili of the coast refers to it as the “mountain of greatness” or “mountain of caravans” (kilima – mountain; jaro caravans).
- Another suggestion is that the name Kilimanjaro is a KiChagga expression that means “we tried to climb it, but failed.”
THREE VOLCANIC CONES
- Mount Kilimanjaro is also a stratovolcano (the name for a very large volcano formed of ash, lava, and rock) and is composed of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
- Kibo, the highest of the three volcanic formations, is located at the mountain’s peak.
- Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, while Kibo is dormant and may erupt once again. According to scientists, it last erupted 360,000 years ago.
- The mountain’s snow-capped peak is another distinctive feature, but scientists have warned that the snow may disappear over the next 20 years.
A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
- Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973 to safeguard the mountain’s distinctive ecosystem and the six surrounding forest corridors.
- In 1987, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the park as a World Heritage site.
- Following an expansion in 2005, the National Park now encompasses the entire mountain above the tree line as well as the natural forest (montane forest) that was previously part of the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve and, as a result, satisfies the integrity requirements.
RECORD-BREAKING CLIMBERS
- German geologist Hans Meyer, Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller, and local guide Yohani Kinyala Lauwo made the first ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1889.
- Meyer reached the base of Kibo on his initial attempt in 1887 but had to turn around. He found high walls of snow and ice and lacked the tools necessary for such conditions.
- In 1889, Meyer finally found success. A guide, two tribal chiefs from the area, nine porters, and a cook made up his support staff. On the crater’s southern rim, they arrived at the peak. The Marangu route follows Meyer’s ground-breaking ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro quite closely.
- Karl Egloff, a Swiss climber, scaled Kilimanjaro in record time in 2014, taking just 6 hours and 42 minutes.
- The 2010 ascent of Uhuru Peak by Spanish mountain runner Kilian Jornet in just 5 hours 23 minutes, and 50 seconds is another significant achievement.
- In 2015, German Anne-Marie Flammersfeld set a record for the fastest female ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro. She reached the peak in 8 hours 32 minutes and descended in 12 hours 58 minutes overall.
- Tanzanian Simon Mtuy set the record for the quickest unassisted ascent in 2006, ascending to the peak and returning in 9 hours and 19 minutes while carrying all his own supplies.
- Anne Lorimor, an 89-year-old American guided by Ultimate Kilimanjaro®, is the oldest individual to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro. In 2019, she surpassed Dr. Fred Distelhorst, who was 88 at the time of his ascent, to claim the global record.
FIVE DISTINCT ECOLOGICAL ZONES
- The five unique ecological zones that make up Mount Kilimanjaro range from lush, humid rainforest to an alpine desert and, finally, the renowned arctic summit. You can view a variety of intriguing and unusual plants and animals as you go through these several zones, such as colobus monkeys and the endemic impatiens kilimanjari plant.
- Cultivation Zone (2,500 feet – 5,900 feet). Formerly rolling savanna grassland, the lower slopes of the mountain are now primarily farmed by local farmers and utilized as grazing land for livestock.
- Montane Rain forest (5,900 feet – 9,200 feet). The moist rainforest, which gets the highest precipitation, once supported a wide range of wildlife. It would be difficult to observe anything more than the occasional antelope and a few monkeys due to the surge in visitors. However, the birdlife is wonderful.
- Low Alpine Heath and Moorland Zone (9,200 feet – 13,000 feet). Compared to the forest, this place is cooler and much drier. Heathers and broad grasses make up the vegetation. As you go higher in this zone, lobelias and giant senecios are in plentiful supply.
- Alpine Desert (13,000 feet – 16,400 feet). It becomes much gloomier as you ascend higher and leave the heath and moorland zone. It’s a hostile location, much cooler at night and scorching hot during the day. The lack of precipitation has left this area with stony terrain and minimal soil suitable for supporting vegetation.
- Ice Cap Zone, the Arctic Tundra (16,400 feet – 19,340 feet). This region is surrounded by rocks and volcanic debris, with glaciers higher up. There is little water since the majority of rainfall accumulates as snow and is absorbed by permeable rocks. It’s dreary and incredibly cold. But it is very scenic.
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
- On Mount Kilimanjaro, there are five different ecological zones, each with a “height” of around 1,000m. In the woods, between 800 and 1,800m above sea level, are towns, farms, and grasslands.
- From 1,800m to 2,800m, the dense rainforest is the next “level” of vegetation. Every year, this area of lush green receives 1,000 to 2,000 mm of rain. Huge tree ferns, sycamore trees, junipers, and “old man’s beard” moss can all be found here. Numerous plants, some of which are endemic, like the Impatiens kilimanjari, thrive in this humid zone.
- Between 2,800m and 4,000m lies the semi-alpine heath and moorland zone. The unusual gigantic groundsel, Senecio trees, lobelias, and vibrant red-hot pokers may all be found here.
- A wide variety of birds, including tropical boubous, Hartlaub turacos, green wood hoopoes, silvery-cheeked hornbills, and others, can be found in lower-lying places, such as the forest zone. If you look up at the trees, you might see primates, including blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. The mountain’s woodland is home to civets, leopards, mongooses, bush pigs, dik-diks, elephants, and Abbott’s duikers, however, sightings are uncommon.
- Animals in the higher heath and moorland zone experience the same difficulties as plants. If you’re lucky, you might see malachite sunbirds, red-eyed doves, white-necked ravens, and the four-striped grass mouse. The harsh-furred and climbing mouse and mole rats are more elusive.
CLIMBING ROUTES
- Lemosho Route. Most climbers will need at least 7 or 8 days to finish this 70-kilometer route. Many people believe it to be the most picturesque ascent of Kilimanjaro, and it has gained popularity because of less foot traffic, high summit success rate, and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Machame Route. On this route, the majority of climbers will need at least 6 days to summit Kilimanjaro. It is regarded as being rather challenging and is best suited to the more daring and seasoned hikers. Known as the “whiskey path,” it is the most popular route among visitors because of its harsh terrain and breathtaking summit views.
- Marangu Route. This path climbs Mount Kilimanjaro on a gentle slope, making it possibly the oldest and easiest ascent route. It is the most well-known trip up the mountain and is 69 kilometers long, earning it the nickname the “Coca-Cola route.” It is preferred during the wet season and follows the same path both up and down.
- Rongai Route. Near the Kenyan border, this 70-kilometer route approaches from the north. This path is considered moderately steep and tough and requires a minimum of 6 days to accomplish. For those with minimal previous hiking expertise, it is a good option.
- Shira Route. This path reaches Kilimanjaro from the west and is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. It takes about 7 days to accomplish, and given the high starting point, climbers using this route must be confident in their capacity to acclimate. It is a fascinating and scenic route that travels across the magnificent Shira Plateau before eventually joining the Machame trail.
Mount Kilimanjaro Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Mount Kilimanjaro across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching students about Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits, located in Tanzania, East Africa.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Mount Kilimanjaro Facts
- Record Breaker
- Mountain of Truth
- Kilimanjaro Twist
- Mountain Heroes
- The Path to the Peak
- Only on Mount Kilimanjaro
- It’s the Climb
- Mountain, My Way
- See You at the Top!
- Keep it Cool!
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Mount Kilimanjaro, and how long does it take to climb?
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa. The time it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro can vary depending on the chosen route, but it typically takes between 5 to 9 days.
What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and January to February. The weather during this time is generally mild, with clear skies and good visibility. However, it is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro year-round.
What are the different routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro has several routes to climb, including the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe routes. The Marangu route is the most popular, while the Lemosho and Machame routes are considered the most scenic.
Do you need any special equipment or training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
You do not need special technical climbing skills to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, as it is a trekking peak. However, it is essential to have good physical fitness and mental preparation. It is also recommended to have proper gear, such as a warm sleeping bag, a waterproof jacket, and good-quality hiking boots.
Is it safe to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is generally safe if you choose a reputable tour operator and follow proper safety procedures. It is important to acclimatize properly to the altitude, drink plenty of water, and listen to the advice of your guide. However, there is always some risk involved with high-altitude trekking, so it is important to be prepared and take safety precautions.
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