10 Interesting Facts About Africa’s Highest Peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro
Are you planning a trip to Tanzania? Do you want to take your travel companions on the adventure of a lifetime? If so, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro ought to be at the top of your to-do list.
If you need help getting everyone pumped up for the adventure (or if you just want to learn more about the mountain you’re about to climb) these ten fascinating facts about Africa’s highest peak will surely help.
Check ’em out.
The Basics
Before we go over some of the most interesting facts about Kilimanjaro, let’s first cover the basics that everyone should know, whether they plan to climb the mountain or not.
Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the Seven Summits. The Seven Summits are the highest peaks located on each of the world’s seven continents.
It is located within the 292 square-mile Kilimanjaro National Park.
From its base, Kilimanjaro is approximately 16,732 feet tall. In addition to being the tallest mountain in Africa, it is also the tallest free-standing mountain (a mountain that is not part of a mountain range) in the world.
1. Kilimanjaro Has Three Volcanoes
There are three volcanic cones present on Mt. Kilimanjaro: Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shira.
Both Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanoes. Kibo, which is the highest peak, is dormant and could potentially erupt again.
Kibo’s most recent activity occurred over 200 years ago. Its last major eruption occurred 360,000 years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch.
Clearly, you don’t need to worry too much about volcanic activity during your climb.
2. The Fastest Ascent Occurred in 2014
So far, the fastest ascent of the mountain occurred in 2014. A Swiss mountain runner named Karl Egloff ran up Kilimanjaro in just 4 hours and 56 minutes.
He beat the previous record, which a Spanish runner named Kilian Jornet set in 2010.
The record for the fastest unaided (meaning he carried his own water, food, and clothing) ascent and descent is held by a Tanzanian man named Simon Mtuy.
In 2006, Mtuy climbed to the summit and back in just 9 hours and 19 minutes.
3. The Mountain’s Snow Caps are Diminishing
Kilimanjaro’s snow caps are quickly disappearing. In fact, they have lost over 80 percent of their mass since 1912. Scientists predict that they will soon be totally free of ice — likely within the next 20 years.
4. 25,000 People Summit Kilimanjaro Each Year
Every year, nearly 25,000 people try to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. About two-thirds of them are successful.
The most common reason people give for turning around has to do with difficulties with the mountain’s high altitude.
Taking your time as you climb, choosing the right route, and making sure you’re in good physical shape before your climb can help you cope with altitude changes more easily.
5. You Can Choose from Five Climbing Routes
There are five different routes you can take to the summit of Kilimanjaro:
- Marangu Route
- Machame Route
- Rongai Route
- Lemosho Route
- Mweka Route
Machame and Lemosho are both popular and scenic routes. Marangu is the busiest route, though. It is also the easiest, with the exception of the final ascent to the rim of the mountain’s crater.
6. Kilimanjaro is Home to Five Different Ecosystems
Kilimanjaro is so large that it encompasses five different ecosystems.
At different points on the mountain, you can find tropical jungles, savannah, and desert. The mountain is also home to montane forests, sub-alpine plants, and alpine zone.
If you want to experience a variety of climates at once, Kilimanjaro is the place to visit.
7. A Variety of Animals Live on the Mountain
Because of its variety of ecosystems, Kilimanjaro is also home to a wide variety of animals.
Some of the most common animals to spot on the mountain include:
- Blue monkeys
- Olive baboons
- Civets
- Leopards
- Bush pigs
- Mongooses
Kilimanjaro is also home to honey badgers, aardvarks, and bushbabies. It’s rare to run across these creatures since they are nocturnal. If you listen carefully, you may be able to hear bushbabies in the trees, though.
8. There are Lots of Theories about the Origin of the Mountain’s Name
It’s not clear exactly where the name “Kilimanjaro” came from. There are lots of theories about its origin.
Some people believe that the name is a mix of the Swahili word Kilima, which means “mountain,” and the KiChagga word Njaro, which means “whiteness.”
Others believe that it is a European pronunciation of a KiChagge phrase that means “we failed to climb it.”
9. The Oldest Person to Climb Kilimanjaro Was 87 Years Old
Think you’re too old for mountain climbing adventures? Think again!
In 2017, an 88-year-old retired orthodontist from Vail, Colorado named Dr. Fred Distelhorst became the oldest person to ever climb Kilimanjaro.
Distelhorst beat the previous record, which was set by a Frenchman named Valtee Daniel. Daniel reached the summit at 87 years of age.
As you can see, age is just nothing but a number. As long as you’re prepared for the changes in altitude and your doctor clears you for this kind of activity, there’s no reason to let age stop you from your adventures.
10. It’s an Equal Opportunity Mountain
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an amazing feat. But, it’s not as difficult to climb as some of the world’s other peaks.
People of all ages and fitness levels can climb Kilimanjaro. This has to do, in part, with the fact that you don’t need any special climbing equipment like ropes, axes, or crampons.
Kilimanjaro isn’t an easy mountain to climb, by any means. There are a few places along the climbing routes that require you to use your hands and your feet. It’s also almost entirely uphill.
That being said, if you are healthy and in reasonably good climbing shape, there’s no reason why you can’t successfully reach the summit.
Are You Interested in Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Are you ready to take an exciting, life-changing adventure?
To book your climb of the fascinating Mt. Kilimanjaro, contact us at African Sermon Safaris today.
Want to take a trip to Tanzania but don’t feel up to mountain climbing? Don’t worry. There are tons of other fun and exciting options you can take advantage of.
Our staff members have tons of hands-on experience and will help you plan the perfect vacation!