Mount Kilimanjaro is the most iconic and famous landmark in the world. Alongside the Big 5 animals, it’s one of the things that people most associate with Africa.
Its towering size and challenging hikes make it renowned worldwide, but what other secrets does the mountain hold that we can uncover?
1. It’s actually a dormant volcano
The most famous misconception about this outstanding work of nature is that it is a mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro is a naturally formed dormant volcano created by the earth’s tectonic plates moving and colliding together, pushing until the volcano formed.
Despite this, it is a wonder as a freestanding volcano. Its elevation of 19,341 feet above sea level has earned it the right to be among the top seven highest peaks in the world.
The last known (estimated) eruption was approximately 360,000 years ago, so there is a low chance of it erupting soon. Still, this dormant wonder has allowed plants to flourish in its mineral-rich soil. It has more than one organically formed bio-domes on its sides, providing hikers with the challenge of traversing rainforest, desert, and ice fields all in the same trip.
2. It’s composed of three volcanoes
Mount Kilimanjaro continues to defy geologists with the secrets it holds. At one point in its evolution, it consisted of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi.
The summit climbers ascend daily to the centre cone, Kibo. Shira and Mawenzi are two smaller cones, with Shira being the smallest after it collapsed. Together, they form the Shira Plateau, a haven for flora and fauna alike.
Shira Plateau
After millions of years of lava flow and changes in the environment, this plateau has become a rich ecosystem, and is home to many explored and unexplored caves and lava formations.
Wildlife thrives here, including the tree hyrax, which is a small nocturnal mammal, and the elusive Shira reed frog. It is one of the few places where you can feel like you stepped back into prehistoric times.
Kibo Cone
Geologically speaking, Kibo is the youngest of the three cones, but stands tall over its siblings.
Forming the peak summit in the centre, it is officially the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and where hiking trails converge. Capped by an almost fully symmetrical cone with some peaks reaching 590 to 660 feet on the south side, the crater still has actively emitting gas fumaroles.
Mawenzi Cone
The most challenging and, therefore, restricted climb, is found on Mawenzi. This cone was formed after Shira collapsed and became extinct, and is unfortunately now made up of a lot of loose rocks, making it dangerous to attempt.
3. Name origin is unknown
There are many different tribes and cultures that live on and around this natural wonder, and all have different meanings for the words that make up the name.
As a result, the true meaning of Mount Kilimanjaro is unknown; there is no one set translation that spans across the different people. Close interpretations include words for “mountain”, “hill”, “witnessed”, and “caravan”. Due to its size, some of these words may have been used to describe the landmark, as it can be seen for many miles around.
Mount Kilimanjaro has also been referred to as the “mountain of greatness” and “mountain unclimbable”. There does seem to be a trend in the naming, but not enough to produce an official meaning.
4. The first successful ascent was 100 years ago
For centuries, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has been a challenge for outsiders. Local people will climb Kilimanjaro as high as necessary to gather food and water, but for climbers all over the world, making it to the top has become a rite of passage. Sadly, this is not always accomplished.
However, the first recorded successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro was achieved by a German geologist, an Austrian climber, and a local guide. Hans Meyer, accompanied by Ludwig Purtscheller, and a local guide, Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, made the ascent 100 years ago, proving that it can be done. They also documented the risks and struggles they faced.
Since then, others have successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, thanks mainly to their knowledge and understanding of the terrain and their awareness of altitude sickness, which many in the past succumbed to.
5. Go from hot to freezing temperatures in one climb
Mount Kilimanjaro is located on the Earth’s equator. Combined with being in Africa, it makes sense that the volcano’s base is covered in lush rainforests and experiences tropical temperatures.
With a high elevation above sea level, it’s no surprise that the summit is a frozen landscape, resembling either the North or South Pole. Ice and snow are everywhere; you can even encounter glaciers and avalanches.
There are not many places in the world where you can climb through such varying temperatures within just a few hours.
6. Powerful changing winds
A natural phenomenon occurs on the slopes of this fascinating volcano, and it is not one you would expect.
Depending on the time of day or night, you can experience the wind moving in different directions. This is not that strange or fascinating, you may say. However, this isn’t just about the winds blowing left to right, but also blowing upward and downward.
During the day, you can feel the winds blowing up the slopes; in the evening and into the night, you can experience the same winds blowing down the slopes.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro With Zara Tanzania Adventures
There is so much more to explore and experience when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. At Zara Tanzania Adventures, we can guide you through this incredible terrain and impart knowledge about its geology, volcanology, and more.
The tour is run by expert locals who live on or near the volcano. You will enjoy a culturally immersive experience while learning about and enjoying all that climbing Kilimanjaro has to offer.
For more information about our Mount Kilimanjaro climb, you can call us at 1-866-551-2970 or contact us online. Call us today and book your all-inclusive, tailored package to help you explore and climb this fascinating natural wonder.
