Kilimanjaro

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INTRODUCTION:

Kilimanjaro is a first tallest mountain in Africa it is notably called �the roof of Africa�. It is one of the highest free standing Mountain in the World. It covers four square kms and at it`s widest is 40 km (25 miles) across highest peak is 5,895 metres. Kilimanjaro is 330 km (206 miles) south of the equator, which bisects Kenya. Its location on the plains so close to the Indian Ocean, and its size and height , dictate the climate which in turn affect the vegetation, and climbing conditions. Then before attempt in climbing and conquering Kilimanjaro Mountain , it is better to know something about mountain's geology, history, people, and environment, then you will be ready to face its challenge !

The GEOLOGY.

Kilimanjaro comprises three extinct or dormant volcanoes which are: Kibo, 5,895 m (19,455 feet),
Mawenzi, 5,149 m (16,992 feet) and Shira , 3,962 m (13,075 feet).
Geologically Kilimanjaro's origins are traced back to the Great Rift Valley. It literary pushed its way upward from the fractures in the earth`s crust. The three distinct volcanoes rose from the plains ,their cones growing and developing over tens of thousands of years. Of the three volcanoes , Shira expired first, then Mawenzi. Kibo continued to grow with a number of lava flows. Kibo continued to grow to as high as 5,895 m, where Uhuru peak stands today. Kibo flattened and subsided into concentric terraces and cones while glaciers ebbed and flowed across it. About 100,000 years ago a huge landslide carried away part part of the summit creating the Kibo Barranco.
Kibo after its last eruption subsided forming the present caldera, the flows of the inner Crater and the Ash pit. Glaciers returned, further moulding the mountains shape, forest grew on the watered, lower slopes, and streams carved their creases.

The HISTORY.

Back in history, Kilimanjaro had a significant roles . Given the mountain's fertility, we may assume that our ancestors gathered food and hunted animals on the lower slopes, long time ago. Arab traders mostly used to pass within the shadows of Kilimanjaro Mountain, when bringing Gold, Ivory ,rhinoceros horns, and slaves from the interior. They would use water available from the springs on the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.

Since 1861 several persons had tried to conquer Kilimanjaro. Like in 14 July 1961, Baron climbed as high as 2,500 m at first, and later returned to climbing to 4,200 m where his path was blocked by a fall of snow. In 1884, a young British naturalist, artist and writer, Harry Johnston claimed to have climbed 4,944 m up the mountain, before the conditions drove him back. But the claim is disputed.

Finally in 5 October 1989, Kilimanjaro was to be conquered by Dr Hans Meyer and an experienced Alpine Mountaineer, Ludwig.

The PEOPLE.

Kilimanjaro is inhabited densely in its southern slopes. The people dominant in the area are Chagga. The main economy activities for Chagga is business, and growing of cash crops like coffee and

bananas on the volcanic ash soils.. Chiefs were the main leaders in the society. Not until the independence of Tanganyika (Tanzania) that the whole country resolved to one chief i.e the president
So most of the people found in Kilimanjaro ,are chagga though in recent years there has been a constant trend of other tribes from other parts of Tanzania moving up there in search of jobs.

The ENVIRONMENT.

In order to study the environment surrounding Kilimanjaro, the four different zones have been recorded, which are: lower slopes, forest, heath and moor land, highland desert, and the summit.

The lower slopes � these are found at an altitude between 900 m and 1,800 m. Rains range from 500 mm per year to 1,800 mm. Live stock and cultivation has changed the the face of this area, from the shrub,bush and low land forest which existed long ago. The zone is characterized by, chagga settlements,nice flowering plants, small animals like a thick � tailed bush baby, tree hyrax etc, bird life is abundant here like a vented bulbul.

The Forest � this zone is between 1,800 m and 2,800 m. Rainfall is high ranging from 2,000 mm yearly on the southern and eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro, and 1,000 mm to the western northern slopes. Its the most fertile one. A montane forest embraces the whole mountain. About 90% of water comes from this zone.The forest is characterized by : large trees like ,macaranga kilimandscharica, flowers, home of most of wild animals like monkeys, baboons but they are shy and well concealed in the trees and undergrowth,these may be seen alongside the path from Marangu gate to Mandara Hut. There are also lions, bush pig and antelopes , birds etc

The Heath and Moorland � these are found at an altitude of 2,800 m to 4,000 m. Rainfall ranges from around 1,300 mm yearly in the lower part to 530 mm in the upper reaches. It is described as a lower alpine zone divided between heath and moorland. The temperature is lower here, and is usually cool and clear, except for mist and fog at the forest boundary. From here on that climbers will need protection against both elements.
The peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are above ,and can be viewed at distant. Also you may witness the beautifull view of Mt Meru and Mt Kenya when the zone is free of cloud and fog. The zone is characterized by :different plants ,grasses,shrubs and small tress. Flowers are very striking and numerous, �everlastings� growing in clumps.

Moorland � here there is a cluster of giant lobelias and senecios, which tells you that you are now in the moorland. Plants found in valley bottom and beside streams. Many everlastings are to be found here. Their leaves are smaller and covered in dense hair,and adaptation which reduces moisture loss and protects the plant from the extremes of both temperature and light at this higher altitude.
At this altitude the number of larger animals has diminished. You may see animals like, Eland, Common duiker, African Hunting dog, buffalo and Elephant, and Lion sometimes visit Shira plateau. Animals do exist in this zone. Around Horombo hut, you may sight small animals like
striped grass mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio), and a number of wild birds here like, alpine chat which is also known as the hill or Moorland chat, and many other types of bird can be sighted at this zone.

Highland desert � the altitude in this zone ranges from 4,000 m to 5,000 m. Rainfall ranges around 250 mm annually. This zone has intense radiation, high evaporation, and a wide temperature swing. At night
is very cold, below freezing point. Water is scarce in this zone.

In the sun , temperature raises up to 40 degrees during day time. The number of plants, animals, birds and insects has been really minimized here. In the saddle area and around Kibo and Mawenzi huts, there plant species called Lichens, can be seen., also the moss ball. Flowering plants can hardly survive here. They have to protect and stabilize their roots, vulnerable leaves, stems and flowers, like the �Everlastings�. The tussock grasses are the most survivors in the highland desert. The main feature of the Highland desert is the saddle which connects the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Summit � the altitude in this zone ranges above 5,000 m and you are close to the peaks. Rainfall is less than 100 mm annually usually with snow and not rain. Here you will encounter typically arctic conditions: sub zero freezing temperatures by night, blistering sun by day. You will definitely need both warm clothes, and sun protective items such as barrier cream, and dark glasses. In this zone you will experience oxygen almost half the amount at sea level and there is little to protect you from the sun's radiation. There is virtually no liquid surface water. The zone is characterized by few plans mainly the �everlastings� at an altitude of 5,670 m near the eastern fumarole in Kibo`s Crater. It has been extremely rarely to sight any mammal of any size here.

Reaching the summit of Kibo, it may not be a complete achievement. The Kibo`s rim at the inner crater , the cone, Ash pit and dramatic ice cliffs of the northern glacier, are well worthy taking time gazing over. Inner crater walls are 15 to 20 m high, and the Ash pit is 120 m deep and about 300 m across.

CLIMBING KILIMANJARO.

Kilimanjaro can be trekked by using different routes. After studying and knowing the geology, zones, history,people and environment, one should be ready to face its challenge. The mountain can be trekked using these routes:

Marangu route � this is the most popular and easiest route to the top. Usually the ascent and decent takes five days, and takes up to six days when allowing an acclimatisation day at Horombo.

Machame route � many people believe that this is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. Trekking through route takes from six to seven days if allowing a day of acclimatisation at Mawenzi.

Rongai route � takes six days to the top of Kilimanjaro allowing a day for acclimatisation.

Lemosho route � this route takes from seven to eight days up the mountain allowing a day for acclimation.

Umbwe route � this is a short, steepest and scenic route, better confronted coming down from (Machame / Mweka route). It takes six days up to Kilimanjaro top.

For more information on visiting Tanzania contact Wild Things

For more information on visiting Tanzania's mountains contact Mountain Kingdom

About the Author

Frederick Mlaponi is a Tanzanian Student researcher on work John Mansur is working with Wild Things and MK Safaris in Tanzania http://www.wildthingsafaris.com . http://www.mksafaris.com .

Article Source : ClickEasyArticles.com

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