14 Interesting Facts About Mt. Kilimanjaro That Will Amaze You.

Kilimanjaro, ‘Kili’ meaning mountain, and ‘Njaro’ meaning God (according to locals). The mountain that boasts over the equator, has some pretty amazing realities that shape up its story. This stunning and magnificent beauty offers great experiences that people should try out at least once in their lifetime. Here are 14 interesting facts.

1. The Last Major Eruption.

Scientists estimate that Mount Kilimanjaro’s last major eruption was 360,000 years ago. Three volcanoes make up the mountain: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. Shira and her sister Mawenzi are extinct while Kibo is dormant with the possibility of erupting again.

2. A Wooden Box holds records of the summit.

Kilimanjaro Hall of Fame exists atop. Climbers who have summitted Uhuru Peak, the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim, have recorded their thoughts. The accomplishment is in a book stored in a wooden box at the top.

3. Three Volcanoes created Africa’s Tallest Mountain.

Mount Kilimanjaro comprises three volcanoes: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. They are Stratovolcanoes and comprise ash, lava, and rock. Kibo is the tallest of the three and is the summit of the mountain.

4. Kilimanjaro Height (5,895m).

Mount Kilimanjaro proudly stands as the crown jewel of Africa. It soars to a breathtaking altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level. This makes it the tallest mountain on the African continent.

5. Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits.

The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each of the seven traditional continents.

Seven Summits are:

-Asia: Everest (8,850 m)

-South America: Aconcagua (6,962 m)

-North America: Denali (6,190 m)

-Africa: Kilimanjaro (5,895 m)

-Europe: Elbrus (5,642 m)

-Oceania: Puncak Jaya/Mt. Carstensz (4,884 m)

-Antarctica: Mt. Vinson (4,892 m)

6. The Tallest Free-Standing Mountain in the world.

Kilimanjaro boasts an elevation of 19,341 feet above sea level. This geological wonder is not a part of any mountain range. This gives it a solitary presence across the equator and the world at large.

7. You can climb Kilimanjaro without technical climbing gear.

Mount Kilimanjaro falls into the category of a “walk-up” mountain, requiring no technical climbing skills. Unlike other peaks, ascending Kilimanjaro simply entails walking up its slopes. You can do this without needing mountaineering equipment such as harnesses, ice axes, or ropes.

8. There are 7 routes to the summit.

There are many ways to get to the peak of Kilimanjaro. Here are the 7 used routes:

• Lemosho Route: Renowned for its beauty and high popularity, this route ascends the western slope.
• Machame Route: The most favored path, it ascends the southern slope.
• Marangu Route: Offering hut accommodation exclusively, it ascends the eastern slope.
• Rongai Route: This route is distinctive for approaching the summit from the north.
• Shira Route: Beginning with the highest starting elevation on the western slope.
• Northern Circuit: The newest and longest route, starting from the west and encircling the north of the mountain.
• Umbwe Route: Known for its brevity, steepness, and challenge, it ascends the southern slope.

      9.  Africa’s Tallest Mountain has 5 ecological zones.

As climbers ascend towards the summit of Uhuru Peak, they traverse through five distinct zones. Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystem teems with various species, particularly mammals, with a significant number classified as endangered. Here are the five ecological zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro:

1. Cultivation zone: 800–1,800 meters
2. Rainforest zone: 1,800–2,800 meters
3. Afro-alpine moorland zone: 2,800–4,000 meters
4. Alpine desert zone: 4,000–5,000 meters
5. Arctic zone: Above 5,000 meters

     10. Karl Egloff holds the record for the fastest ascent and descent. (6 hours 42  minutes and 24 seconds)

Karl Egloff, the current record holder, completed the round trip from the gate in 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 24 seconds. This marks the fastest ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro to date. He used the Umbwe route for the ascent and the Mweka gate for the descent.

11. Oldest Person to climb did it at 89 years of age!

Anne Lorimor, a non-professional climber and great-grandmother made history on July 18, 2019, by becoming the oldest person to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro at 89 years and 37 days.

The oldest man to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is Fred Distelhorst, who reached the summit via the Rongai Route at 9.33 a.m. local time on 20th July 2017 aged 88 years and 180 days old.

12. Fastest Unsupported ascent and descent of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Simon Mtuy, of Tanzania, holds the record for the swiftest solo unsupported ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro. He achieved it in an impressive time of 9 hours, 21 minutes, and 47 seconds on February 22, 2006. His journey commenced at the Umbwe entrance gate, located at an elevation of 1,661 meters within Kilimanjaro National Park. Mtuy raced up the challenging Umbwe Route, reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak, towering at 5,895 meters, before descending via the Mweka Route to conclude his remarkable feat at the Mweka Gate.

13. The first woman to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro did it in 1927!

The Guardian’s report on September 30, 1927, highlighted the groundbreaking achievement of Miss Sheila MacDonald, a 22-year-old London native, who successfully scaled Africa’s Tallest Mountain. This marked the inaugural instance of a woman accomplishing such a remarkable feat, as conveyed by the London-based account freshly received at that time.

14. Fastest time to walk up Mount Kilimanjaro backwards.

Jurgen Gessau of South Africa achieved the record for the quickest ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, by walking in reverse from Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak in just 72 hours.

Conclusion:

This Mountain’s allure transcends its towering height. From its geological wonders to the remarkable achievements of climbers, this iconic peak continues to inspire awe and wonder. Whether reflecting on its ancient eruptions or celebrating modern triumphs, Kilimanjaro stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring spirit of exploration and adventure.

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