- Interesting facts about Kilimanjaro
- Kilimanjaro for tourists
- Main climbing routes
Volcano Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa (the height of the mountain is 5895 m). The location of this stratovolcano is northeastern Tanzania.
For the first time, Kilimanjaro was mentioned in the II century. AD, however, the date of its discovery is considered May 1848 (discoverer - Johannes Rebmann).
Kilimanjaro is a mountain range with three peaks: Shira (its remains are located to the west of the main mountain; height - 3962 m); Mawenzi (located in the east; peak height - 5149 m); Kibo (the youngest and most dangerous of the 3 volcanoes; its height is 5895 m).
Interesting facts about Kilimanjaro
Although there is no documented information that Kilimanjaro ever erupted, according to local legends, its volcanic activity was observed 150-200 years ago.
Despite the fact that Kilimanjaro is now showing no signs of activity (with the exception of gas and sulfur emissions), the probability of its collapse remains, as a result of which a large eruption will occur (molten lava is at a depth of 400 meters under the main crater). It is worth noting that in the past there have already been ground shifts and several collapses at Kibo (one of them caused the so-called “western gap”).
From 1861 to 1887 Samuel Teleki “conquered” heights of 2500, 4200 and 5270 m, and in 1889 the traveler Hans Mayer and the climber Ludwig Purtsheller were the first to reach the top of the mountain.
Nowadays, high-speed climbing and descent from the mountain is practiced on Kilimanjaro. So, in August 2014, Karl Igloff (mountain guide) was able to run the Umbwe route and down to the Mweka gate in less than 7 hours, and before that, in September 2010, the run of the athlete Kilian Jornet Burghada took 7 hours 14 minutes.
Kilimanjaro for tourists
The Kilimanjaro area is an interesting site that is visited by thousands of tourists every year. At the foot of the volcano, a variety of entertainment is provided for travelers. So, they will be offered to ride a jeep through a picturesque area - a tropical jungle (so that they can better see the local beauty, take numerous photos and videos of the jeep, remove the roof).
Want to admire the volcano Kilimanjaro? Climb it (although you can climb to the top in 1 day, but so that travelers can adapt to the climate, treks to the top are designed in such a way that they take 5-7 days). The best times for this activity are December-March and July-October.
The city closest to the mountain is Moshi: it is the starting point for the ascent. It is worth finding a travel agency there that has received accreditation in the Kilimanjaro National Park (the tour will cost about $ 1000) - its staff will provide tourists with professional guides, porters and even cooks.
Climbing Uhuru Peak (Kibo Volcano), although quite simple, requires high-altitude acclimatization. The main routes (there are trails designed only for ascent and exclusively for descent (Mweka trail), and the Marangu trail can be traveled in both directions) leading to it are accessible to any healthy person (no special equipment and climbing training are required). According to statistics, only 60% of travelers reach the top of the peak. Blame it all - health problems or bad faith of one-day travel companies. If you wish, you can use a unique service from local residents - they will carry your luggage to the top for $ 5 / day.
Main climbing routes
- Marangu: This route (starting at the east side) is designed for 5-6 days, and since it is the most popular, the lifeguard service works best here. In general, the trail is comfortable, there are toilets, water sources and spacious huts (the disadvantage is the crowdedness).
- Rongai: duration of the route (starts from the north, from the town of Loitokitok) - 5-6 days. On the way, tourists will be able to meet exotic African animals. At the top, the Rongai track coincides with Marangu (tourists spend the night in huts), while the rest of the way, travelers camp in scenic areas, in particular, next to Kikeleva Cave.
- Machame: during the 6-7-day route (starting from Machame Gate), tourists will have to cross the forest and humid plains overgrown with bushes, cross rivers and streams, climb rocky slopes, relax in the Shira Hut hut.
- Umbwe: it will take 5-6 days to complete the route; it is considered quite difficult due to the direct exit to the edge of the crater (on day 3 the trek is combined with the Machame route).
- Shira: is the longest route (it will be possible to get to its beginning using the services of a jeep or an all-wheel drive truck) - it involves at least 6 overnights (3 of them take place in conditions close to wild), but tourists will be able to get acquainted with the pristine nature of the park.
- Lemosho: the way will take 5-8 days; this route is long and rarely visited, but the most beautiful.
As for the ascent to Mawenzi peak (climbing training is required), now no one is allowed here because of the high risk to life.
