Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Facts Page

Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, is an exctinct volcano in North Eastern Tanzania. Rising 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) from its base, it is one of the world's highest free standing mountains and is additionally the highest peak in Africa. It lies 205 miles south of the equator and stands on Tanzania's northern border with Kenya. Kilimanjaro supports 5 major eco-zones: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers.

The top of Kilimanjaro has seen a retreat of the most recent covering of glaciers, with the most recent ice cap volume dropping by more than 80%. Scientist speculate that the shrinking of Kilimanjaro's ice cap is not directly due to rising temperatures, but rather to decreased precipitation.

Given the grandeur of Kilimanjaro, there is relatively little recorded history of the peak. Even the origins of the name are unknown, although there are several theories. European explorers had adopted the name by 1860 and reported it was Swahili Kilima meaning hill or little mountain and Njaro meaning white or shining. However, it is not understood why the diminutive kilima is used rather than the proper word for mountain, mlima. The name may be a sarcastic joke, referring to the "little hill of the Njaro." Another theory is that it comes from the Kichagga "kilmanare" or "kileajao" meaning "which defeats the bird/leaopard/caravan," although this doesn't explain why the name Kilimanjaro was never used in Kichagga before in it was used in Europe.

There are several routes by which to climb Kilimanjaro, but Machame is by far the most scenic, albeit steeper route.

~ Fastest ascent: Bruno Brunod, 5 hours 38 minutes 40 seconds.
~ Youngest person to summit: Keats Boyd, 7 years old.
~ Oldest person to summit: Valtee Daniel, 87 years old.

Kilimanjaro Links

Tanzanian Embassy

CDC Health information

Weather for Moshi Town, Tanzania

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