MT. KILIMANJARO FACTS TO BE AWARE OF
Among the most popular mountains in the world is Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is found in Tanzania, East Africa. It has the height of 19,340 feet or 5,895 meters. The first people who have made it to the top of this lofty mountain are Hans Meyer, Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo and Ludwig Purtscheller on the 5th of October, 1889. This mountain is so popular that many people want to learn a few Mt. Kilimanjaro facts before they start trekking it. And even though some people don’t have the plans to trek the mountain, they find learning some facts about it enough to educate them and appreciate one of God’s tallest creations.
OTHER IMPORTANT MT. KILIMANJARO FACTS
Aside from being the tallest mountain in Africa, the most interesting fact about this mountain is that it has three volcanic cones; the Kibo, Mawenzi,and Shira, wherein Uhuru peak is the highest summit on the Kibo’s crater. Even though two of these volcanic cones, Mawenzi and Shira are extinct and the last reported eruption from this mountain occurred 360,000 years ago, Kibo is still considered dormant. This means that any time, there is still a chance that this mountain could erupt.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is also considered as the most wonderful attraction in Africa, not only because of its height, but also because of the various ecological systems found on the mountain. This is the reason why local tribes reside in the foothills of the mountain and local forest villages can be spotted surrounding the mountain. It can benefit the people because the forests that surround Kili are good sources of firewood, hunting, etc. In fact, there are 4.8 million indigenous trees said to be planted last 2008 not only for the benefit of the people, but also for the preservation of the mountain and its forests.
When it comes to trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro, there are also a few facts you have to be aware of before you start. Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro is both difficult and easy. It is easy because any newbie to the hobby can try it. You no longer have to have background mountaineering experience just to try Kili. But take note that you are trekking Africa’s tallest mountain and the fourth highest mountain out of the Seven Summits. This means that the altitude of the mountain may pose as the hardest challenge to trekkers out there and it may take you 7-10 days to reach the peak.
With this, the need to be fit and packed is very important. You need to be physically and mentally fit to trek Kili and packed with all the necessary equipments you may need. It is also important to have a guide beside you especially if you have no idea about the routes to take. Also, be ready or expect that it may cost you a significant amount of money, especially if you want a successful trek.
Keeping in mind these Mt. Kilimanjaro facts and learning more facts will help you be equipped with the needed knowledge and information whether you want to trek the mountain or you simply want to learn about it.