​​Interesting Information and Facts About Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro National Park has been one of the most visited parks in Tanzania since it officially opened in 1977. How this park differs from other northern parks is that it is not for wildlife animals although they are already there. Rather, the park has been made as a venue for gazing at a mountain that is covered with snow. It also serves as the starting point to reach the highest peak of Africa. This mountain is called Mount Kilimanjaro which stands tall in the heart of Kilimanjaro National Park. Its total height is 5896 kilometers, making it the highest peak of Africa

Kilimanjaro Vegetation and Animals

The mountain is considered as one of the magnificent sights of the continent of Africa. Moreover, it is one of the highest mountains and volcanoes in the entire world. It stands from a number of cultivated farmlands on its lower levels and rises through alpine meadows and lush rainforests. The lower rainforest of this mountain holds a wide variety of animals such as elands, monkeys, buffalos and leopards. The elands are seen occasionally between the twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. If you want to see more animals you will have to add a Tanzania safari in your package

Kilimanjaro Peaks

Mount Kilimanjaro is composed of three different volcanoes namely Kibo which stands 5,895 meters high, Mawenzi that stands 5,149 meters high and Shira standing 3,962 meters high. A giant stratovolcano, Kilimanjaro, started to form a million years ago. Its formation occurred when lava from the zone of Rift Valley spilled. The highest peak of this mountain, which is Kibo, can possibly erupt once more while the other two volcanoes are already extinct. The last recorded major eruption of Kibo has been dated 360,000 years ago. Its most recently observed activity took place 200 years ago. Kibo is believed to contain fumaroles which emit gas in its crater. In 2003, scientists released a conclusion that the molten magma of Kibo is only 400 meters below its summit crater. Western Breach is an area which was created by many landslides and collapses of Kibo.

Kilimanjaro Weather and The Best Months to Climb

Kilimanjaro is notable for showing the greatest area of the surface of planet Earth in a single view. This large area is caused both by its height and the wide surrounding flat land. The mountain can be climbed any time of the year. Weather patterns in this place can be hardly predicted and are erratic. During the months of March, April and November, the paths through its rainforests are more likely to be slippery. In these seasons, the routes going up to the mountain crest will be capped by snow. During these times, it is also possible that you will experience sunny days. Therefore, climbing to the summit has to take into consideration the heat and coldness brought by changing weather conditions.

The best months to climb the Kilimanjaro Mountain are from the last quarter of December to February and from the last quarter of June to October. Early March is also an ideal time. During these seasons, climbers are more likely to experience dry seasons. The weather in this mountain should be given so much consideration to. Weather conditions are frequently extremely cold and wet and therefore, you need to bring with you necessary water- and cold-proof gear and clothing. A high quality sleeping bag must also be part of the journey.

Waterproofing is very important in every journey to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is rare that climbers experience dry seasons on the mountain.

The Kilimanjaro trek is one of the biggest dreams of every mountaineer. Therefore, each of them should be educated enough about choosing the best Kilimanjaro operator and also on the possible dangers that may come their way while reaching this “elusive” dream. With proper knowledge, fitness and gear, reaching the summit is merely a picnic.