In the northeastern part of the African state of Tanzania, between the Serengeti and Tsavo national parks, there is Mount Kilimanjaro, which gave its name to the only mountainous national park in Africa. With its size, the mountain competes with its counterparts on other continents: Kilimanjaro is the fourth highest mountain from the "seven peaks". On the continent, she has no equal, so she rightfully received the nickname "the roof of Africa." In addition, Kilimanjaro is the world's largest free-standing mountain: the length of the base reaches 97 km, and its width is 64 km.

General information

The top of Mount Kilimanjaro consists of the extremities of three extinct volcanoes of different ages at once. The height of the mountain is 5895 meters, so it is not surprising that in its upper part there is snow all year round. From the Swahili language, which is the national language in Tanzania, the word "Kilimanjaro" is literally translated as "sparkling mountain". The local peoples, who traditionally inhabited the lands around Mount Kilimanjaro and who never knew snow, believed that the mountain was covered with silver.

Geographically, Kilimanjaro is located very close to the equator line, however, large differences in mountain peaks predetermined the change of climatic zones, which is expressed in the growth and settlement of species characteristic of regions of other latitudes. Is Kilimanjaro an active volcano or an extinct one? This issue is sometimes debatable, since the youngest part of it in terms of geological origin sometimes shows signs of volcanic activity.

Another feature of Mount Kilimanjaro is the rapid melting of the snow cap. Over a hundred years of observations, the white cover has decreased by more than 80%, and over the past half century, the mountain of Africa has lost most of its glaciers. There are remnants of snow cover on two peaks, but they, according to experts, will be completely lost over the next 15 years. Scientists say the reason is global warming. Photos of Mount Kilimanjaro from different years of the last century eloquently demonstrate the reduction and gradual disappearance of white areas on the tops of the mountains.

Flora and fauna

The slopes of the mountain are covered with dense tropical forests and surrounded by endless African savannas. The flora and fauna of the Tanzania National Park are rich in species common in these places, as well as unique and endangered ones, for the sake of preserving which the reserve was created.

The large-scale territory of the mountain, both in height and in breadth, accommodates almost all zones characteristic of the highland regions of Africa:

• the southern parts are covered with savannahs of different heights up to a mark of 1 thousand m and at an altitude of about one and a half km on the northern slopes;
• foothill forests;
• mountain forests - from 1.3 to 2.8 km;
• subalpine swampy meadows;
• alpine tundra - the most extensive in Africa;
• the top sections of the mountain are occupied by the alpine desert.

Forests located above 2,700 m are included in the protected zone of the national park. The vegetation of the Kilimanjaro volcano deserves special attention. Many species grow here, which are characteristic of much more northern latitudes, as well as the most ancient and bizarre plant forms. This is croton, calodendron in the forests of the northern and western parts of the mountain (at altitudes from 1500 to 2000 m), Cassiporea is even higher. On opposite slopes, okotea (or East African camphor tree) occupies similar heights. In the areas above them there are rare tree-like ferns, which are found in 7-meter sizes.

Mount Kilimanjaro is devoid of the belt of bamboo rainforests found in other similar highlands in Africa. The subalpine zone on different sides is covered with dense vegetation of hagenia and podocarp. Alpine tundra differs sharply in its appearance and population of living organisms. Plants that are well adapted to the harsh high-mountain conditions predominate here - heather, immortelle, adenocarpus, Kilimanjar sweat, waxwort, African myrsina, as well as numerous herbs from the hardy sedge family.

The fauna of the Kilimanjaro volcano in Tanzania is no less diverse and amazing. One and a half hundred species of mammals - almost 90 of them inhabit forests. These include several groups of monkeys, dozens of species of predators, antelopes and bats. The most common in the forests: leopards, monkeys, galagos, buffaloes and others.

bearded man

Two hundred African elephants travel in the floodplains of the Namvai and Tarakia rivers, periodically climbing to decent Kilimanjar heights. Where forests end, small insectivorous mammals live. The slopes of the Kilimanjaro volcano are full of a variety of birds. There are about 180 species of birds here, including: lamb vulture, or bearded vulture, one-color modest coinage, hunter's cysticola, thread-tailed nectary, barnacle crow.

Mount Kilimanjaro weather conditions

The climatic zonality of the natural complex of Kilimanjaro in Africa is reflected in temperature regimes and weather conditions in general. The rainy season is well defined here, the weather is changeable, temperatures fluctuate greatly at different altitudes, depending on the time of day. Temperatures of 28–30°С are typical for the base of the volcano, and already starting from three thousand meters and above, frosts down to –15°С are typical. On the slopes of the mountain, the following stable climatic zones are distinguished.

At different times of the year, depending on the slope and altitude, there is cloudiness of varying degrees, increased or moderate precipitation, and thunderstorms. All this affects the visibility and comfort of being on the slopes - the Kilimanjaro volcano in Africa is a favorite place for climbing its colorful peaks.

It is believed that the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are available for conquest all year round. However, there are periods more convenient for climbing, difficult and even dangerous. The most suitable periods are from July to September and January-February. At this time, the weather conditions are the most favorable, and the months coincide with the summer or New Year holidays of tourists. Mountain tours in Tanzania are available from various points at the foot. They usually last 5 to 8 days.

The routes are diverse due to the vastness of the crossed territories, acquaintance with the diversity and characteristics of each climatic zone. Tours to the highest points of the volcanic extremities end at the moment of observing the sunrise, after which the return journey begins. There are 6 routes in total, mainly by the name of the settlements from which they originate:

• Marangu;
• Rongai;
• Umbwe;
• Machame;
• Lemosho;
• northern traverse.

An expedition to the crater is offered as an additional route.

Hiking in Tanzania is not done alone. Any mountain is a serious test for climbers, even with many years of experience. In addition, to conquer the mountain, you need special equipment and equipment, the total weight of which is always better to share with someone. Despite the fact that climbing the mountain is also possible in the direction from Kenya (northern slope) and Tanzania, by agreement between the states, only Tanzanian routes are laid and maintained. The Kenyan slope is not equipped with the appropriate infrastructure.

In order to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles on the way to conquering the peak, important conditions must be met.

• Mandatory participation of a guide and assistants (at least 1-2 people), without them it is not possible to climb.
• Appropriate equipment, special shoes, thermal underwear (perhaps more than one set), insulated and waterproof items.
• Sufficient physical fitness, hardened body, strong immunity, responsible attitude to health, competent distribution of energy and strength.

In addition, you will need food, personal hygiene products, items to ensure basic comfort. A complete list of what you need for climbing is presented on the website of the company organizing tours in Tanzania. There is also a list of recommended items that are desirable to have with you, but are not necessary. So, in addition to clothes and warm clothes, be sure to have a sleeping bag, sunglasses, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a water bottle. In addition to this, the organizing company usually provides a tent, a tourist rug, dishes, and camping furniture.

The estimated cost depends on the route, the duration of the ascent, the number of people in the group, and separately negotiated conditions. The amounts start from 1350 USD (Marangu route, 8 days) and go up to 4265 USD (route for 1 person with expedition to the crater). At the same time, one must also take into account where Mount Kilimanjaro is located - the company's service may include a transfer from the airport of Tanzania or you will have to get there on your own.

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Some interesting facts

1. Relative to other mountain peaks, the Kilimanjaro volcano does not look like an insurmountable obstacle, nevertheless, only 40% of climbers reach its highest points.
2. The mountain is conquered not only by absolutely healthy tourists: in 2009, 8 blind climbers were able to climb to its top, who, with their action, helped raise funds for 52 blind children.
3. The oldest climber on Kilimanjaro was 87 years old.
4. Every year, about 20 thousand people make attempts to climb the mountain.
5. Almost 10 people die here every year during the ascent.

Mount Kilimanjaro is not only a unique natural park full of amazing creatures, but also a real adventure. And in order to feel a surge of emotions, become the owner of unforgettable impressions, touch the majesty of Africa - for this you need to visit Tanzania and personally see the unsurpassed qualities of Kilimanjaro.

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Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, located in the northern part of Tanzania, is active, but its first eruption was recorded only half a century ago. The local Maasai tribes call this volcano the Mountain of God.

Rising 2962 meters above the African plains, from a distance Ol Doinyo Lengai looks like a lonely mountain covered with snow. However, the white color of its top is due to a completely different reason - it is the only volcano in the world whose lava is rich in carbonate materials.

Solidifying, sodium carbonate takes on a shade that misleads uninitiated people. Such an unusual composition makes the lava flowing from the vent in slow, thick black streams almost twice as cold as usual.

Despite the relatively low temperature of the lava - about 500-600C - the threat of eruptions makes the locals constantly be on the alert. The last eruption was recorded in September 2007. The ashes then covered a distance of 18 kilometers and reached nearby villages.

Due to the fact that lava has a unique composition, when it hardens, it creates a unique landscape in the vicinity of Ol Doinyo Lengai, which cannot be seen in any other corner of the planet. The soft glow of lava flows at dusk, the black color that turns brown when water enters, the top of the volcano wrapped in false snow - an unforgettable picture. It seems that the Maasai did not call this volcano the Mountain of God for nothing - after all, there are no similar ones anywhere on Earth, which means that the interest of tourists in this place will not dry out in the near future.

Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai - PHOTO

Kilimanjaro is such a word familiar to us from childhood, known from the stories of the writer Hemingway. Any tourist and traveler dreams of seeing the “crown of Tanzania” at least once in his life, and maybe even climbing to its top, to an unrealistic height, to the kingdom of eternal snow (by the way, it is she who appears in The Lion King). Let's take a little closer look at Tanzania's most famous landmark, the highest mountain in Africa, which the locals call the "sparkling peak", Kilimanjaro.

Location of Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is not quite a mountain, as many believe, it is a dormant volcano, it was formed from a huge number of layers of tephra, frozen lava flows and ash. According to scientists, Kilimanjaro was formed as a result of the movement of the layers of the earth's crust millions of years ago. So, it is located in Tanzania, in East Africa and rises above sea level by 5895 meters.

Animals of Kilimanjaro

The huge size of this volcano has created a unique and amazing climate that you will not find anywhere else on the planet. Here you can see many small rivers and streams, they are formed during the melting of glaciers. In the lower part there is a spacious savanna, here you can meet funny monkeys, a family of leopards and lions, servals, funny and a little clumsy honey badgers, huge elephants, giraffes, zebras and many small rodents. In addition to the diverse wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro boasts mountain swamps and endless meadows, which are strewn with flowers and lush herbs, and having climbed a little into the mountains, the real African desert begins, where only lichens, moss and cacti reign.

Weather and climate Kilimanjaro

Since the mountain is located almost on the equator of our globe, the weather is almost always good here, so nothing will interfere with your ascent, except for the rainy season, when a fairly large amount of precipitation falls in the area. Experienced travelers say that the best time for climbing is the periods from August to October, and from January to March, it is at this time that warm, clear weather sets in.

The peculiarity of Mount Kilimanjaro is that on its example you can see all types of climate on our planet, at the base you will be met by humid tropics, and as you climb, an arid desert, a dank hill with endless cold winds and, finally, a snow-capped peak where it never melts snow. Therefore, if you still decide to climb the mountain, get ready for sudden changes in temperature: from + 30 to +15, 0 and sub-zero temperatures, it all depends on the level of climb, season and route.

Tours to Mount Kilimanjaro

If you decide to visit the Kilimanjaro National Reserve, the first thing to do is to find the town of Moshi, it is the closest to the reserve. There you can easily find
a travel agency that cooperates with the reserve and buy a tour. On your adventure, you will be happily accompanied by a professional guide, personal porter and chef. As they say, any whim for your money. But those sensations and incredible views that await you at the top are worth your money, your work, and several days of travel. You will be able to see the inner crater of the volcano, eternal ice, and also enjoy the bewitching landscapes of the valley and the reserve. In addition, the tourist will be able to easily see the seven paths along which the ascent to the most unique landmark of Tanzania takes place.

Video: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The most interesting climbing routes on Mount Kilimanjaro

The first conquerors of Kilimanjaro were Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtsheller, this happened more than 100 years ago in 1889. Since that time, experienced climbers have laid more than a dozen routes, which differ in the difficulty of climbing and the level of climbing training, there are trails for beginners and real pros. If you still decide to conquer this peak, then the total time, and this includes the ascent and descent, will take approximately 5 to 9 days. And now we present to your attention the most interesting and popular routes for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho trail

Lemosho is located on the western part of the mountain, it is considered the most suitable for acclimatization of tourists in this area. Climbing this route is more expensive than usual, so you will not find a huge number of tourist groups here. The high cost is more than offset by the amazing beauty of the views, because Lemosho is considered one of the most picturesque trails of Kilimanjaro.

Marangu hiking trail

To many, this route is known under the other name "the Coca-Cola path". It received this name during the first trips to the mountain, when tourists simply threw garbage along the roadsides, and most often they were plastic bottles of a drink we know well. Now the route is carefully monitored, garbage is systematically removed, rubble is sprinkled, and where the path passes through deep streams, small bridges have been built. The trail is located in the southeast of the mountain and is the most popular among tourists because of the ease of climbing. Moreover, it is the only
route trail, where stationary camps for overnight stays are located at various levels of ascent, where there are all the benefits of civilization: electricity, a toilet, a small dining room, a medical and rescue center.

Machame Trail

Machame is located on the western part of the mountain and is considered one of the most difficult to climb, with frequent ascents and descents, therefore it is popular only with experienced hikers and climbers. If you come to the Kilimanjaro reserve during the rainy season, it is better to use another trail, as the route is very eroded and dangerous to climb.

Rongai route trail

Rongai is the only northern route, a narrow path leads to Kibo (the central volcano of Kilimanjaro), through one of the mountain peaks - Mawenzi. This is perhaps the least crowded route, but it is recommended for climbing during the rainy season, since there is a minimum amount of precipitation in this area and there is no strong wind.

Umbwe Trail

Umbwe runs along the south side and is rightfully considered the most difficult route to climb. This is a short, winding and straight trail that starts from the Barranco camp. The descent passes along another path - Mweke. Due to the rather sharp ascent, steep descents and dense jungle, you will not have time for acclimatization at all, so the route is intended only for strong travelers who are confident in their strength and body. Climbing Umbwe takes from 5-6 days, but if you want to enjoy incredible views and wonderful nature, then spend 7-8 days on the route.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the heart of Africa, it is a stone giant, it is a real treasury of Tanzania. If you ever get lucky enough to travel around this African country, then do not miss the chance to take part in what is probably an incredible and exciting adventure in your life, to appreciate the majestic thousand-year-old volcano and wild nature untouched by man.

From Swahili, the name of this volcano is translated as "mountain that glitters." The sparkle of this hill is expressed in a white cap at the very top, located 5891.8 meters above sea level.

Location

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. This is the highest point on the African continent. In addition, it is the highest of all volcanoes in the world. This peak is located near the Kenyan border, passing along the eastern and northern slopes of the mountain. This peak rises among the flat savannah, surrounding a drop-shaped hill 4.8-5.2 kilometers in size. This peculiar natural boundary makes Mount Kilimanjaro the highest isolated mountain in the world. The area of ​​this array is almost 400 hectares. The mountain itself, which has an oval cone, stretches for 70 km from the northwest to the southeast and for 50 km from the southwest to the northeast. It is located only 340 kilometers from the equator. The closest city to the volcano is the Tanzanian Moshi, from which all groups wishing to climb its slopes depart. The coast of the Indian Ocean is located not far from the mountain - only 270 kilometers away. The volcano with all adjacent territories constitutes the National Park.

Story

The formation of this mountain range began about two million years ago. Mount Kilimanjaro is represented by three extinct craters. The highest of them is Kibo (5895 m), a little to the east - Monwenzi (5149 m) and in the west is Shira (3962 m). During times of volcanic activity, lava erupted from all three craters almost continuously. After the end of the eruption, the ejected magma solidified, a layer from the next eruption was superimposed on it, then more and more layers. After the end of volcanic activity, soil erosion came into play.

The lowest peak arose after the first volcanic eruption. Shira became inactive about 500 thousand years ago. However, Movenzi and Kibo continued to grow, spewing incredibly powerful lava flows, which, cooling down, allowed them to reach a height of more than 5.5 thousand meters. At this turn, Monvenzi lost his ardor, starting to crumble. Kibo, on the other hand, continued to grow, producing even more powerful rivers of molten magma. The most terrible eruptions, which occurred about 360 thousand years ago, threw out black lava that filled the destroyed Shira caldera. The same magma branched along the Saddle, along the base of Movenzi, and flowed far to the south and north. This lava is distinguished by its color and inclusions of phenocrysts.

About 450 thousand years ago, Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa - completed its growth. At that time, Kibo was about 5.9 kilometers. It was at that time that the mountain began to shrink. Some eruptions continued for a long time, which, together with erosion and destruction, formed the shape of the modern mountain. Gradually, the spiers and peaks of Moenzi, the Shira plateau, came to light. Kibo flattened, changed shape, regularly covered with glaciers. About a hundred thousand years ago, a large landslide swept away a piece of the top, forming Kibo Barranco. As a result, the glaciers firmly covered the Kilimanjaro volcano with a cap. On the map, exactly the mountain that is familiar to us today was formed.

Climate

The foot of the slopes are dry, warm plains, turning into a belt of tropical rainforest at an altitude of 2 thousand meters. After 3.5 thousand, the area is more like moorland, full of lichen and heather. Closer to the snow line, the terrain becomes similar to alpine. The highest mountain is covered with eternal ice - this may seem incredible, because the peak is only 3 degrees south of the equator.

Rains on the volcano are expected from March to June. Since the rest of the months are not rich in precipitation, it is relatively comfortable to climb the mountain almost all year round.

Animal world

Mount Kilimanjaro is ready to boast of a variety of wildlife corresponding to all climatic zones that can be observed on the slopes. Savannah animals roam at the foot of the mountains, tropical animals can be found on the slopes, and a little higher - animals of alpine meadows. The fauna of the volcano is very diverse, it is already worth climbing the mountain even in order to see it all with your own eyes.

Forecasts

The ice cap is currently melting. Moreover, it melts much faster than scientists expected. Given this fact, some scientists believe that the volcano is warming up again. However, others see this as a manifestation of the greenhouse effect. Whatever the reason, if the melting of the ice continues at the same pace, by 2200 Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest mountain - will lose its ice cap.

Considering what is happening, those who want to see the magnificence of the volcano should hurry up with the ascent until its appearance has changed beyond recognition.

ascent

Kilimanjaro is very popular with climbers. Each of its peaks has its own difficulty level. Climbing Ukhra is considered quite simple, although here it is necessary to survive acclimatization. Whereas climbing the lower Mawenzi will require snow and ice climbing skills. In general, Machame, Rongai and Marangu are considered the lightest peaks. Absolutely anyone, even without special training, will be able to climb these peaks.

Climbing any of the mountains is also unique in that during the ascent a person will be able to go through almost all climatic zones that are on our planet.

Climbers love speed climbing a mountain. In this kind of peculiar competition, a record was set in 2010: the Catalan Kilian Jornet Burgada climbed Mount Umbwe in just 5:23:50. The previous record was set in 2009 when Marangu was cleared in 5:24:40.

The coordinates of the Kilimanjaro volcano allow you to climb it not only from the Tanzanian side, but also from Kenya. However, the countries have agreed that ascents can only be made from Tanzania. Kenya does not have the necessary infrastructure, so it provided the approaches to the mountains with police posts.

Thousands of tourists flock to the area every year. Since both the volcano and the area around it are recognized as a National Park, you cannot get there for free. Income from travelers makes up the bulk of Tanzania's budget. The fee is taken not only for the visit, but also for the obligatory guide, and for each night spent on the territory. The Tanzanians are also very grateful for the tip. At the same time, in places where the Kilimanjaro volcano is located, you will not see landfills and garbage, which is typical for other peaks open to tourists.

Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro!

In the northeast of Tanzania, among the desert plains, is the highest point in Africa - the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m).

It rises above the Masai plateau, lying at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.

The top of the dormant volcano is covered with a snow-white cap of snow, which sparkles impressively in the rays of the bright African sun.

Perhaps that is why the local population gave it such a name - Kilimanjaro, which in Swahili means "Sparkling Mountain"

In ancient times, the tribes inhabiting this area, who had never seen snow in their lives, were sure that it was covered with silver.

But they did not dare to check their assumptions for a long time, since many frightening legends were associated with the volcano, telling about evil spirits that lived on the top of Kilimanjaro and guarded its treasures.

And yet, after some time, the local leader sent a small detachment of the most courageous warriors to conquer the mysterious peak.

Upon arrival, they immediately undertook to explore the "silver" lying everywhere, but, to everyone's surprise, it instantly melted in their hands.

On the "sparkling mountain" there was nothing but eternal cold snow.

Then the natives, feeling the cold of the silvery ice cap, gave the giant volcano another name - "The Abode of the God of Cold".

Many legends connected with Kilimanjaro have survived to this day.

The locals believe that the top of the volcano is inhabited by the gods, and the caves and ravines of the mountain are inhabited by pygmy gnomes who are engaged in hunting and gathering. Weather conditions, according to local beliefs, are associated with the mood of evil spirits that live on the mountain.

The beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen for many kilometers around the surrounding Tanzanian and Kenyan savannahs.

Its outlines are sloping slopes rising to an elongated, flat top, which in reality is a giant 2-kilometer caldera - a vast basin at the peak of the volcano.

On very hot days, you can contemplate a fantastic picture: from afar, the bluish base of the mountain becomes almost indistinguishable against the background of the savannah, and it seems that the snow-covered peak is floating in the air.

And clouds hovering around, often flying below the snow cap, enhance this effect.

The first mention of huge snow-capped mountains comes from the 2nd century AD. e. They were plotted on the geographical map of Ptolemy.

However, the official opening date of the "sparkling mountain" is May 11, 1848, when it first appeared before the eyes of the German pastor Johannes Rebman. Since 1861, attempts to conquer the peak began: in the same year, a height of 2500 meters was conquered, in 1862 - 4200 meters, and in 1883-1884 and 1887 a point located at an altitude of 5270 meters was reached.

All these numerous ascents were made by the Hungarian count Samuel Teleki. Already in October 1889, the German traveler Hans Meyer, in company with the Australian climber Ludwig Purtsheller, managed to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro is an almost conical dormant volcano composed of multiple layers of tephra, hardened lava, and volcanic ash. According to scientists, it was formed as a result of several volcanic movements more than a million years ago.
It includes three main peaks, which are also extinct volcanoes: Shira (3962 m), located in the west, Mawenzi (5149 m) - in the east, and in the central part there is the youngest and highest volcano - Kibo (5895 m), on which lie multiple cascades of ice terraces.

Uhuru Peak, located on the edge of the Kibo Crater, is the highest point of Kilimanjaro and all of Africa.

Volcano Kibo:

There were no documented eruptions near Kilimanjaro, but according to local legends, the last major volcanic activity was observed approximately 150,000-200,000 years ago.

As a result of research conducted in 2003, scientists discovered the presence of lava just 400 meters under the crater of the highest peak of Kilimanjaro - Kibo.

Although no negative forecasts regarding volcanic activity have yet been made, gas emissions regularly occur at the top of the volcano, which can lead to its collapse, which, in turn, will cause a major eruption.

In the past, Kibo has experienced several rockfalls and landslides, resulting in an area known as the "western gap".
Today there is a lot of talk about global warming, which contributes to the fact that the famous Kilimanjar glaciers are rapidly melting.

Scientists explain this phenomenon by no means by global warming, but by the falling level of daily precipitation, which is necessary to restore the glacial mass.

Some researchers believe that the volcano is waking up, resulting in its heating and, as a result, the melting of the ice cap.

The fear is that over the past 100 years, the amount of ice and snow covering Kilimanjaro has decreased by more than 80%.

In 2005, for the first time in 11 thousand years, they almost completely melted.

At current rates, Kilimanjaro's snowfall is expected to occur between 2022 and 2033.

Glacier on Kilimanjaro in 2007:

Kilimanjaro in 2012. View from above:

The area occupied by the volcano is 64 km wide and 97 km long.

Such huge sizes allow Kilimanjaro to form its own climate.

At an altitude of about 4000 meters above sea level, numerous small streams and rivers born in glaciers can be found, which carry life-giving moisture to pastures and fields.
The world of flora and fauna in the Kilimanjaro region is extremely rich and diverse.

In the lower part of the mountain, at an altitude of up to 1000 meters, there are savannas inhabited by monkeys, leopards, servals and honey badgers.

Interestingly, coffee plantations and banana groves grow on the lower slopes of the mountain, as well as corn crops.

At an altitude of 1800 meters, the possessions of moist equatorial forests begin.

The territory, located at an altitude of 2800-4000 meters, is covered by mountain swamps and meadows strewn with colorful flowers.

Here you can meet such animals as giraffes, elephants, lions, as well as some rodents.

Starting from the mark of 4400 meters, closer to the top, the kingdom of the mountain desert begins, where only high-mountain lichens and mosses survive.

Above - the world of cold snows, in which you can see only cold stone and ice.

Kilimanjaro glacier at an altitude of 5800 meters:

On the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro live the Chaga mountaineers, who, like their ancient ancestors, are engaged in agriculture.

It is they who grow coffee and banana plantations in the local warm and moderately humid climate.
The territory of Kilimanjaro has the status of a National Park, which in 1987 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has been popular among outdoor enthusiasts for many years.

Today there are several tourist routes.

The most popular among them is Marangu or the “Coca-Cola Route”, which tourists overcome in 5-6 days.

The presence of mountain shelters greatly simplifies the task, removing the need to pitch tents.

"Whiskey Route" or Machame is the most beautiful route, the duration of which is slightly longer than the previous one - 6-7 days.

The northern slope of the mountain has only one trail - Rongai.

On average, it is overcome by tourists in 5-6 days.

The longest western route lies through the Shira plateau (5-6 days).

The Umbwe route is one of the most difficult - it runs through dense jungle, which requires some physical preparation.

During the conquest of Kilimanjaro, many tourists need adaptation to get used to the mountain climate and avoid mountain sickness.

Among the conquerors of the summit of Kilimanjaro there are record holders.

In 2001, an Italian named Bruno Brunod completed the Marangu route in just five and a half hours.

In 2004, Simon Mtui, a native of Tanzania, took only 8 hours and 27 minutes to climb the difficult Umbwe trail and descend to the Mweka pass.

The Tanzanian did not stop there and two years later he walked the Umbwe trail back and forth in 9 hours and 19 minutes.

The first women's record belongs to the Englishwoman Rebecca Rhys-Evans, her result of climbing the peak of Kilimanjaro is 13 hours and 16 minutes.

The youngest conqueror of a huge volcano is the American Keats Boyd, who conquered the summit at the age of seven.

The majestic volcano Kilimanjaro was a muse for many creative personalities - books were written about him, films were made, songs were dedicated to him.

Among the most famous literary works that mention the African giant are Ernest Hemingway's story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" (1936), Ray Bradbury's story called "The Car to Kilimanjaro" (1965), as well as Olga Larionova's novel "Leopard from the top of Kilimanjaro" (1965).
Based on the book "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" in 1952, Henry King made a film of the same name. The famous volcano can be seen in the science fiction film Independence Day (1996) and in the film Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003).

To get to Mount Kilimanjaro, you first need to get to the largest city in Tanzania - Dar es Salaam. The next goal is the city of Moshi, located at the very foot of the volcano. The distance from Dar es Salaam to Moshi is 560-600 km, which is best overcome by bus leaving early in the morning to reach the final destination before nightfall.

There are many cozy hotels in the town that convey the whole local flavor.

You can get to the mountain only with a special permit, which will help to issue any of the travel agencies that exist in abundance in Moshi.

In the same place, tourists are helped to organize the ascent by finding a suitable route, choosing a guide and time.