At The Foot Of The Giant “Kilimanjaro – A Mountain of Intrigue”
The Rise of Kilimanjaro
Picture in your head an expanse of breezy and rolling plains – just three degrees south of the equatorial line, west of the picturesque Great Rift Valley – on the border of Tanzania & Kenya.
Do you see it? Congratulations, you’ve just traveled back in time 750,000 years, before tectonic forces blasted massive amounts of molten lava through this gentle land.
The lava rose up sky high, cooled and consolidated in the open air, thus creating Africa’s highest mountain, the world’s highest free standing mountain, the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro!
The Three Summits
The exotically named Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi make up the three summits of the once volcanic Kilimanjaro. And at less than a million years old, on the grand scale of time, they are just babies.
After the giant eruption that birthed them, Shira was the first to cool down, followed by Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo, the highest and youngest cone of the trio, with a massive1.5 mile wide crater at the top, is nothing short of a geological phenomenon. During its last eruption 360,000 years ago, it reached a skyscraping 19,356 feet in height. Since then, glaciers, rivers, and landslides have severely eroded it. Shira to the west, topped by a broad plateau, and Mawenzi in the east are older cones that make up Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi is a rocky peek surrounded by cliffs, with mile deep gullies and steep gradients. The landscape of Kilimanjaro is as imposing as it is diverse, and possesses unparalleled beauty and mystery.
Mountain Mystique
The name Kilimanjaro is a mystery in itself. Possibly it means Mountain of Caravans or Mountain of Light, but no one knows for sure. Whatever it means, the mountain has certainly been the focus of much speculation and intrigue by scientists, archeologists, and curious minds of all sorts.
The brilliant Greek astronomer, Ptolemy, documented Kilimanjaro in the 2nd century AD, referring to it as the “great snow mountain.” His research may have been derived from Egyptian writings describing trade routes on the Swahili Coast. Or possibly from Phoenician explorers who had traveled the African continent and had a familiarity with the lay of the land. The mystique of Kilimanjaro is apparent to anyone who lays eyes on it, and its geological and archeological significance are unequaled.
The Cradle of Mankind Mt.
Kilimanjaro’s awesome presence loomed over our ancestors, and its volatile, volcanic personality certainly shaped their view of the world. But they could not have possibly known how important a part of history they would become.
The nearby Olduvai Gorge situated in the eastern Serengeti Plains, and considered to be the cradle of humankind, has proven to be an exciting site of archeological discovery. Fossil remains, stones tools, and bones of early hominids have been unearthed – a rare find for sure. These discoveries provide fascinating clues to the activity of early man in this general region. However, the fact that Kilimanjaro had steep slopes, a cold surface, as well as dangerous volcanic activity, probably means that early humans steered clear of the immediate area.
The Wachagga
But modern humans have been very attracted to the fertile, crop-growing, volcanic soil that makes up Kilimanjaro.
As recent as 300 years ago, when the Wachagga people settled here, the mountain was a source of great mystery and power to them. Their legend tells the tale of Mawenzi lighting its pipe with a helping hand of fire from his brother Kibo. Not to mention demons guarding a treasure trove within the mountain. The most harrowing story is of a king who decided to scale the mountainside and reach the top, only to have his arms and legs maimed by volcanic fire.
Though its mythology and dangers are a great part of Kilimanjaro’s draw, the slopes themselves tell the real tale of its beauty.
On the Way Up
It is the goal of many to brave the vast terrain and weather conditions of Kilimanjaro with the sole purpose of celebrating the conquering of the summit. But there is much beauty to be experienced on the way up.
The temperature from bottom to top represents a sampling of vast climate changes, from intense tropical heat to Arctic chill. Even before entering the boundaries of Kilimanjaro National Park, you will find yourself surrounded by thick, montane forest. Continuing up through multiple vegetation zones, you’ll be surprised by the unusual plants and animals. Date palms, fig trees, junipers, hardy lichens, and the odd tussock grass are just a few of the lush foliage growing wildly. If you’re really lucky you may spot a Colobus monkey, bushbuck, reedbuck, Abbot’s duiker or bush pig.
Unfortunately, things of great beauty have a tendency of fading. And the summits and slopes of Kilimanjaro face a great environmental challenge.
Mountain Meltdown
These days it’s not uncommon to see shelves of ice collapsing with ferocity. The glaciers of Kilimanjaro are quickly disappearing. Since 1912, the have lost over 80 percent of their ice, and by the year 2020, they could be completely gone forever. Human induced global warming is playing a part in the meltdown. And so are local forest fires, often set by honey gatherers as a technique to smoke bees out of their hives. Less foliage, and a higher oceanic temperature equals less moisture in the atmosphere, and that leads to a reduction in cloud cover which can lead to higher levels of solar radiation.
The great beauty of Kilimanjaro is due in no small part to its glaciers. The mountain, without its glaciers, could cause it to become less of a tourist attraction, and be detrimental to the local economy. Kilimanjaro needs your support, so…
Check it Out
Mount Kilimanjaro is without a doubt, one of Africa’s top attractions. It draws adventure-seekers and nature-lovers to its fantastic peaks by the droves, year-round. Climb it (www.tusker.com). And while you’re struggling to the summit, through the ever-thinning air, you just might cross paths with the soul of the brave Wachagga King whose footsteps you now follow.
© Tusker Trail & Safari Co., All Rights Reserved
About the Author
Mount Kilimanjaro is without a doubt, one of Africa’s top attractions. More articles on Kilimanjaro’s Natural History
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