History of Mount Kilimanjaro – Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania near the Kenyan border and rises to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. It is Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The mountain is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Mount Kilimanjaro features five distinct vegetation climatic zones, including bush-land and cultivated zones on the lower slopes, tropical rainforests, moorland (heather zone), alpine desert, and an arctic zone at the summit. The climb is not as technically challenging as other Seven Summits, but altitude sickness is a major challenge even for physically fit trekkers.
Historical Significance
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits of the world, alongside Mount Everest, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Denali, Carstensz Pyramid, Mount Elbrus, Mount Kosciuszko, and Mount Vinson Massif.
The mountain has been known to Africans for centuries. Non-Africans first learned about Kilimanjaro as early as the 5th century. Historical mentions include:
- Herodotus and Aeschylus: Described a snow-covered mountain and a spring between two mountains.
- Ptolemy: Referred to “Moon Mountain” and a lake believed to be the source of the Nile.
- Martin Fernandez de Enciso (1519): Mentioned “Ethiopian Mount Olympus” and the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Chagga Legend
The Chagga people, who live on the mountain’s slopes, tell a legend about a man named Tone, who angered their god “Ruwa,” leading to famine. Tone was exiled from his village and lived alone. Another dweller with magical cattle took Tone in, instructing him not to release the cattle. When Tone disobeyed, the cattle rushed out, creating hills and peaks, including Kibo and Mawenzi.
Volcanic History
Volcanic activity on Kilimanjaro began about 750,000 years ago. Shira and Mawenzi are extinct, while Kibo is dormant and may erupt again. The last major eruption of Kibo occurred 150,000–200,000 years ago. A 2003 study revealed that molten magma still flows about 400 meters beneath the summit.
Exploration History
- Early Attempts: Johann Krapf and Johannes Rebmann were the first European explorers to mention Kilimanjaro in 1848. Karl Klaus Von Der Decken and Richard Thornton attempted to climb Kibo in 1861 but only reached 2,500 meters due to bad weather.
- First Success: In 1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller reached the summit after several earlier attempts. They confirmed that Kibo had a crater and were accompanied by a local, Mwini Amani.
- Mawenzi Peak: Eduard Hans Oeler and Fritz Klute made the first successful ascent of Mawenzi in 1912.
Local Contributions
During the 100-year celebration of the first ascent in 1989, Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, a local from Marangu, was recognized for his contributions. He recalled climbing Kilimanjaro three times without shoes before World War I.
Climate Change Impact
The glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro have been rapidly melting due to climate change. Since 1920, about 80% of the glaciers have disappeared. Scientists predict that the glaciers may vanish completely within the next few decades.
Tourism and Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is open to visitors year-round, with mountain climbing and hiking being the main activities. The best months to climb are during the dry seasons:
- December to February: Clear weather and pleasant conditions.
- June to September: Ideal for hiking with less rain and good trail conditions.
The climb typically takes 5 to 9 days, depending on the chosen route and the pace of the trek.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s history, cultural significance, and natural beauty make it a unique destination for climbers and adventurers worldwide.
