Mount Kilimanjaro is found within the Kilimanjaro National Park in the northern part of Tanzania along its borders with Kenya, it is an amazing feature of Tanzania that has attracted many travellers of the world to the destination, and it is the highest mountain in Africa, named among the 7 best summits of the world. Kilimanjaro is best recommended for experienced hikers and travellers who are up for challenges. The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Point rising19,341 feet (5895 meters) above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro is dramatically placed a few miles away from the Imaginary line that divided the world in two half latitudes 0(Equator), this makes it quite interesting to have glaciers this close to a hot climatic equatorial climate. The name Kilimanjaro was adopted from the natives of the region, the word is actually in 2 in Swahili and Chagga, “Kili” means a mountain in Kiswalihli while “Njaro” in Chagga simply means witness, and this was adopted by the early British explorers.
Mount Kilimanjaro was formed as a result of Volcanicity a process of the movement of tectonic plates which causes cracks underneath the earth and hence the escape of magma, initially the mountain boasted three peaks Kibo(19,340m), Mawenzi(16,893m)and Shira(13,000m) above sea level, as geological processes kept on happening, some of these features collapsed, for example, the Shira which left a large plateau area, while it is considered a dormant volcano, some of the peaks of the mountain are considered active according to science findings and that they can easily erupt anytime, the mountain is also the worlds standalone high mountain.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a very easy task but manageable, it is kept for the best hikers in the world, one has to be emotionally and physically ready for this hike, in 1889 The first hike of the mountain was made by a German explorer, there are several routes takes to do this hike including the Marangu route, Machame route, Lemosho route to mention a few. The climatic zones of the country vary from one point to another as you take the climb, the mountain is not very difficult to do however it is reported that most hikers fail out on reaching the summit. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season between the months of December-February, and June-october when the trails of climbing are drier and easier to hike. It is advisable to pack right for this adventure for example sleeved shirts and trousers, rain gear, hiking waterproof boots, and hand gloves to mention a few and any other important items of a personal nature.
Along the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro is a growing beautiful conservation area featuring a lush green forest, this acts as home to many mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Further from the national park area are large farmlands of the Chagga and Masai people growing coffee and Banana plantations.
In conclusion, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most iconic features, it is a great idea to familiarize yourself with proper preparations before engaging in the activity to avoid much difficulty.