What do you know about the tallest mountain in Africa? Many of us have had great mountain climbing experiences, those memories that last a lifetime. But climbing Kilimanjaro and reaching the top is truly one of the most surreal experiences you could ever imagine. It gives a great sense of achievement.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro? The answer would be YES. Thousands of people travel to Tanzania every year to see this wonderful beauty of a mountain. With Viva Africa Tours, we ensure that your climbing experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Here are some interesting facts about the mountain:- Mount Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. From the three, two are extinct and one is dormant. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct. Kibo is dormant and is the highest peak. It could possibly erupt again. The last major eruption was over 300,000 years ago.
- Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889, by a German geologist called Hans Meyer. He climbed with a Marangu scout Yoanas Lauwo, and an Austrian named Purtscheller.
- There are six official routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro:
On the Western Side of the mountain you will find the Lemosho Route and Shira Route. Secondly, the Machame Route and Umbwe Route begin to the South West and join hikers on the Lemosho and Shira Routes on day 2. The Marangu Route starts South East of the mountain and is the only route with hut accommodations for the entire duration of the trek. Many claim that this is the easier route, however the route is many times found to be rapid, and its final summit slopes are steep; therefore making it difficult to summit. Rongai route is from the North East side of Kilimanjaro and is flatter, drier, and less busy than the southern and western routes.
These routes sometimes have variations and it is best to contact our tour operator at Viva Africa Tours to see which routes are best suited for you.
- Global warming is melting the snow at the peak, which could possibly cause its total disappearance by 2022 to 2033. Kilimanjaro lost 85 percent of its ice from 1912 to 2011, and the rest cold be gone by 2020, according to NASA.
There are numerous aspects that make Mount Kilimanjaro a unique and majestic Mountain, and no words can truly justify the experience of climbing the mountain. To learn more about the tours and packages available, contact Viva Africa Tours, Tanzania.
