16 Kilimanjaro Facts That Will Astonish You
At an awe-inspiring height of 5,895 meters, Mt. Kilimanjaro is not just the tallest mountain in the African continent but also the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
But those are not the only reasons it is famous.
Here, we delve into 16 captivating Kilimanjaro facts that will take you on a fascinating journey through the geological marvels, cultural heritage, and natural wonders that make Kili a subject of global intrigue.
16 Kilimanjaro Facts Every Adventurer Should Know
1. Kilimanjaro is Located Entirely in Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is located entirely within the borders of Tanzania in East Africa.
Although it is often photographed from Kenya's Amboseli National Park, the mountain does not cross into Kenyan territory.
Its proximity to the Kenyan border adds a layer of geographical interest and makes it accessible for travellers from both countries.
2. Kilimanjaro Has Three Peaks
One of the most captivating facts about Mount Kilimanjaro is its three distinct peaks - Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Kibo is the tallest of the trio, standing at a staggering 5,895 meters, and it is this peak that most climbers aim to conquer.
Mawenzi stands at 5,149 meters, while Shira has an elevation of 3,962 meters.
The highest point on Kibo's crater rim is the Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak, meaning "freedom" in Kiswahili. This peak is a geographical marvel and a symbol of national pride, named in 1961 when Tanganyika gained her independence.
3. Kilimanjaro is a Dormant Volcano
Comprising three volcanic cones -Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira - Kilimanjaro presents a fascinating geological profile.
Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanoes, meaning they are unlikely to erupt again.
However, Kibo, the tallest peak, is dormant - so it could erupt someday. The last major eruption is estimated to have occurred between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.
Still, being a dormant volcano adds a layer of mystique to Kilimanjaro. While the mountain is a popular destination for hikers, this fact serves as a humbling reminder of the mountain's untamed power.
4. Kilimanjaro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mount Kilimanjaro was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, and for good reason.
The mountain is not just the highest peak in Africa; it's also the largest free-standing volcanic mass in the world.
Kilimanjaro National Park sits on 75,575 hectares and protects this unique natural phenomenon.
The mountain and national park are also rich in species, particularly mammals, many of which are endangered. Its diverse vegetation zones, from montane forests to alpine deserts, contribute to its Outstanding Universal Value.
UNESCO recognises Kilimanjaro as an outstanding example of a superlative natural phenomenon isolated above the surrounding plains.
5. You Can Spot Wildlife Around Mount Kilimanjaro
There is wildlife on Mount Kilimanjaro due to the surrounding national park. While the mountain's upper slopes are relatively devoid of fauna, the lower slopes and surrounding areas are teeming with life.
You won’t spot elephants or giraffes on your trek, but you could encounter other fascinating creatures. For instance, the Abbott's Duiker, a shy type of antelope, has been seen on the mountain. As have baboons.
Colobus monkeys, with their distinctive long black-and-white tails, are often spotted in the forests above the Mandara Huts. Blue monkeys are also relatively common and can be found around the Mandara Huts.
If you're lucky, you might even spot a serval cat, a wild feline with a unique pattern of spots and stripes.
6. Kilimanjaro's Kibo Crater has a Diameter of 2.5km
Uhuru Peak is Kilimanjaro's highest point and part of the Kibo cone. The breathtaking snow-clad dome of Kibo contains a caldera (crater) on its southern side that is approximately 2km and 300 metres deep.
This expansive crater is a geological wonder - a testament to the mountain's volcanic history. The sheer size of the cavity adds to the awe-inspiring experience of reaching the summit, offering hiker a unique perspective on the Earth's internal forces.
7. Kilimanjaro is the Highest Free-Standing Mountain In the World
Mount Kilimanjaro holds the distinction of being the world's largest free-standing mountain.
Unlike most high peaks that are part of extensive mountain ranges, Kilimanjaro stands alone.
Its unique geological structure allows it to rise dramatically from its base, making it a singular marvel in geography and mountaineering.
8. Kilimanjaro Has Different Ecological Zones
Kilimanjaro is a microcosm of diverse ecological zones, each offering unique challenges and experiences for hikers.
The journey begins in the cultivation zone, characterised by farmlands and villages.
As you ascend, you traverse the montane forest, rich in flora and fauna.
Beyond the forest lies the heath and moorland zone, featuring shrubs and hardy plants.
The alpine desert zone follows, with sparse vegetation and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Finally, you reach the Arctic summit, where ice and snow prevail.
Each zone requires specific preparation and gear.
9. Kilimanjaro is 4 Million Years Old
Mount Kilimanjaro has a rich geological history, estimated to be around 4 million years old. Its last known eruption occurred between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.
This ancient stratovolcano has undergone significant geological transformations over the millennia, making it a fascinating subject for scientists interested in Earth's history and geology.
10. Kilimanjaro Ranks 4th in Topographical Prominence
Topographical prominence measures the height between the summit and the lowest contour line encircling the mountain, making it a significant metric for avid mountaineers.
When it comes to topographical prominence, Mount Kilimanjaro holds an impressive rank.
It is the fourth most prominent mountain in the world (Seven Summits), trailing only behind Mount Everest, Aconcagua, and Mount McKinley (also known as Denali).
Not sure which mountain to climb - check out our article on Kilimanjaro vs Everest.
11. The Kilimanjaro Summit Success Rate
Interestingly, the average global Kilimanjaro climb success rate is between 70-80%. It all really depends on what route you take and how many days you trek for.
One of the primary reasons for this is altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro. As you ascend, the reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels can lead to symptoms ranging from headaches to severe acute mountain sickness (AMS).
It's crucial to acclimatise appropriately to increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
12. The Ancient Ice Cap of Kilimanjaro
The ice cap covering the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro is estimated to be about 12,000 years old.
However, these ancient glaciers are rapidly disappearing. In a century, the ice coverage has shrunk by over 90%, and if the current rate continues, most of the ice could be gone by 2040.
Contrary to popular belief, the decline in Kilimanjaro's glaciers is not solely due to global warming.
The mountain's glaciers are affected by a complex interplay of factors, including reduced precipitation and increased solar radiation.
These factors have led to sublimation, where the ice turns directly into water vapour, causing a glacier mass loss.
13. Kilimanjaro Temperatures Go From Hot to Freezing as You Climb
The temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro varies dramatically as you ascend.
While daytime temperatures at the base can be pretty warm, they can plummet to as low as -15°C at the summit.
These extreme temperature fluctuations make it essential to be well-prepared with the proper gear, including thermal layers and insulated outerwear, to ensure a safe and comfortable climb.
Recommended reading: What to Pack for Kilimanjaro Climb
14. Kilimanjaro is Home to Africa's Oldest Tree
In 2016, Africa's tallest tree was discovered on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The tree belongs to the species Entandrophragma excelsum, commonly referred to as the African mahogany.
It has an impressive height of approximately 81.5 meters!
15. Kilimanjaro’s First Ascent
The first recorded ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro was on 6 October 1889 by Yohane Lauwo, a local mountaineer, and two Europeans, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller.
However, locals may well have reached the summit before, but it was never recorded.
16. Kilimanjaro Fastest Ascent
Swiss mountain runner Karl Egloff holds the fastest ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro. He completed the round trip in 6 hours and 42 minutes in August 2014.
For the rest of us mere mortals, the average Kilimanjaro hike time is between 5 and 9 nine days.
Final Thoughts
That’s all for now - we hope you enjoyed our Kilimanjaro facts and are better prepared to climb Africa’s tallest mountain.
