10 Amazing Facts about Mount Kilimanjaro (Highest Peak in Africa)

Kilimanjaro is a highly sought-after destination for trekkers and climbers worldwide. The mountain offers a unique hiking experience through various climate zones. Climbers encounter diverse flora and fauna along the different routes.

The summit, Uhuru Peak, offers breathtaking panoramic views. Every climber often appreciates the stunning landscapes and sunrises from the top. Interestingly, you don’t need any technical skills to scale Kilimanjaro. So, what do you know more about Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Mount Kilimanjaro facts

There are many things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro but probably you know little about this mountain. Here are interesting facts that will make you understand Kilimanjaro better before you dream or plan to trek to the continent’s tallest peak.

1. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent

Located in Tanzania, a country in the East of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest peak on the continent. It stuns 5,895 m (19,341ft) above sea level and about 4,900 m (16,100 ft) above its plateau base. The mountain lies close to the equator near the border with Kenya, a neighboring country.

Kilimanjaro has three distinct volcanic cones; Kibo, the highest, and Mawenzi and Shira the lowest. Mawenzi and Shira cones are extinct but Kibo is dormant and could erupt again. However, there is currently no indication that Kibo is showing signs of imminent volcanic activity.

Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim. About 100,000 years ago, it was documented that, part of Kibo’s crater rim collapsed. This created the area known as the Western Breach and the Great Barranco. Explains wikipedia. 

2. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world

Although Everest is the overall highest peak on the planet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Unlike mountain ranges, Kilimanjaro stands independently from its surrounding terrain. However, it is surrounded by a diverse landscape that includes various ecosystems.

The lower slopes of Kilimanjaro are often cultivated for agriculture. You may see fields of crops such as coffee, bananas, and other produce. Local communities including the Chagas, Rhombo, and Maasais engage in farming.

As you ascend the mountain, you’ll encounter a belt of lush forest. This is home to various wildlife species, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and antelopes. Further up, the landscape transitions to vast savannah plains with grasslands and scattered shrubs.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits

Mount Kilimanjaro is considered one of the Seven Summits. Climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents is a lifetime challenge. Understandably, Mount Kilimanjaro represents the highest peak in Africa.

The seven summits are:

• Mount Everest in Asia (29,032 feet / 8,848 meters)
• Aconcagua in South America (22,841 feet / 6,961 meters)
• Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) in North America (20,310 feet / 6,194 meters)
• Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa (19,341 feet / 5,895 meters)
• Mount Elbrus in Europe (18,510 feet / 5,642 meters)
• Vinson Massif in Antarctica (16,050 feet / 4,892 meters)
• Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) in Oceania (16,024 feet / 4,884

4. Kilimanjaro has glaciers but they are disappearing

Mount Kilimanjaro has historically been known for its glaciers. Unfortunately, Kilimanjaro’s ice caps are quickly melting due to the effects of climate change. In the next few years, you won’t be lucky to see Kilimanjaro’s largest glacier, Furtwängler Glacier, first-hand.

Based on studies, the age of Kilimanjaro glaciers is probably 11,700 years. Photos of the glaciers and ice fields from 10 years ago provide startling evidence of the rapid decline of ice. Climbers who reach the peak of Kilimanjaro can only see the remaining small percentage of these masses of ice.

Scientists and geographers have projected that the glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro may disappear completely in the year 2030 to 2060. This is something devastating to hear about. This is how the impact of global warming is about to disrupt the ecosystems and beauty of Tanzania’s major tourism attraction site. 

5. About 35,000 people attempt to summit Kilimanjaro every year

Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular tourist destination in the region. An estimated 35,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro every year. However, about two-thirds of the climbers make it to the top of the mountain. Altitude sickness is the leading cause of this low success rate.

To climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to choose the best route to the peak. Longest and slow treks provide for higher chances of summiting. Climbers who spend more days on the mountain get enough time for acclimatization. Their bodies adapt well to the low oxygen levels at the altitude.

Unpredictable weather conditions can also disrupt your trek to the peak of Kilimanjaro. It’s recommended you hike the mountain during the driest months of the year. Rains can cause muddy and wet trails, thus unsafe for climbers. Check here to see the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

6. Mount Kilimanjaro is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is located within the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. The national park was established to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Kilimanjaro region, including the mountain itself. The park encompasses the entire mountain and its surrounding landscapes.

The Kilimanjaro National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife. The park is a popular destination for trekkers who want to experience nature in its purest form. 

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This highlights its importance in terms of biodiversity and natural beauty. Visitors to the park can explore different routes leading to the summit. As you explore, adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.

7. Karl Egloff, is the record holder for the fastest scaling of Mount Kilimanjaro

Karl Egloff is an Ecuadorian-Swiss national who set the record for the quickest ascent of Kilimanjaro. He covered the summiting distance in 4 hours, and 56 minutes using the Umbwe route. He smashed the previous record of 5 hours 23 minutes set by Kilian Jornet, a Spanish climber.

The speed record set by Karl Egloff showcases exceptional athleticism and endurance. Climbing Kilimanjaro at that pace can be very challenging. Traditionally, the time it takes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is on average 5 to 9 days.

8. A 5-year-old is the youngest person to scale Kilimanjaro

Undoubtedly, the authorized age for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years and above. According to the Kilimanjaro National Park Authorities, the highest a child under the stipulated age can go is up to 3,000. However, special circumstances may permit children under 10 to fully scale the mountain.

Ognjen Zivkovic is the youngest person to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. This record climber was permitted to trek Kilimanjaro because has been hiking since he was three. Additionally, he was accompanied by his father Zoran, a doctor and both had prepared adequately for the challenge.

The duo trained for one year preparing for their adventure. As a doctor and experienced mountaineer, Zoran took into account every factor to make their journey successful. Not even altitude sickness could stand their way. The child has been pre-acclimatized before they debuted. 

9. An 89-year-old woman is currently the oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Anne Lorimor is the oldest person to trek Kilimanjaro. She was 89 years old when she reached Uhuru peak successfully in July 2019. Undoubtedly, she chooses one of the best routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to earn this success.

This wasn’t Anne’s first time to climb Kilimanjaro. She also reached the top of Kilimanjaro in 2015 in the company of his niece and nephew. Similarly, this had given her the accreditation of being the oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro before a Russian Angela Vorobeva 88 scaled the mountain in the same year.

10. Disabled people have made it to the top of Kilimanjaro

If you are thinking that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is difficult, then think about Benard Goosen a wheelchair user who managed to climb Kilimanjaro twice. The adventurer visited the mountain in the year 2003 and made his first climb in less than 9 days. 

Benard successfully repeated the challenge 4 years later, spending less time. He used the Machame route taking only six days to reach the mountain peak. 

Kyle Maynard an American martial arts athlete also the first quadruple amputee to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro without the aid of prosthetics. He scaled the mountain in 2012 using the risky Umbwe-western breach route.  Aron Anderson a Swedish adventurer is also a wheelchair user who managed to reach the highest peak of the African Continent. 

Final thought

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a popular adventure. The challenge attracts climbers from different backgrounds and experience levels. While this mountain offers a non-technical climb, trekkers need to be well prepared. Acclimatization, physical fitness, and personal zeal are crucial for success.