10 Amazing Facts about Mount Kilimanjaro
10 Amazing Facts about Mount Kilimanjaro : Being home to the Kilimanjaro makes Tanzania an appealing destination for hikers. Visitors can hike this iconic peak to the summit, the ‘Roof of Africa.’ Do you have a burning desire to climb this great mountain? There are facts and figures worth knowing about. In this article, we will unveil ten amazing facts about Mount Kilimanjaro that you must know.
- Kilimanjaro stands on its own
Kilimanjaro stands freely. It is therefore the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, with its highest point, the Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level.
Most great mountains are part of great ranges. Mount Everest is part of the Himalayan Mountain Range. This variation is explained by their difference in formations. Mountain ranges are also called fold mountains. They are formed as a result of Earth’s tectonic plates pushing each other.
Contrary to fold mountains, Kilimanjaro and other volcanic mountains are formed by volcanic eruptions. Molten magma piles up on the ground and solidifies to form a free mountain.
- 50% of climbers succeed
Mount Kilimanjaro is not an easy hike. It is a challenging one. Half of the climbers who hike it succeed. The other half fails. The biggest challenge is altitude sickness. Most of the people who fail are beginners. Their body hasn’t acclimatized enough to tackle this breathtaking volcano.
Another reason why many people fail is the duration of the hike and the type of route followed. The more days spent the higher the success rate. Taking 5 days is riskier because the body does not acclimatize well. The Umbwe route is recommended for expert hikers. It is not for beginners though, it is short.
- Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones
Kilimanjaro comprises three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest one. Its highest point is called the Uhuru Peak, which rises to 5,895 meters above all peaks in Africa. Mawenzi is the second-highest cone on Kilimanjaro and third-highest in Africa after Mount Kenya. Its height is 5,149 meters above sea level.
Shira collapsed to form the Shira Plateau on the western side, an interesting feature for mountain climbers. When hiking through Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes, you might see or cross this high plateau.
- Kilimanjaro is among the Seven Summits
The Seven Summits is a list of the tallest mountains in each continent. Mount Kilimanjaro represents Africa. Here is a list.
- Asia – Mount Everest (8,856 meters)
- South America – Aconcagua (6,962 meters)
- North America – Denali or Mt. McKinley (6,194 meters)
- Africa – Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters)
- Europe – Mt. Elbrus (5,642 meters)
- Antarctica – Vinson Massif (4,892 meters)
- Oceania – Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 meters)
- Australia – Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters)
Many mountains in the Seven Summit are technical. They require experienced hikers to reach the summit. Kilimanjaro is non-technical. It allows both beginners and experienced hikers to conquer it. Climbers don’t need to carry their backpacks. Porters will do this part.
- Kilimanjaro can be climbed in one day
It is possible to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in a day. This is possible for elite athletes. You may be surprised by this. Relax, we have everything you need to know. For a climber to be successful on a one-day climb, acclimatization and fitness are the key.
Athletes have acclimatized and physically fit bodies. They also have tried many speed climbs on various mountains. Several athletes have successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in a day. In 2014, Karl Egloff, a Swiss athlete, ascended and descended the Kilimanjaro in 6 hours and 42 minutes.
Others include Anne-Marie Flammersfield (German) in 2015, Simon Mtuy (Tanzanian) in 2006, and Killian Jornet (Spanish) in 2010.
- The first summit: Hans Meyer and Yohani Lauwo
Hans Meyer was a German geology professor. He is remembered for his commitment to reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. His two attempts failed in 1887. He successfully stood on the peak on October 6, 1889.
Meyer wasn’t alone on his hike. A local young man called Yohani Lauwo guided Meyer to the summit. Being born in the Marangu village, he knew the forest very well. He was just 18 years old when he made his first guide to the summit. He later continued his tour-guiding career for 70 years. He died in 1996 at the age of 125 years.
- The first woman to summit Kilimanjaro
After the first successful climb by Hans Meyer, there are many unsuccessful climbs for 20 years until another successful climb.
The first woman to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro was Sheila MacDonald. Sheila wasn’t the first woman to hike Kilimanjaro. In 1909, Gertrude Benham of London made it to the edge of Kibo Crater (5,685 meters). Clara von Ruckteschell made it to the crater’s edge (Gilman’s Point) in 1914. Estella Latham also made it to one of the highest points, (currently, Stella Point – 5,756 meters).
- The oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro
Fred Distelhorst, a US citizen held this record. He reached the summit on July 27, 2017, at the age of 88 years and 180 days. He still holds the record of the oldest man to summit the Kilimanjaro.
Anne Lorimor reached the Uhuru Peak on July 18, 2019, at the age of 89 years and 37 days. She is also the oldest woman to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.
- No one knows the origin of the name Kilimanjaro
There is no certainty in the origin of the name Kilimanjaro. Some say it is a combination of two Chagga words for ‘whiteness’ and ‘mountain’. Some sources suggest that it originates from the Maasai language. Some claim it meant “mountain of caravans.” Nobody is certain about the name Kilimanjaro.
- There are seven routes to the summit
About seven routes can take hikers to the highest point of this mountain. These include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Northern Circuit.
Are you motivated to climb the Kilimanjaro? Focus East Africa Tours is there to make your dream come true. We are more than a tour operator, committed to tailoring budget, midrange, and luxurious hiking trips.
