Mt. Kilimanjaro History and Facts
Basic details about the mountain and other facts about climbing
The Kilimanjaro Glacier Controversy
Kilimanjaro’s glaciers have tended to be seen in scientific circles as the canary in the coal mine in the study of current climate change, with sides drawn and debates heated in the matter of whether the iconic mountain’s glaciers are diminishing as a result of global warming, because of reduced snowfall or simply as a matter of natural climatic fluctuations.
How Threatened Are The Glaciers
The view of the National Geographic Society is always good acid test on current thinking in matters such as this, and the National Geographic has been nothing if not active in recent years in drawing attention to climate change. But even this august institution cannot seem to make up its mind on this particular issue.
In a 2003 article on the subject National Geographic echoed the common view that Mount Kilimanjaro’s glacier cap would be gone by 2020, if not sooner. More recently, however, an article was published in the May 2007 online issue that predicted the glaciers might in fact be less threatened than previously thought, and that we could see Kilimanjaro’s iconic white crown until at least 2050, if not longer.
Date: July 7th, 2008 |
No Comments
Peaks of Kilimanjaro: Random Facts
There are actually three peaks on Kilimanjaro, despite many people seeing one mountain with a big hump.
The peaks of Kilimanjaro are the following:Shira Peak (3962 meters), Uhuru Peak (5896 meters) and Mawenzi (5149 meters).
Shira and Mawenzi are both extinct volcanoes. Mawenzi is the third highest peak in Africa after Mount Kenya.
Date: February 1st, 2007 |
No Comments
Ethnic Group of Kilimanjaro - Chaggas
One of the largest ethnic groups in Tanzania that live on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro are the Chaggas. If you are climbing on the mountain, your guides and porters are most likely going to be from the Chaggas ethnic group, although now different ethnic groups are starting to filter into the region in search of work.
The Chaggas are some of the most educated, wealthy, Tanzanians and many of them are considered businessmen - and hence have moved to Arusha, Moshi and Dar es Salaam. They are primarily involved with coffee, tourism, trading and farming on the slopes of …
Date: July 17th, 2006 |
No Comments
Great Kilimanjaro Reference Site
If you are looking for very basic geographical information about Kilimanjaro, Wikipedia has a good set of information about the mountain, its history and the volcanoes. Read Wikipedia on Kilimanjaro.
I especially enjoyed the Nasa picture from the ground level of the mountain. Although not in preportion, you get a great view of the other extinct volcanoes as well as Kilimanjaro’s little sister, Mt. Meru.
Date: February 25th, 2006 |
1 comment
For the Love of Glaciers
Don’t think global warming is really happening? Well, if you summit Mount Kilimanjaro, these glaciers will prove you wrong. Small temperature fluctuations in the environment begin to first happen in equatorial places like Mt. Kilimanjaro, so this is a representation of what could, and probably will, happen on a global scale around the world - oceans will rise, mountains will melt, weather patterns will change.
It’s said these glaciers will be gone in less than 20 years, having huge socio-economic effects on the region. Why have the glaciers on Mt. Kilimanjaro have been melting at an alarming rate? It’s a product of many things - the Industrial Revolution, SUVs, deforestation, macro economic policies, etc. What could slow this epidemic? Support the Kyoto agreement, think globally not locally, drive a Prius instead of an SUV, support trade agreements that force China and India to develop sustainable technology so they don’t have 3 billion people driving polluting cars. Enough of my soap box, check out these beauties.
Date: November 16th, 2005 |
No Comments
What’s it like up there?
The first attempt at a nap
“I’d been awake most of the night, struggling for breath in the meager air “
Jon Krakauer from “Into Thin Air”
Cheyne-Stokes
No, this isn’t the newest diet fad or a way to stop someone from choking.
This is the name given to the process of running short of oxygen and being jolted awake by the horrible feeling of suffocation while attempting to sleep at significant altitude. Both my son and I experienced this potential altitude effect while cocooned in our minus-20 rated bags during our memorable night at Crater Camp (18,800ft), before our summit of Kilimanjaro the following morning.
“Sleeping is a problem for most high-altitude climbers due to a phenomenon known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing. While dozing, the climber breathes normally for a minute and then stops completely for thirty seconds. Suddenly, breathing resumes at an accelerated rate. One minute you sound out of breath, the next, dead. It is often more disconcerting for the tent mate than the sleeper.”
John Roskelley from “Nanda Devi, the tragic expedition.”
Please understand this missive is for edification not condemnation because I was the flatlander who had chosen to climb the Western Breach and camp just under the summit. I was the flatlander who thought doing an overnight at 18,800 ft. would be the experience of a lifetime. And I’m the one who wouldn’t trade that sleepless night with my son for anything in the world.
Date: April 12th, 2007 |
No Comments
Did Kilimanjaro once belong to the nation of Kenya?
There are many myths and rumors that the Queen of England, whose had colonial rule over Kenya, gave Mt. Kilimanjaro to her cousin, the German King, Kaiser Wilhelm as a birthday present. While this probably isn’t true, it’s kind of interesting to read about the border of Kilimanjaro. Read about tidbit of the border history. It’s said that the Germans also wanted Mombasa, the trading port, but were unable to get it. But Kilimanjaro was given to the German government, who then controled Tanzania.
If you look at a modern day map, you …
Date: July 19th, 2006 |
No Comments
Kilimanjaro Park Fees
In 2006, the Kilimanjaro National park fees were dramatically increased. Almost all outfitters mountaineering companies include the park fees into the overall price of the trip. However, it’s important to see how the price breaks down:
This is PER PERSON, PER DAY on the mountain.
Daily Charge $60.00
For a six day trip, you would pay $360.00 per person to the Tanzanian government. On a seven day trip, you would pay $420.00 per person.
Night Charge $40.00
For a six day trip, you would pay $200.00 per person to the Tanzanian government. On a seven day trip, you would pay $240.00 per person.
…
Date: February 28th, 2006 |
No Comments
Brief Background of Kilimanjaro - Podcast
Here is an audo file, giving a brief history of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Listen to Kilimanjaro History
Date: December 7th, 2005 |
No Comments
Kilimanjaro Basics
Mount Kilimanjaro lies a 3 degrees south of equator, on the northern boundary of Tanzania. None of the mountain is in Kenya, only Tanzania. Its approximately 600 km from the Indian Ocean, as its own freestanding mountain. Its dramatic size and height influence the climate, vegetation, animal life and the climbing conditions.
It is made up of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters), Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Apart from its dramatic geological features Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s the perfect destination for wildlife and plant enthusiasts. Kilimanjaro contains an …
Date: October 24th, 2005 |
No Comments
