- Mt. Kilimanjaro -
In his immortal "Snows of Kilimanjaro", Ernest Hemmingway
wrote about the view of Kilimanjaro for the first time:
"wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun."
( View of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the town of Moshi )
Mt. Kilimanjaro gets its name from the Swahili name, Kilima "hill or little mountain" and Njaro for "white or shining". It lies on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, just south of the Equator. Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, Shira, Kibo and Mawensi is an inactive volcano, part of the Great African Rift Valley which extends to the west.
One of the World's 7 Summits, the highest mountains on each of the 7 continents, Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters Although it is not the tallest mountain on Earth, Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising 4,602 meters from its base, providing a dramatic view from the surrounding plains including the Ngarongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Although East Africa and nearby Olduvai Gorge is thought to be the cradle of mankind, it is unlikely that early man would have been attracted to the steep and cold slopes of Kilimanjaro at a time when it was probably very active and dangerous.
In 1887, a missionary is thought to have become the first person to reach the snows on Kilimanjaro when he climbed to the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
The first ascent of Uhuru Peak was made in 1889 by the German geographer Hans Meyer. The expedition consisted of many porters, guides, and advisers. It took Meyer almost 6 weeks to reach the summit, 6 times as long as it takes the average climber today.
( The Top of Africa / Above the Clouds Uhuru Peak )
At the summit, Uhuru Peak (Victory Peak), there is a sign posted by the Tanzanian government. The sign (printed in English only) reads "Congratulations! You are now at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania, 5,895 m. Africa's Highest Point, World's Highest Free-Standing Mountain, One of World's Largest Volcanoes, Welcome."
( Sign at uhuru peak with Orbie and the Xpedition Flag - 2008 Xpedition )
The glaciers of Kilimanjaro are quickly disintegrating under the African sun. Snowfall during the rainy season isn't keeping pace with the melting that occurs during the dry season, and this lack of replenishment is taking its toll. Often when discussing the effects of global climate change, the disappearance of the glaciers of Mt. Kilimanjaro is cited as visual proof of this tragic phenomenon.
( Mike standing in front of Futwangler Glacier near the Crater Camp on the 2008 Xpedition)
Yet, beyond its melting glaciers, as seen in the figure below, Xpedition members wondered if there were other significant changes taking place on Kilimanjaro that support the diagnosis of climate change. Specifically, we are interested in assessing the effects of climate change on the distinct climate and vegetative zones of Kilimanjaro.
Due to the mountain's equatorial location as well as its high elevation, climbers can experience almost every type of climate and vegetative zone on earth during the journey to the top. Follow Orbie below to learn more about each of these distinct climate zones.
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Click on Orbie to learn about the ecological zones on Kilimanjaro |
Click on the Link Above to View a Short Video on Kilimanjaro |
( figure 1 - the Disappearing Ice of Kilimanjaro )
( View of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the town of Moshi )
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