The second highest mountain in Africa. The highest peaks in Africa. place – Kenya

Africa is the only continent that crosses the equator and several climate zones. original culture, unique nature and the abundance of diverse animals attract millions of tourists to the mainland every year. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, which thousands of climbers from all over the world have repeatedly tried to conquer. But there are other high mountains in Africa with unique flora and fauna.

General description of mountain ranges

The relief of the African continent is mostly flat. Mountain ranges are located in only two regions. The real pearl of the East African mountain range is the Kilimanjaro volcano, the highest point of the continent.

The northwest and south are famous for the Atlas, Cape and Drakensberg mountains. In the center of Africa and in the northeast are the Aberdare Range and the Abyssinian Highlands. All mountain ranges are of folded origin. And only the highest peaks are not folded.

African legend Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that has rightfully earned the title of symbol of Africa. Once upon a time she appeared active volcano posing a danger to the inhabitants of the continent. Nowadays, volcanic activity is evidenced by many layers of petrified lava and ash, as well as periodic gas emissions.

The highest points of the volcano are covered centuries-old ice. In ancient times, people who had never seen snow believed that it was silver. That is why the volcano received the name “Kilimanjaro”, which means “sparkling mountain” in Swahili.

Scientists believe that after 2020, active melting of ice will begin. And this phenomenon has nothing to do with global warming. The main reason for the melting of ice is the decrease in rainfall in Africa.

Being largest volcano not only in Africa, but also in the world, Kilimanjaro occupies a huge area of ​​400 thousand hectares. There are three high points on it:

• Kiba Peak;
• Mawenzi Peak;
• Shira Peak.

Uhuru is the highest peak, classified as Kiba Peak. Its height is 5895 meters.

At the end of the last century, the territory of Africa occupied by Kilimanjaro received the title of National Park. But scientists have expressed concerns about the cessation of volcanic activity. They believe that the volcano could wake up at any moment.

Africa has many high mountains, some of which have been repeatedly conquered by climbers, while others have become their last refuge.

10th place – Ras Dashen

Mount Ras Dashen is located in the northern part of the Ethiopian Highlands and territorially belongs to Ethiopia, one of the African republics. Ras Dashen is an ancient volcano with a height of 4533 meters. However, this volcano is the peak part of another, more powerful volcano, which has not awakened for several millennia.

People first dared to climb to its peak in 1841. French officers acted as pioneers. Now Ras Dashen is part of the Simien National Park and is a developed tourist destination.

9th place – Meru

In the penultimate place of honor is Mount Meru. Meru is an active stratovolcano that is part of the East African Valley. The stratovolcano is located in northern Tanzania in the Arusha region. Since 1967, it has been awarded the title of National Park, which received the same name.

The highest point of Meru is 4546 meters. The ascent of a man to the mouth of an African volcano was carried out in 1901. Now it is under the authority of the National Park. Therefore, you can climb it only after receiving special permission.

8th place – Luigi di Savoia

Mount Luigi di Savoia is part of the Ruwenzori mountain range, which means "Mountains of the Moon". Most of a huge mountain range located on the territory of the Republic of Uganda.

The peak of the mountain was first conquered at the very beginning of the last century. But even now climbers from the most different countries, hoping to climb to the peak of the mountain and enjoy the beauty of the local scenery.

7th place – Jesse

Mount Jessie is located in Africa in the Republic of Congo and is part of the East African mountain range. The summit of Jessie is at an altitude of 4715 meters. And for the first time it was conquered in 1906.

The influx of climbers and tourists who want to conquer the top of Mount Jessie is observed in summer and winter, since it is during these times of the year that the conditions for climbing are optimal. Jessie's height is not critical, so it is most often used as a training ground.

6th place – Emin

Mount Emin is the property of the Congo. Its peak is located at an altitude of 4798 meters. It, like the other highest mountains in Africa, is part of the East African mountain range.

The ascent to the top of Emin was carried out in 1906. Since then, many climbers, taking their equipment, go to the Congo to repeat the hero’s feat. Unfortunately, only a few manage to return back.

5th place – Baker

Mount Baker is located on the Rwenzori Range, which means Mountains of the Moon. This part of the ridge is located in Uganda. The name "Baker" is associated with the explorer Samuel Baker. He became the first who was not afraid to step on this mountain. However, he never climbed to its peak, located at an altitude of 4844 meters.

The pioneers were completely different people. The slopes of Baker are covered with rocks and glaciers, so the path to the top is quite thorny. But among modern travelers, Baker is popular thanks to specially created routes that eliminate the possibility of cliffs.

4th place – Speak

Mount Speke, located in the African Republic of Congo, is a mountaineer's paradise thanks to its several peaks. The lowest of them is at an altitude of 4572 meters, the highest - 4890 meters.

Speke is the surname of the person who became the discoverer of the mountain. Although John Speke visited it in the middle of the 19th century, the first conquest of the peak occurred a little later. But to this day, Speke attracts many tourists with its diversity of nature and wildlife.

3rd place – Stanley

The summit of Mount Stanley is located at an altitude of 5109 meters. Geographically, this miracle of nature is located in Democratic Republic Congo. Stanley Peak is listed as a World Heritage Site.

On the peaks of Stanley there is a thick snow cover, which is so attractive to tourists. Moreover, tourist ascents here are possible at any time of the year.

2nd place – Kenya

Mount Kenya is a true jewel of Africa. Being part of the East African Highlands, it is located on the very line of the equator in the republic of the same name. The peak of Kenya, located at an altitude of 5199 meters, was conquered by people back in 1899. And since the middle of the last century, a National Park has been opened on the territory of the mountain.

The top of Kenya is home to the rarest representatives of the natural and animal worlds. Therefore, at the end of the last century, Kenya was included in the World Heritage List.

1st place – Kilimanjaro

The highest step of the pedestal, of course, is occupied by Kilimanjaro, 5895 meters high. This mountain is the heritage of not only the United Republic of Tanzania, but also of the whole of Africa.

“Sparkling Mountain” is a real attraction for summit conquerors. But experienced climbers, learning from the experiences of others, are no longer so naive. After all, Kilimanjaro throughout its history has become the last refuge for a huge number of climbers. According to experts, many more people died while climbing this pride of Africa than during the conquest of Everest.

Video: In the wilds of Africa

The top of the dormant volcano is covered with a snow-white cap of snow, which sparkles impressively in the rays of the bright African sun. Perhaps that's why local population gave it its name - Kilimanjaro, which translated from Swahili means “sparkling mountain”. In ancient times, the tribes inhabiting this area, who had never seen snow in their lives, were sure that it was covered with silver. But for a long time they did not dare to check their assumptions, since many frightening legends were associated with the volcano, telling about evil spirits, who lived on the top of Kilimanjaro and guarded its treasures. And yet, after some time, the local leader sent a small detachment of the bravest warriors to conquer the mysterious peak. Upon arrival, they immediately began to examine the “silver” lying everywhere, but, to everyone’s surprise, it instantly melted in their hands. On the “sparkling mountain” there was nothing but eternal cold snow. Then the aborigines, feeling the cold of the silvery ice cap, gave the giant volcano another name - “The Abode of the God of Cold.”

Many legends associated with Kilimanjaro have survived to this day. Locals They believe that the top of the volcano is inhabited by gods, and the caves and ravines of the mountain are inhabited by pygmy gnomes who hunt and gather. Weather, according to local beliefs, are associated with the mood of the evil spirits living on the mountain.

The beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen for many kilometers around the surrounding Tanzanian and Kenyan savannas. Its outline is sloping slopes rising to an elongated, flat peak, which is in reality a giant 2-kilometer caldera - a vast basin at the peak of the volcano.

On very hot days, you can contemplate a fantastic picture: from a distance, the bluish base of the mountain becomes almost indistinguishable against the background of the savannah, and it seems that the snow-covered peak is floating in the air. And the clouds floating around, often flying below the snow cap, enhance this effect.

The first mentions of huge snow-capped mountains come from the 2nd century AD. e. They were applied to geographical map Ptolemy. However, the official date of the discovery of the “sparkling mountain” is considered to be May 11, 1848, when it first appeared before the eyes of the German pastor Johannes Rebmann. Since 1861, attempts to conquer the peak began: in the same year, a height of 2500 meters was conquered, in 1862 - 4200 meters, and in 1883-1884 and 1887 a point located at an altitude of 5270 meters was reached. All these numerous ascents were made by the Hungarian Count Samuel Teleki. Already in October 1889, the German traveler Hans Meyer, in company with the Australian climber Ludwig Purtscheller, managed to reach the top of Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant, nearly conical volcano composed of multiple layers of tephra, solidified lava, and volcanic ash. According to scientists, it was formed as a result of several volcanic movements more than a million years ago.
It includes three main peaks, which are also extinct volcanoes: Shira (3962 m), located in the west, Mawenzi (5149 m) - in the east, and in the central part there is the youngest and high volcano- Kibo (5895 m), on which there are multiple cascades of ice terraces. Uhuru Peak, located on the rim of the Kibo Crater, is the highest point on Kilimanjaro and all of Africa.

Volcano Kibo:

Kilimanjaro has had no documented eruptions, but according to local legends, the last major volcanic activity occurred approximately 150,000–200,000 years ago. As a result of research carried out in 2003, scientists discovered the presence of lava just 400 meters below the crater of Kilimanjaro's highest peak, Kibo. Although no negative predictions regarding volcanic activity have been made yet, gas emissions regularly occur at the top of the volcano, which can lead to its collapse, which in turn will cause a major eruption. Kibo has experienced several landslides and landslides in the past, creating an area known as the “western gap.”
Today there is a lot of talk about global warming, which is contributing to the fact that the famous Kilimanjar glaciers are rapidly melting.

Scientists explain this phenomenon not by global warming, but by the falling level of daily precipitation, which is necessary to restore the glacial mass. Some researchers believe that the volcano is awakening, resulting in its heating and, as a result, the melting of the ice cap. The concern is that over the past 100 years, the amount of ice and snow covering Kilimanjaro has decreased by more than 80%. In 2005, for the first time in 11 thousand years, their almost complete melting occurred. At the current rate, the disappearance of Kilimanjaro's snow is expected to occur between 2022 and 2033.

Glacier on Kilimanjaro in 2007:

Kilimanjaro in 2012. View from above:

The area occupied by the volcano is 64 km wide and 97 km long. Such enormous size allows Kilimanjaro to form its own climate. At an altitude of about 4000 meters above sea level, you can find numerous small streams and rivers born in glaciers, which carry life-giving moisture to pastures and fields.
The world of flora and fauna in the Kilimanjaro region is extremely rich and diverse. In the lower part of the mountain, at an altitude of up to 1000 meters, there are savannas inhabited by monkeys, leopards, servals and honey badgers. Interestingly, on the lower slopes of the mountain there are coffee plantations and banana groves, and there are corn crops. At an altitude of 1800 meters, the domain of humid equatorial forests begins.

The territory, located at an altitude of 2800-4000 meters, is covered by mountain swamps and meadows strewn with colorful flowers.

Starting at 4400 meters, closer to the top, the kingdom of the mountain desert begins, where only alpine lichens and mosses survive.

Above is a world of cold snow, in which you can only see cold stone and ice.

Kilimanjaro Glacier at an altitude of 5800 meters:

On the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro live the Chaga mountaineers, who, like their ancient ancestors, are engaged in agriculture. They are grown in the local warm and temperate climate. humid climate coffee and banana plantations.
The territory of Kilimanjaro has the status of a National Park, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has been particularly popular among amateurs for many years. active rest. Today there are several tourist routes. The most popular among them is Marangu or the “Coca-Cola Route,” which tourists cover in 5-6 days. The presence of mountain shelters, which eliminate the need to pitch tents, greatly simplifies the task. The "Whisky Route" or Machame is the most beautiful route, the duration of which is slightly longer than the previous one - 6-7 days. The northern slope of the mountain has only one trail - Rongai. On average, it takes tourists 5-6 days to overcome it. The longest western route lies through the Shira plateau (5-6 days). The Umbwe route is one of the most difficult - it runs through dense jungle, which requires some physical preparation. When conquering Kilimanjaro, many tourists need adaptation to get used to the mountain climate and avoid altitude sickness.

Among the conquerors of Mount Kilimanjaro there are record holders. In 2001, an Italian named Bruno Brunod completed the Marangu route in just five and a half hours. In 2004, Simon Mtui, a native of Tanzania, climbed the difficult Umbwe Trail and descended to the Mweka Pass in just 8 hours and 27 minutes. The Tanzanian did not stop there and two years later walked the Umbwe trail there and back in 9 hours 19 minutes. The first women's record belongs to the Englishwoman Rebekah Rees-Evans, her result of climbing the Kilimanjaro peak is 13 hours 16 minutes. The youngest conqueror of the huge volcano is the American Keats Boyd, who reached the summit at the age of seven.

The majestic volcano Kilimanjaro has been a muse for many creative individuals - books have been written about it, films have been made, songs have been dedicated to it. Some of the most famous literary works that mention the African giant include Ernest Hemingway's story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" (1936), Ray Bradbury's story "The Car to Kilimanjaro" (1965), and Olga Larionova's novel "The Leopard" from the top of Kilimanjaro" (1965).
Based on the book "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" in 1952, Henry King made a film of the same name. The famous volcano can be seen in the science fiction film “Independence Day” (1996) and in the film “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life” (2003).

To get to Mount Kilimanjaro you first need to get to the very Big City Tanzania - Dar es Salaam. The next goal is the city of Moshi, located at the very foot of the volcano. The distance from Dar es Salaam to Moshi is 560-600 km, which is best covered by a bus leaving early in the morning to reach the final destination before nightfall. The town has many cozy hotels that convey all the local flavor. You can get to the mountain only with a special permit, which can be obtained by any of the travel agencies that exist in abundance in Moshi. There they also help tourists organize their ascent by finding a suitable route, choosing a guide and time. Moshi can also be reached from the capital of Kenya - Nairobi, the distance from which is 290 km.

Africa, geologically, is represented mainly by the Precambrian period, and the mountain ranges of the Black Continent are located in only two regions. In the south are the Cape Mountains, in the northwest are the Atlas Mountains, but both have a folded shape. Surprisingly, Africa is the only continent where all the highest peaks are not of folded origin. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the top 10 highest African mountains.

10th place - Ras Dejen, 4533 m, Ethiopia

The Ethiopian highlands define this country as the most developed in Africa in terms of mountainous terrain. Ras Dejen is the highest point in the state and is located in national park"Simien." Ras Dejen, by its origin, is an ancient volcano, which is only the eastern peak of a giant volcano that has not made itself felt for several millennia. The mountain was first conquered by man in 1841, when two officers from France, Galinier and Ferret, climbed to its summit. Today, many climbers, as well as fans of trekking and ecotourism, come to Ras Dejen every year.

9th place - Meru, 4546 m, Tanzania

By its origin, Meru is a stratovolcano and is located in East Africa rift valley, in an area called Arusha and since 1967 has been part of the national park of the same name. When viewed from the west, the volcano has the shape of a regular cone, and the bottom of the crater is lowered to a depth of more than 2.2 km. Meru's average slope is about 30 degrees, and between the peak and the ash slope lies the world's highest cliff. Climbing the volcano was first carried out in 1901; today it is possible to climb to the top only with the permission of the park and only for research purposes.

8th place - Luigi di Savoia, 4627 m, Uganda

The top is a fairly flat peak medium height. Mount Luigi di Savoia is located in Uganda and is part of the East African mountain range, on the Ruwenzori ridge. The peak was first conquered by man in 1906; today, climbing Mount Luigi requires much more physical training from climbers than technology and equipment. Any time of year and any weather is suitable for climbing, but most often climbers come here in winter and summer. Since the height is not critical for a person, no special acclimatization or preparation is required, and upon reaching the highest point you can enjoy the magnificent surrounding landscape.

As for such natural wonders as waterfalls, Europe has not been very successful with them, because the most enormous in power are located on other continents...

7th place - Jesse, 4715 m, Congo

The peak is located in the region of northern equatorial latitudes, in the Eastern hemisphere of our planet. Geographically, Jesse is part of the East African massif, the Rwenzori Range; administratively, the mountain belongs to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first ascent to the summit took place in 1906, and the optimal time for the ascent is considered to be the beginning of winter and summer. No technical skills are required from climbers when climbing Jessie, so this peak is most often used as a training camp.

6th place - Emin, 4798 m, Congo

Emin is located in the northern latitudes of the equator, in the eastern hemisphere of the Earth. Geographically it is part of the East African Mountains (Rwenzori Range), administratively and territorially it is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first ascent was made in 1906; the ideal time for ascent is considered to be mid-winter and summer. The peak is very treacherous and has ruined many human lives, so even experienced climbers are wary of it.

5th place - Baker, 4844 m, Uganda

Baker is located in amazing place, which is called “Mountain Mountains”. The mountain got its name in honor of the traveler who was the first to climb it, but did not climb the peak on his own. Geographically, Mount Baker is located on the Rwenzori Range, administratively in the country of Uganda. The first ascent occurred in 1906. The slopes of the mountain alternate between rocky terrain and glaciers, so the climb to the top cannot be called easy. The mountain is popular among climbers in the winter and summer months, and climbers can climb one of the developed routes.

For the average person, the difference between “dormant” and “extinct” volcanoes is not obvious. But the differences between them are quite significant,...

4th place - Speke, 4890 m, Congo

The mountain consists of several peaks, ranging in height from 4572 m to 4890 m and is part of the Rwenzori range, which means “lord of rain” in the local language. The first explorers who arrived here for scientific purposes looked for the source of the Nile River in these places. The name of the mountain is given by the name of the person who first set foot on the mountain - John Speke, this happened in 1862. The officially recorded ascent took place in 1906. The local area is amazingly picturesque, and the diversity of flora and fauna will amaze any traveler. Around Speke you can see elephants, antelopes, chimpanzees and leopards.

3rd place - Stanley, 5109 m, Congo

Stanley Peak is listed by UNESCO world heritage. Geographically, the mountain is part of the East African Mountains, administratively it is located in the Congo. The peak was first conquered by man in 1906, but even today the beauty of these snow-capped peaks attracts many climbers who come here almost all year round.

2nd place - Kenya, 5199 m

Mount Kenya is located directly on the equator and is part of the East African Highlands. The first ascent was made in 1899, and since 1949, a national park. Since 1997, Mount Kenya has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List; many representatives of the rarest African fauna live around the peak.

1st place - Kilimanjaro, 5895 m, Tanzania

The tallest African peak and the most beautiful of all that are on the Dark Continent. Kilimanjaro means "sparkling peak" in Swahili. It consists of three peaks and is part of the East African Highlands. The first ascent was made in 1899 by a climber from Austria and a geographer from Germany. Due to global warming, 80% of the snow cover on the top of Kilimanjaro has melted in a hundred years. According to the latest forecasts, there will be no snow on Kilimanjaro until 2033. According to statistics, more people died on the mountain than on Everest due to the fact that many climbers naively considered the peak easy to conquer.

Africa is an exotic continent for many Eurasians. There are huge deserts and savannas, extraordinary animals and amazing plants grow here. Do you know what the highest mountains in Africa are? We remember the names of some of them from our school curriculum, others are completely unknown.

general description

The main feature of the continent is that they are not located in folded structures. For example, the highest mountain in Africa is located on the East African Plateau. In the northwest and south of the continent they rise fold mountains- Atlas and Cape. is located in the northeast, the Aberdare Range is in the very center of the continent, the Drakensberg Mountains are in the south, and Ahaggar is in the northwest. In addition, Africa is famous for its active and extinct volcanoes (Kilimanjaro and Cameroon).

The highest mountain in Africa - Kilimanjaro

This one is huge mountain range consists of three now extinct volcanoes - Mawenzi (5129 m), Shira (3962 m), and Kibo (5895 m). Accordingly, the height of the highest mountain in Africa is considered to be 5895 meters. The massif is located on the Masai plateau. Today, scientists do not have documentary evidence that there was volcanic activity here in ancient times; only legends speak of this. In the Kilimanjaro region today, only periodic gas emissions remind of volcanism. However, shifts and collapses have been recorded in the past.

The highest mountain in Africa is famous for its ice cap, as the peak has been covered by glaciers for many millennia. Today, many scientists express fears that this huge snow cap may disappear in the coming decades. Probably, their fears are not groundless - over the past 100 years, the cap has decreased in volume by almost 80%. This is not a consequence of rising temperatures, but depends on a decrease in the amount of snow falling in the region.

The highest mountain in Africa was discovered in 1848 by German pastor Johannes Rebmann. The Hungarian Count Samuel Teleki first tried to conquer the peak, but it was conquered only in 1889 by the German traveler Hans Meyer and his companion, the Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller.

Mount Kenya

This is not the highest mountain in Africa, however, its height reaches 5199 meters. Mount Kenya is an extinct stratovolcano and one of the most popular peaks on the African continent among climbers. It is located in Mount Kenya National Park, founded in 1949 to protect the surrounding area.

Most often, ascents to this mountain are made to its three peaks - Batian, Nelion and Point Lenan. From a technical point of view, Point Lenana, located in the southeast of the massif, is considered the most accessible and simplest.

Scientists believe that about two million years ago, Mount Kenya was an active volcano. There is a version that in those distant times it was higher than Kilimanjaro.

In 1849, it was discovered by the German missionary Johann Krapf, and 34 years later, its discovery was confirmed by researcher J. Thompson, who reached its foot from the west.

Cameroon

This mountain is considered the highest in the territory. Its height is 4070 meters. Currently, it still exhibits volcanic activity. The last eruption of Cameroon was recorded in 2000. The top of the mountain is not always covered with snow, only sometimes a cap appears on it. The volcano has other names - Fako and Mongo ma Ndemi - as the local population calls it.

This volcano was discovered by Portuguese sailors - members of an expedition that was looking for a route to India through Africa. Richard Francis Burton reached the summit in 1861.

Ethiopian Highlands

It is located in the northeast of the continent, in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and partly in northern Somalia. The highest point is considered to be Mount Ras Dashen. Its height is 4550 meters. In the east and south the ledges of the highlands are steep. They descend into deep valleys. The western ledges have a stepped shape and are rugged deep canyons Blue Nile. Valleys divide the highlands into separate massifs (ambas). The Ethiopian Highlands are composed of gneisses and crystalline schists, with volcanic rocks located higher up.

In the highlands it is noted that rye and wheat can be grown here. In addition, there are many minerals here - gold, platinum, sulfur, copper and brown coal, limestone and gypsum are mined here.

Atlas Mountains

This mountain range is located in the northwest of the continent. For a long time it was believed that it stretches from the coast Atlantic Ocean from Morocco to the very shores of Tunisia. Today it has been established that it stretches for 2300 km from Cape Sirtov to Kotey.

The Atlas Mountains are separated from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coast Sahara Desert. They are made up of numerous ridges. The highest point of this massif is Mount Toubkal (4167 m).

There are a great many mountains and mountain ranges in the world of very different ages and origins, but among them it is worth highlighting some mountain ranges and individual massifs of Africa. Such as Atlas Mountains, due to their old age and influence on the climate, because it is because of them that moisture does not enter the Sahara. Other mountains - due to their youth, such as the famous Kilimanjaro volcano, which was formed only one and a half million years ago, and also affects the climate. However, as will be described below, nowadays the climate itself, thanks to human activity, influences the majestic volcano.

1. The highest mountain on the African continent is Kilimanjaro. Not only does it reach 5895 meters in height, but it is also considered one of the most. There are a number of theories about the origin of this strange name. The most reliable research is considered to be a translation made from Swahili, which literally calls the volcano “sparkling mountain.” But to be precise, Kilimanjaro is a triumvirate of volcanoes called Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi, which have potential activity and are located in the northeast of Tanzania.

2. The Shira volcano was the first to appear, and in height it is significantly inferior to the peak of Kilimanjaro, amounting to only 3962 meters. Scientists believe that in the past this volcano was higher, and the current values ​​were the result of a powerful eruption. Shira is located west of highest peak African continent.

3. The second oldest formation is the Mawenzi volcano - this peak is at least 5149 meters high, and it is located east of the main peak. Highest point Kilimanjaro at 5895 m is Uhuro Peak, on the youngest volcano Kibo. It was formed due to the eruption of its neighbors, and has the inherent Kilimanjaro distinctive feature – flat top mountains. In fact, the peak is a plateau - a huge volcanic basin with a diameter of 2 kilometers.

4. Occupies an area of ​​64 kilometers in width and 97 kilometers in length. Such a huge size allows it to have a noticeable climatic impact on the surrounding lands.

5. The top of the mountain is covered eternal ice, and this is almost at the equator - the mountain is located only 3 degrees south of the equator line. However, recent studies of the dormant volcano confirm that snow volumes are steadily declining. There are three reasons for this. The first of these is a significant reduction in precipitation. So, now on the highest peak of Kilimanjaro you can expect no more than 200 mm of precipitation per year, while at the same time the snow melts much faster. The second reason is the approach of hot lava to the crater and heating of the top. And the third is the development of global warming. For these reasons, the volcano's ice cap has decreased fivefold over several decades.