Volcano in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is the “crown” of Tanzania. Rongai Trail

The Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, located in the northern part of Tanzania, is active, but its first eruption was recorded only half a century ago. The local Maasai tribes call this volcano the Mountain of God.

Rising 2,962 meters above the African plains, from a distance Ol Doinyo Lengai looks like a lonely mountain covered in snow. However, the white color of its peak is explained by a completely different reason - it is the only volcano in the world whose lava is rich in carbonate materials.

As sodium carbonate hardens, it acquires a hue that misleads uninitiated people. This unusual composition makes the lava flowing out of the vent in slow, thick black streams almost twice as cold as normal.

Despite the relatively low temperature of the lava - about 500-600C - the threat of eruptions forces local residents to be constantly on alert. The last eruption was recorded in September 2007. The ashes then traveled a distance of 18 kilometers and reached nearby villages.

Due to the fact that the lava has a unique composition, when it hardens, it creates a unique landscape in the vicinity of Ol Doinyo Lengai, which cannot be seen in any other corner of the planet. The soft glow of lava flows at dusk, the black color that changes to brown when water hits, the top of the volcano wrapped in false snow is an unforgettable picture. It seems that it was not for nothing that the Maasai called this volcano the Mountain of God - after all, there is nothing similar to it anywhere on Earth, which means that the interest of tourists in this place will not dry up in the near future.

Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai - PHOTO

Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro!

In the northeast of Tanzania, among the desert plain, is the highest point in Africa - the majestic volcano Kilimanjaro (5,895 m).

It rises above the Masai plateau, which lies at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.

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 is why the local population gave it such a 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 that 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.

Local residents 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 conditions, 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 plotted on Ptolemy's geographical map.

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 highest volcano - Kibo (5895 m), on which contains 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 Kibo, Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro.

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.

Here you can find animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, as well as some rodents.

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 only cold stone and ice can be seen.

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 the ones who grow coffee and banana plantations in the local warm and moderately humid climate.
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 outdoor enthusiasts for many years.

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 largest city in 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.

Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai – is located in northern Tanzania in the Lake Natron region and is part of the Great Rift Valley volcanic system in East Africa. The height above sea level is 2962 m. The volcano is located in that part of the Rift Zone called the Syke Grid, where the earth's crust is believed to be especially thin. This is one of the most unusual volcanoes in the world. The only one that erupts natrocarbonate lava. The composition of the lava is such that it allows the volcano to explode at sufficiently low temperatures. The melt temperature is 510-600°C. This is the coldest and most liquid lava in the world, it flows along the ground like water. The color of hot lava is black or dark brown, but after a few hours of exposure to air, the carbonate melt becomes lighter, and after a few months it becomes almost white (so it is not snow, as it might seem at first glance). Frozen carbonate lavas are soft and brittle and easily dissolve in water, which is probably why geologists do not find traces of similar eruptions in ancient times.

In the sun, lava crystalline components (sodium carbonate) sparkle like diamonds. In the fog, on the contrary, lava becomes almost invisible - flowing down the slopes imperceptibly, it takes tourists by surprise, unexpectedly discovering their shoes on fire.

This unusual volcano is very active and erupts frequently, which is why the entire surrounding area within a radius of 100 kilometers is constantly covered in ash. In the neighborhood you can also see extinct volcanoes, which are brothers of Ol Doinio Lengai, but have not erupted black lava for a long time. Researchers report that when the volcano erupts, a thick black column of ash flies out to a height of about 1,000 meters.

The Maasai call Ol Doinyo Lengai "the mountain of the gods", its eruptions symbolize for them the wrath of the deity Yengai.

It is possible to climb the volcano. But you will have to overcome some minor difficulties. After about halfway through the route, progress becomes significantly slower as the legs slip backwards and sink. Walking at altitude like this is very exhausting. The trail was solidified lava, which was difficult and dangerous to walk on, and volcanic ash, in which your feet would sink up to your ankles. In some places, the layer of hardened lava reached half a meter deep, and in its thickness one could see grass, which a few years ago covered all the slopes up to the top. Closer to the top, a specific smell begins to be felt. A strong and cold wind blows at the top. And the descent is even more dangerous than the ascent.

PHOTO OF OL DOINIO LENGAI VOLCANO, TANZANIA. AFRICA

In the northeastern part of the African state of Tanzania, between the Serengeti and Tsavo national parks, there is Mount Kilimanjaro, which gives its name to the only mountain national park in Africa. With its size, the mountain competes with its counterparts on other continents: Kilimanjaro is the fourth highest mountain of the “seven peaks”. It has no equal on the continent, so it rightfully received the nickname “roof of Africa”. In addition, Kilimanjaro is the largest free-standing mountain in the world: the length of the base reaches 97 km, and its width is 64 km.

General information

The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro consists of the tips of three extinct volcanoes of different ages. The height of the mountain is 5895 meters, so it is not surprising that in its upper part there is snow all year round. From the Swahili language, which is the national language of Tanzania, the word “kilimanjaro” is translated in meaning as “sparkling mountain”. The local peoples who traditionally inhabited the lands around the Kilimanjaro volcano and who had never known snow believed that the mountain was covered with silver.

Geographically, Kilimanjaro is located very close to the equator line, however, large differences in mountain peaks predetermined a change in climatic zones, which is expressed in the growth and settlement of species characteristic of areas of other latitudes. In fact, is Kilimanjaro an active volcano or an extinct one? This issue is sometimes controversial, since the youngest part of its geological origin sometimes shows signs of volcanic activity.

Another feature of Mount Kilimanjaro is the rapid melting of the snow cap. Over a hundred years of observation, the white cover has decreased by more than 80%, and over the past half century, the African mountain has lost most of its glaciers. There are remnants of snow cover on two peaks, but according to experts, they too will be completely lost over the next 15 years. Scientists say the cause is global warming. Photos of Mount Kilimanjaro from different years of the last century eloquently demonstrate the reduction and gradual disappearance of white areas on the tops of the mountains.

Flora and fauna

The slopes of the mountain are covered with dense tropical forests and surrounded by endless African savannas. The flora and fauna of the Tanzania National Park are rich in species common in these places, as well as unique and endangered ones, for the sake of which the reserve was created.

The large-scale territory of the mountain, both in height and in width, accommodates almost all zones characteristic of the highlands of Africa:

• the southern parts are covered with savannas of varying heights up to 1 thousand meters and at approximately an altitude of one and a half km on the northern slopes;
• foothill forests;
• mountain forests – from 1.3 to 2.8 km;
• subalpine marshy meadows;
• the alpine tundra is the most extensive found in Africa;
• The top sections of the mountain are occupied by alpine desert.

Forest areas located above 2,700 m are included in the protected zone of the national park. The vegetation of Mount Kilimanjaro deserves special attention. Many species characteristic of much more northern latitudes, as well as ancient and bizarre plant forms, grow here. This is croton, calodendron in the forests of the northern and western parts of the mountain (at altitudes from 1500 to 2000 m), cassipore is common even higher. On opposite slopes, ocotea (or East African camphor tree) occupies similar heights. In the areas above them there are rare tree ferns, which are found up to 7 meters in size.

Mount Kilimanjaro lacks the belt of bamboo rainforest found in other similar mountainous areas in Africa. The subalpine zone on different sides is covered with dense vegetation of hagenia and podocarp. The alpine tundra differs sharply in its appearance and population of living organisms. Plants that are well adapted to harsh high-mountain conditions predominate here - heather, immortelle, adenocarpus, potea kilimanjara, waxweed, African myrsina, as well as numerous herbs from the hardy sedge family.

The fauna of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is no less diverse and amazing. One hundred and fifty species of mammals - almost 90 of them inhabit forests. These include several groups of monkeys, dozens of species of predators, antelopes and bats. The most common in the forests are leopards, monkeys, galagos, buffaloes and others.

bearded man

Two hundred African elephants travel in the floodplains of the Namwai and Tarakia rivers, periodically climbing to considerable Kilimanjar heights. Where the forests end, small insectivorous mammals live. The slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are replete with a variety of birds. There are about 180 species of birds here, including: barnacle vulture, common stonechat, Hunter's cisticola, thread-tailed sunbird, white-cheeked raven.

Weather conditions of Mount Kilimanjaro

The climatic zonation of the Kilimanjaro natural complex in Africa is reflected in temperature regimes and weather conditions in general. The rainy season is well defined here, the weather is changeable, temperatures fluctuate greatly at different altitudes, depending on the time of day. At the base of the volcano, temperatures of 28–30°C are typical, and from three thousand meters and above, frosts down to –15°C are typical. On the slopes of the mountain the following stable climatic zones are distinguished.

At different times of the year, depending on the slope and altitude, cloudiness of varying degrees, increased or moderate precipitation, and thunderstorms are observed. All this affects the visibility and comfort of being on the slopes - the Kilimanjaro volcano in Africa is a favorite place to climb its colorful peaks.

It is believed that the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are accessible all year round. However, there are periods that are more convenient for climbing, periods that are more difficult and even dangerous. The most suitable periods are from July to September and January to February. At this time, the weather conditions are the most favorable, and the months coincide with the summer or New Year holidays of tourists. Mountain tours in Tanzania are available from various points at the base. They usually last from 5 to 8 days.

The routes are varied due to the vastness of the territories crossed, acquaintance with the diversity and characteristics of each climatic zone. Tours to the highest points of the volcanic extremities end at sunrise, after which the return journey begins. There are 6 routes in total, mainly by the names of the settlements from which they originate:

• Marangu;
• Rongai;
• Umbwe;
• Machame;
• Lemosho;
• northern traverse.

An expedition to the crater is offered as an additional route.

Hiking in Tanzania is not something to do alone. Any mountain is a serious test for climbers, even with many years of experience. In addition, to conquer the mountain you need special equipment and equipment, the total weight of which is always better to share with someone. Despite the fact that climbing the mountain is possible both in the direction from Kenya (northern slope) and Tanzania, according to an agreement between the states, only Tanzanian routes are laid and maintained. The Kenyan slope is not equipped with the appropriate infrastructure.

In order to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles on the way to conquering the peak, important conditions must be met.

• Mandatory participation of a guide and assistants (at least 1-2 people), without them it is not possible to climb.
• Appropriate equipment, special shoes, thermal underwear (possibly more than one set), insulated and waterproof things.
• Sufficient physical training, body hardening, strong immunity, responsible attitude to health, competent distribution of energy and strength.

In addition, you will need food, personal hygiene products, and items to ensure basic comfort. A complete list of what is needed for climbing is presented on the website of the company organizing tours in Tanzania. There is also a list of recommended things that are desirable to have with you, but not necessary. So, in addition to clothes and warm things, you must have with you a sleeping bag, sunglasses, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a water flask. In addition to this, the organizing company usually provides a tent, a camping mat, dishes, and camping furniture.

The estimated cost depends on the route, the duration of the ascent, the number of people in the group, and separately agreed conditions. Amounts start from US$1,350 (Marangu route, 8 days) and reach US$4,265 (1-person route with expedition to the crater). At the same time, you also need to take into account where Mount Kilimanjaro is located - the company’s service may include a transfer from the Tanzania airport or you will have to get there yourself.

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Some interesting facts

1. Compared to other mountain peaks, the Kilimanjaro volcano does not seem to be such an insurmountable obstacle, however, only 40% of climbers reach its highest points.
2. The mountain is conquered not only by absolutely healthy tourists: in 2009, 8 blind climbers were able to climb to its peak, who through their action helped raise funds for 52 blind children.
3. The oldest climber on Kilimanjaro was 87 years old.
4. Every year, about 20 thousand people attempt to climb the mountain.
5. Almost 10 people die here every year while climbing.

Mount Kilimanjaro is not only a unique natural park full of amazing creatures, but also a real adventure. And in order to feel a surge of emotions, become the owner of unforgettable impressions, and touch the majesty of Africa - for this you need to visit Tanzania and personally see the unsurpassed qualities of Kilimanjaro.

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Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa at 5,899 meters. The mountain, or rather, an extinct volcano, is located in, and from all over the country on clear days the snow-capped cap on the flat top of the mountain is clearly visible, thanks to which it got its name - translated from Swahili as “sparkling mountain”.

The top of the mountain is actually a basin-crater on a volcano, which gives the mountain a unique shape - gentle slopes with an elongated peak. On hot days in Tanzania and Kenya, you can see how the snowy peak of Mount Kilimanjaro seems to float in the air - the foot of the mountain, bluish in color, merges with the horizon, which creates such an unusual illusion, enhanced by the clouds floating below the snow.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world, covering an area of ​​almost four hundred thousand hectares. The mountain is almost 100 kilometers long and 64 kilometers wide. Although Kilimanjaro is located near the equator, its altitude allows it to form its own microclimate on the slopes and significantly influence the climate in the surrounding area: moist winds reach the mountain from the Indian Ocean, which bump into the mountains and release water in the form of rain.

Not surprisingly, the vegetation around and on the mountain is much more lush than in the surrounding semi-desert. But at the very top nothing can grow; there is eternal ice there - probably the only place in Africa where the ice never melts. But studies of Kilimanjaro's snow cap show that the ice is slowly and gradually receding, and the amount of rainfall falling over the mountain is not enough to replenish the water supply.

There are several versions about the reasons for this phenomenon: according to one of them, the volcano is reborn and warms up, causing the ice to melt, but most scientists agree that the reason is global warming. Be that as it may, if the current rate of glacier melting on Kilimanjaro continues, by 2200 there will be no snow cap on the mountain.

There are several seasons on Kilimanjaro: the season of tropical downpours (-), the dry season with anti-trade winds (May-) and the rainy season with monsoons (-). Even during the rainy seasons, it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro, in addition, there are some advantages - you can see more African exotic animals, and the rains do not interfere with climbing the mountain and taking beautiful pictures.

Kilimanjaro is actually made up of three volcanoes that have a complex history of eruptions. The oldest of them is Shira, located to the west of the main peak. In ancient times it was much higher, but a powerful eruption destroyed the top of the volcano, leaving a plateau reaching a height of 3,800 meters.

Between the ridge of the Shira volcano and the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro there is the Shira Plateau, which, according to scientists, is the caldera of an ancient volcano filled with lava. Volcano Mawenzi, the second oldest and highest, is located on the eastern side and rises to 5,334 meters. The youngest and highest volcano forming the summit of Kilimanjaro is called Kibo. It has an internal crater that is not visible from the outside. Uhuru Peak at its summit is the mountain's highest point, while Gilman's other peak attracts climbers from all over the world. On Kilimanjaro there is Lake Chapa, located thirty kilometers from the Kibo volcano. It occupies one of the craters two and a half kilometers deep.

History of the volcano

Today, Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular mountains on earth, with about twenty thousand travelers climbing it every year. But this does not diminish the mystical aura around this volcano - even cynical tourists agree that at the top you experience an amazing feeling of fear and triumph at the same time.

East Africa, as we know, is the cradle of humanity; it is here that the ancestors of people lived. But it is unlikely that they were attracted to the mountain; at that time an active volcano - primitive man most likely lived in fear of the majestic peak with cold slopes. Since then, numerous legends have emerged about the power of this mountain.

In the vicinity of Kilimanjaro lived the Wachagga people, who told the story of two brothers Mawenzi and Kibo. The elder Mawenzi obtained fire for his pipe from his younger brother. Since the Wachagga tribe appeared in the area of ​​​​the mountain not so long ago, scientists suggest that this means that Kilimanjaro has been recently active.

Another legend tells of evil spirits and demons living on the mountain and guarding treasures. One of the African rulers decided to conquer Kilimanjaro in order to take the wealth for himself, but along the way his accompanying people died or froze their limbs. Since ancient times, the areas of Mombasa were visited by Chinese and Arab merchants, who mentioned a huge mountain in Africa in the stories of their travels, but they did not dare to reach it. It was only in the 19th century that people began to show interest in the mountain, make ascents and try to measure it. In 1848, the missionary Rebmann became interested in Kilimanjaro, who organized several expeditions to the mountain. The results of his campaigns ended the debate about whether there is snow in Africa.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is an easy mountain to climb; such a trip does not require physical or technical preparation. Training, of course, won't hurt, especially for people who don't play sports, but it's not necessary. It’s rare that tourists’ physical fitness prevents them from climbing a mountain; most often, the reasons for a failed climb are mountain sickness.

Therefore, during travel it is necessary to take a special drug that promotes rapid acclimatization. However, despite the height of Kilimanjaro (it is almost six thousand meters), the conditions on it are much milder than on other similar mountains: at the equator the layer of atmosphere is thicker and the pressure is higher than, for example, on Elbrus.

There are several routes leading to Kilimanjaro, all of which pass through the loop trail that circles the Kibo volcano. The choice is varied: from simple and pleasant to difficult but interesting routes. The most popular is the so-called “Coca-Cola Way” or Marangu, it takes no more than six days and does not require a tent camp, as there are three mountain huts along the way. The most difficult route to climb is the Umbwe route, which passes through steep slopes with dense jungle and the Western Gap.

Kilimanjaro Park

Mount Kilimanjaro belongs to the Tanzanian national park of the same name. This park is a World Heritage Site. Besides the mountain, the main attraction of the park is the magnificent landscapes and stunning nature. At an altitude of up to three thousand meters above sea level, a tropical rainforest grows around Kilimanjaro; higher up there are picturesque meadows with red lichens and mosses.

The open plains are overgrown with heather, lobelias that resemble giant cacti, and ragworts. The flora of the mountain itself is also amazing: eight hundred species of plants grow on it, many of which are valuable and rare, such as sandalwood or ebony. Immortelle, acacia, edelweiss, and senecium grow here. The fauna of the park is also very rich: elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, buffalos, eland, leopards live on the northern slopes, and many species of monkeys live on the southern side. There are no less birds: buzzards, eagles, lambs, hornbills.