Kilimanjaro Fact File
Country: Tanzania, Africa
Height: 5895 m
Location: Kilimanjaro National Park
First recorded ascent of Kilimanjaro: In October 6, 1889 a group including Hans Meyer (a German geologist) and Ludwig Purtscheller (an Austrian mountaineer) reached the summit of Kibo, one of three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro.
Other Facts About Kilimanjaro
- Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones, called Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.
- It’s the highest mountain in Africa.
- One of the volcanic cones, Kibo, could erupt again.
- Many people go trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro each year. There are 6 official routes: Shira, Machame, Marangu, Umbwe, Lemosho and Rongai. The climb to the summit of Kilmanjaro is not technically challenging, but climbers have to deal with high altitudes (and the possibility of getting altitude sickness), low temperatures and high winds.
- Several people die each year on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- The ice field at the summit of Kilmanjaro, which has been there for about 12000 years, is getting smaller every year. By 2030, it is thought that it will gone completely.
- In 2001, Bruno Brunod completed an ascent in the time of 5 hours, 38 minutes. He was running most of the way.
- You are not allowed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on your own. You must have a team of local porters and a guide. This not only makes the climb safer for tourists, but it also provides employment for local people.
