The impressive scale and beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro that calls climbers from different parts of the globe stands at more than twenty thousand feet above the ground. The tallest mountain in the continent of Africa takes pride of being the highest among the other free-standing mountains in the world. Before you experience the joy of climbing this mountain peak, there are ten interesting facts that will keep you hooked to your desire. The following points will demonstrate.
1. Volcanic cones in the mountain
There are volcanic cones in this mountain and three of them. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant. The last activity seen in Kiba was about two hundred years ago.
2. Different ecological systems
The mountain witnesses all kinds of climate zones such as rain forest, alpine desert, arctic summit, cultivated land, moorland, arctic summit and heath. The safari and Kilimanjaro package has beckoned tourists who are adventure frenzy and can get all the excitement.
3. Diminishing snow caps
About eighty percent of the snow caps in this mountain have diminished rapidly during the last few decades and the major reason can be accounted to global warming. With safari and Kilimanjaro package designed for travelers across the globe people will come across the beauty of this mountain and enjoy the convenience of the package tour. It is estimated that the snow caps are likely to go off completely within the next few years.
4. First and recent summit
From 1889 when the first summit took place in this mountain that spawned across a period of six weeks, the same trip can be completed now in about five to six days.
5. Climber in wheelchair
The first person to climb the mountain was Bernard Goosen, a South African and he did it twice during 2003 n second time in 2007. While the first trip was completed in nine days the second trip took him about five days.
6. Raising awareness for children
In the year 2009, about eight climbers made it to the mountain peak in a bid to raise money for fifty two blind children of Arizona.
7. Porters and climbers
Most of the porters are hired from the nearby villages and carry the entire luggage on their heads and more than twenty thousand people try to climb the mountain peak every year.
8. Fastest round trip and ascent
The quickest round trip was completed by a local guide in about eight hours and twenty seven minutes whereas the fastest ascent was completed when an Italian reached Uhuru Peak in a little more than about five hours and thirty eight minutes.
9. Oldest to climb the mountain
The oldest person to climb the mountain was 87 years old Valtee Daniel.
10. Water from the mountain
Of the water that trickles down from the mountain, much of it comes out directly from the ice caps.
Discovering more about this mountain
If you are keen, you can get free safari advice from the experts or hire agents that can help you climb the peak. The interesting facts about this mountain which is the tallest in Africa will create an urge to climb and avail the safari packages for which you have to consult the experts.
