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Wherever you plan to start your adventure, Mighty Africa Xpeditions can arrange everything you need.We can develop personalized itineraries to explore the furthest.
Wherever you plan to start your adventure, Mighty Africa Xpeditions can arrange everything you need.We can develop personalized itineraries to explore the furthest.
The origin of the name “Kilimanjaro” is not definitively known, and there are several theories about its etymology. One widely accepted explanation is that the name Kilimanjaro is derived from the Swahili language, which is commonly spoken in the region.
One theory suggests that “Kilimanjaro” is a combination of two Swahili words: “kilima,” meaning “mountain,” and “njaro,” meaning “whiteness” or “shining.” Therefore, Kilimanjaro could be translated to mean “shining mountain” or “mountain of whiteness,” likely referring to the snow-capped summit of the mountain.
The name might also have roots in other local languages, as the area around Kilimanjaro is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions. Regardless of the exact linguistic origin, Kilimanjaro has become a symbol of Tanzania and a renowned destination for hikers and adventurers from around the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro, the towering peak that graces the Tanzanian landscape, boasts a fascinating geological history. This free-standing volcanic giant is a stratovolcano formed by successive layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and other volcanic debris over millions of years.
Kilimanjaro’s distinctive triple cone structure comprises three main volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo, the highest and central cone, is dormant, with a magnificent ice cap crowning its summit. Mawenzi, the second-highest cone, is also dormant but displays rugged, jagged peaks and cliffs, creating a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Shira, the oldest of the three, has been eroded extensively over time.
Kilimanjaro’s unique geological features, from its snow-capped summit to its diverse volcanic cones, contribute to its allure, drawing adventurers and scientists alike to explore and unravel the geological mysteries of this iconic African mountain.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Kilimanjaro tours! Conquer the iconic peak, witness breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Tanzania. Our expert guides ensure a safe and rewarding journey. Book now for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day.
At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.
Even though the best time to climb Kilimanjaro coincides with the “dry” seasons, rain, and snow are possible at any time of the year. As you get higher up, the temperatures can vary dramatically, one moment you can be trekking in baking sunshine, the next you’ll be layering up against a bitter wind.
Standing at 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is big enough to create it’s own weather systems. Being on the equator means the trade winds (sometimes called ‘monsoons’) that move across the ocean, drawing moisture upwards are interrupted by the mountain. This causes the wind to push up towards the summit, cooling as it goes, bringing rain and snow.
The long rainy season between March and May is a result of the trade winds from the south-east. These southerly winds from the Indian Ocean are laden with moisture, bringing rain to the lower slopes and snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro summit. During this season, the southern slopes get the most rainfall.
The ‘short rains’ in November are from a dryer wind coming from the northeast. As it hasn’t traveled across an ocean, the rains are shorter and less intense than during the long rains. Most of the rainfall during this season falls on the more northerly slopes.
Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t experience wide temperature changes from season to season due to it’s proximity to the equator, Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and what time of day it is. At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro where the the climb starts, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From the base when you ascent, the temperatures will decrease as you go through mountain’s 5 ecological zones.
At the Summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which lies in the arctic zone the night temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Therefore, we recommend that you should always be prepared for wet and cold nights so please bring the necessary gear at all times.
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