About Mt. Kilimanjaro

 

Mt. Kilimanjaro is dormant volcano reaching 19,340 feet above the Tanzanian plains. Uhuru Peak is the highest point of the volcano rim and is the destination of many adventure seekers as well as those looking to conquer the world's 7 continental summits.

 

There are three peaks that make up Mount Kilimanjaro, Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. Shira and Mawenzi both have suffered considerable erosion and only jagged peaks remain. Kibo, the central, and highest peak has survived as an almost perfect cone.

 

The Chagga Tribe has lived at the base of Kilimanjaro for hundreds of years and referred to the mountain as "Kilima Njaro", which means "shining mountain" in Swahili. It is believed that members of the Chagga Tribe were likely the first to reach the summit of the massive mountain supported by the fact tribal remnants have been found near the summit of the mountain.

 

It was not until 1848 that European's took an interest in the snow capped mountain. A missionary from Germany while crossing the plains of Tsavo saw Mount Kilimanjaro and brought word of the great mountain back to Europe. Throughout the following years there were several attempts to summit the mountain but the altitude and weather kept climbers from reaching their goal. It was not until 1889 that a man named Hans Meyer finally stood on the highest point of the crater rim.

 

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, now attracts thousands of hikers each year. It has also become the center of concerns over the world's climate change. The glacier's of Kilimanjaro are diminishing, but there is great debate on whether it is due to global warming or the natural climate fluctuations. Some believe the glaciers will be completely gone by the year 2050. 

 

Join GMExpeditions and experience the glaciers of Kilimanjaro, its beauty, history, culture and adventure. When you leave you will forever hold it in your heart and possess a passion to protect this mountain and other natural resources on our precious and fragile earth. It is our privilege to experience and explore this magical mountain and our responsibility to protect it and preserve it.