What you don’t know about Mountain Kilimanjaro

The etymology of Kilimanjaro’s name remains shrouded in mystery, with several theories attempting to unravel its origins.

European explorers of the 19th century popularized the name “Kilimanjaro,” attributing it to the mountain’s Swahili designation. However, historical sources like the 1907 edition of The Nuttall Encyclopædia suggest an alternative derivation: “Kilima-Njaro,” blending the Swahili “Kilima” for “mountain” with the Chagga “Njaro” for “whiteness.”

In his work “Missionary Labours” (1860), German missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf proposed another interpretation, indicating that “Kilimanjaro” might translate to “mountain of greatness” or “mountain of caravans” in Swahili, with “Kibo” being its name among the Jagga people, referencing the snow-capped summit.

Yet another hypothesis suggests that “Kilimanjaro” could be a European approximation of a KiChagga phrase, possibly meaning “we failed to climb it,” reflecting the mountain’s formidable stature and the challenges it presents to climbers.

The true origin of Kilimanjaro’s name may forever remain elusive, adding to the mystique and allure of this iconic African landmark.

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain – that is, not part of a mountain range, such as the Himalayas – in the world, at 5,895 meters above sea level. It actually comprises three volcanic peaks, the largest being Kibo – the summit.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro stands as the majestic pinnacle of Africa, proudly claiming its title as one of the Seven Summits. These peaks, ranked from highest to lowest, showcase the world’s most awe-inspiring heights:

1. Everest (Asia): 29,035 feet (8850m)
2. Aconcagua (South America): 22,834 feet (6960m)
3. Denali (North America): 20,310 feet (6,190m)
4. Kilimanjaro (Africa): 19,340 feet (5895m)
5. Elbrus (Europe): 18,513 feet (5642m)
6. Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania): 16,023 feet (4884m)

Among these towering giants, Kilimanjaro holds a special allure. While it shares the lofty heights of its peers, it distinguishes itself as the ‘easiest’ of the Seven Summits. Unlike technical ascents requiring ropes, harnesses, crampons, or ice axes, scaling Kilimanjaro is a hiking endeavor. It’s a ‘walk-up’ peak rather than a mountaineering challenge, drawing adventurers of all backgrounds and experiences. Many who embark on this journey arrive with little hiking or backpacking know-how, yet find themselves drawn to the challenge of reaching Africa’s rooftop. Are you ready to answer the call of Kilimanjaro?

2. Kilimanjaro isn’t just Africa’s highest peak; it’s also the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, with its summit, Uhuru Point, towering at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

Unlike many high mountains that are part of ranges, like Mount Everest in the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro stands alone. Its formation is attributed to volcanic activity rather than tectonic plate movements.

Most mountains form through the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates, either through folding or faulting. Fold mountains arise when tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth’s crust to buckle and fold, creating mountain ranges like the Himalayas. Fault-block mountains, on the other hand, form when blocks of rock are pushed upward along faults between tectonic plates, resulting in block-like structures.

In contrast, Kilimanjaro’s distinctiveness stems from volcanic origins. It was shaped by the eruption of molten rock that piled up over time, gradually forming the mountain we know today. This volcanic activity led to the creation of Kilimanjaro as a solitary, freestanding giant, standing proudly as a symbol of nature’s power and beauty.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro is more than just a mountain; it’s a stratovolcano, a massive structure formed from layers of ash, lava, and rock. Within its towering presence lie three distinct peaks: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo, each with its own geological story.

Shira and Mawenzi, while impressive in their own right, are considered extinct volcanoes. This means they’ve been cut off from their lava source and no longer show signs of activity.

In contrast, Kibo, the highest peak and the focal point of Kilimanjaro’s allure, is classified as dormant. Dormant volcanoes, like Kibo, have not erupted in the last 10,000 years but still hold the potential for future activity.

While the last major eruption occurred around 360,000 years ago, signs of volcanic life still linger. The ash pit, a testament to Kibo’s fiery past, awaits intrepid explorers willing to embark on a two-hour round trip hike from Crater Camp, the highest campsite. Here, amidst the remnants of ancient eruptions, visitors are greeted by the unmistakable scent of sulfur, a reminder of the volcano’s enduring presence and the forces that shape our world.