Discovering Mount Kilimanjaro

The volcano known as Mount Kilimanjaro is on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, south of the equator. This volcano has three summits considered of rather recent origin and they are; Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. Shira and Mawenzi have had considerable erosion and have only three peaks remaining. While Kibo, the youngest, has no erosion and remains as a perfect cone.

East Africa is considered the cradle of civilization but it is thought that it would have been unlikely for early man to have tried to negotiate the steep sides of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Wachagga a tribe that lives at the foot of the volcano have been there an estimated 300 years. They enjoy the rich fertile volcanic soil. The Wachagga have legends about the volcano. One such legend that seems to be around a recent activity states that Mawenzi wanted fire for his pipe from his little brother Kibo. Another of their legends refers to evil spirits and demons that are guarding a large treasure and they live on the volcano. Many early traders have mentioned a giant mountain but have not attempted to venture there.

The highest point of this mountain was reached by Dr. Hans Meyer of Germany who reached the summit on October 5th 1889. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and many tourists come to walk to its summit. It is said that one thousand people reached the summit on January 1,2000, to view the sun rise of the new millennium. Will you see the sunrise on the summit?

By: Ryan C Danielson

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Do you want to take a trip to Mt Kilimanjaro find out all the details about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and taking a trip to Africa.