10 Things You May Not Know About Mount Kilimanjaro

The trek to Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular challenges we operate. At 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level, it’s not the hardest mountain to climb. Its inclines are relatively gentle. And you don’t really need any specialist climbing equipment. Just your feet, a backpack, and a good pair of walking boots. Which makes it appealing to climbers and hikers of all abilities. It’s also breath-takingly beautiful.

But while Kilimanjaro is an iconic hiking destination, there are a few interesting facts about the place that you may not be aware of.

10 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Mount Kilimanjaro

1. It’s more than the highest mountain in Africa

Although it’s only 5,895 metres tall, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. So, while Everest, K2, and many other peaks are higher, they are all a part of a broader mountain range, such as the Himalayas. Kilimanjaro is a giant who stands alone.

2. There have been some strange discoveries

In 1926, a Lutheran pastor called Richard Reusch, is recorded as having discovered a ‘freeze-dried’ leopard at roughly 18,500 feet along the crater rim of Kibo. Kilimanjaro’s highest peak. It is the only place in the world where you will discover giant groundsels – kind of burnt-looking trees. And some people have spotted elephants – not usually known for their climbing ability – part way up the mountain.

3. Kilimanjaro is a dormant stratovolcano

Although Kilimanjaro’s peak may look flat from a distance, it actually possesses three volcanic cones. Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Shira began erupting around 2.5 million years ago, the other two around 1.5 million years later. The flat appearance of the summit is a result of the volcanic cones collapsing in on themselves following their last eruptions. Part of the mountain referred to as ‘The Ash Pit’ is a clear reminder of the mountain’s fiery past. 

4. The mountain’s climb history is recorded in real time.

There is a book at the summit of Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak, where most summiteers have recorded their thoughts and experiences. It is stored in a wooden box for protection.

5. Kilimanjaro is home to some ancient ice

Kilimanjaro has lost much of its ice covering throughout the last century. As much as 85% of it has gone. But the remaining glaciers on the mountain are estimated to be around 11,700 years old. Sadly, some scientists predict that the remaining 15% will disappear in the next 20 years.

6. The mountain has been climbed by a diverse range of people

The first man to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit was Hans Meyer, in 1889. The first woman, Sheila MacDonald, was a Scot. And she made it to the top in 1927. The oldest person to reach the summit was Anne Lorimor in 2019. She was 89 years old. The youngest summiteer was Montannah Kenney, who was just 7 years old at the time. While Bernard Goosen has reached the summit twice – in a wheelchair. His second attempt only took six days to complete.

7. Kilimanjaro is ecologically diverse

Almost every kind of ecosystem is found on Kilimanjaro. There’s a cultivation zone, desert, rainforest, alpine heath and moorland, and the ice caps. So, if you’re looking for a destination that has a little bit of everything, Kilimanjaro is a good contender.

8. The ascent of Kilimanjaro typically takes five to seven days…

In 2014, Karl Egloff managed to reach the summit in 4 hours and 56 minutes. He was back at the base in 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 24 seconds. While this is truly impressive, it’s not recommended! The faster you ascend a peak like Kilimanjaro, the worse the potential effects of altitude. That’s why we prefer a more steady pace.

9. It’s a great place for wildlife lovers

A lot of mountains can feel pretty bleak because they’re so inhospitable to life. Kilimanjaro is home to more than 140 different mammal species, and around 180 differt species of bird. We’ve already mentioned that you might see elephants on the lower slopes. But there are also baboons, monkeys, bushbabies, honey badgers, buffalo, leopards (don’t worry, you’re not likely to see a leopard!), and a whole array of antelope species.

10. It’s not as easy as you think

Every year, around 30,000 people try to summit Kilimanjaro. But because they go unsupported and try to set an unrealistic pace, around 40% fail. Because while altitude sickness can impact anyone, even those who have been previously unaffected. It is far more likely to strike if you aim for a rapid ascent. At Choose a Challenge, we pitch our pace for the best possible results. So, you can make it to the top in a good amount of time. Without risking your health.

Mount Kilimanjaro is an incredible hiking destination. It’s challenging. And summiting is a massive achievement. But it’s also beautiful and enjoyable.  And the experience will stay with you forever.

Find out more about trekking Mount Kilimanjaro with Choose a Challenge.