Kilimanjaro - article by Good English Article Sites

Kilimanjaro – A Mountain of Greatness

Just 150 years ago, two German missionaries, Johannes Rebmann and Johann Krapf claimed that they say a white snow-capped mountain near the equator. As you can imagine, the story of a snow-capped mountain in tropical Africa was met with doubt and derision. Eventually though, these reports were confirmed and the snow-capped mountain was identified as Kilimanjaro. This great mountain is located in East Africa in country Tanzania. Rising to a colossal 5,895 meters, the name appropriately means “Mountain of Greatness.” Its immense size is accentuated by its isolation standing alone over the land below occupied by the Masai tribe that lies a mere 900 meters above sea level.

Few scenes are as memorable and picturesque as the site of Mount Kilimanjaro. Little wonder it is referred to as the roof of Africa, the mountain can be seen for hundreds of miles in all direction and it was used as the guiding point by caravans traveling out of wild Africa carrying cargoes of gold, slaves and ivory. You cannot help but be amazed as you view a herd of elephants crossing the dusty low plains with the imposing backdrop of the majestic snow-capped “kili” in the distance.

The colossal size of Kilimanjaro is however not the only attraction. The mountain’s ecosystem is a masterpiece in itself. The mountain is made up of different zones defined by altitude, vegetation and rainfall. While the lower parts are covered with pristine tropical lush forests, the upper zone is draped with strands of lichen resembling gray beards of old men. Here tussocks of grass intermingled with brightly colored flowers create a scenic beautiful countryside. Above this zone are the moorlands. Here you can find giant groundsels and flowers growing around boulders and rocky outcrops. As we go up Kilimanjaro, we encounter the alphine zone. The terrain here gets dull in color and temperatures can range from 100 degree Fahrenheit during the day to below freezing at night.

Once at the summit, the air is cold and clear and the mountain’s dark terrain contrasts beautifully with the large white ice fields against the dark-blue sky. The sheer size of Kilimanjaro allows it to create its own climate. Moist wind blown inland from the Indian Ocean hits the mountain and condenses to produce rainfall making its slopes fertile lands for food crops that sustains the community living at the base of the mountain. The experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is open to anyone and there re well-organized expeditions for those wishing to do it. Undoubtedly, seeing the impressive “Kili” inspires awe.

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