Mountain Kilimanjaro Catches Fire – Residents, Students & Firefighters Battle it Out!

 

On Sunday 11th October on Mount Kilimanjaro; Africa’s highest mountain caught fire and the flames could be seen from miles away. A storm of hard winds on Sunday spread fire on the mountain and since then, a number of people have been battling it out. The cause of the fire has yet to be established however, there are no injuries or deaths have been reported as well as property damage. This wildfire started at the Whona area; a rest centre for Kilimanjaro mountain climbers using Mandara and Horombo, two of several routes up the mountain.

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), one of the Tanzania authorities have undertaken all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of Tanzania safari visitors and their equipment. There are over 500 volunteers including students that have offered to put out a fire on Mount Kilimanjaro. They were working with local authorities to help deliver food and water to the firefighters.

Besides affecting the tourist Tanzania Mountain hiking activity, the wildfire affected the mountain's ecosystem including wildlife and its vegetation.

About Mountain Kilimanjaro…

Mount Kilimanjaro with honour takes pride as the highest point in Africa.  Situated in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is a free-standing mountain rising at an altitude of 5,895m (19,341ft) making it a top priority hiking point in Africa by the mountain hikers, especially those interested in Tanzania safaris tours.

Kilimanjaro mountain is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and within the East African region in the country of Tanzania; (East Africa’s largest country, 947, 303km2). This mountain lies along with coordinates 03004’33’’ S and 37021’12’’E south of the equator.

Being a national treasure, the mountain Kilimanjaro is in a protected area within Kilimanjaro National park. It has three (3) distinct volcanic cones which are Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. These are hiked by tourists interested in the mountaineering safaris in Tanzania. Kibo is the highest peak standing at 5,895m with Uhuru peak as the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim, Mawenzi is 5,149m (16,893ft) and Shira is 4,005m (13,140ft) with a broad plateau at 3,800m (12,500ft). Mawenzi and Shira peaks are extinct whereas Kibo is dormant and could probably erupt again, it’s the largest cone more than 15m (24km) wide. Mawenzi and Kibo are separated at 4,400m (14,400ft) by a saddle plateau.

With a lot of preciousness, the mountain is in a protected area within Kilimanjaro National Park that covering about 1,688 km² and a popular Tanzania safari destination. Mountain biking isn’t in most cases a single days’ activity especially taking about 5 to 9 days depending on your hiking ability. Hiking isn’t just for a trip but has much more benefits for those who choose to undertake it since the body relaxes and reduces stress. Hiking isn’t an easy safari activity and therefore requires planning just like any other trip.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing/Hiking Tips...

Whether for a first-timer or an experienced traveller, mountain hiking or climbing can be a strenuous activity and when it comes to Mount Kilimanjaro you need to know these useful mountain hiking tips.
  • Mountain climbers or hikers should be reasonably fit and without heart or lung problems. This is because hiking is a rigorous activity and requires the use of energy to get to the peak. And also remember the higher you go the cooler it becomes, therefore, health can be at risk with the temperatures and no good housing since you camp on the mountain during the hike.
  • At 3,000m above sea level, hikers may not feel hungry but they should always try to eat because you require energy to get to the peak and return. Carbohydrates and fruits are recommended whereas rich or fatty foods are discouraged since they are harder to digest. Throughout the hike, always keep hydrated.
  • Take at least three litters of water daily since dehydration is one of the major reasons for failure to complete the climb. You will definitely lose some water during the hike when you get sweaty.
  • While starting the hike, you have a lot of strength however, don’t hike for so many meters because you may lose it all. Hike to an advisable height then relax and wait for the next day to continue with the hike.

What to Pack for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing/Hiking...

Consider waterproof hiking Shoes: Your hiking with your legs therefore they should be a priority. The nature of shoes also determines the distance that you will comfortably cover and the health of your feet after the hike. Let the only pain that you will experience be the unavoidable muscle pain and not pain caused by inappropriate shoes.

Carry Food Substance: Hiking requires energy but many hikers tend to carry snacks rather than take food. Fortunately, on a hike to Mount Kilimanjaro, you can go along with porters who can provide food by cooking at the camping points. If you don’t eat well during a hike you may return home to fall sick and regret your choice of safari.

Carry Enough Drinking Water: Water covers a larger percentage in the human body fluids which makes it a substance that cannot be ignored. Lack of water may result in dehydration which is accompanied by side effects such as drying of lips and stomach disorders. Carry enough water to keep you hydrated all through your hiking.

Don’t Forget Warm Waterproof Clothing: Warm clothing may sound ridiculous for people hiking for the first time. You need something to warm you through the night while you are resting and waterproof in case it rains or during the obvious morning dew. If you want to avoid arthritis, chest problems, common cold and any diseases resulting from exposure to coldness, warm waterproof clothing should never be neglected.

A hike to Mount Kilimanjaro on a Tanzania tour can be tailored to any of your safaris in Tanzania. Either on a wildlife safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park or any other destination, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro can be a great option.

Best time to go for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing/Hiking...

The best time of the year for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry months of January/-February or August-September when the mountain is not so much slippery. The park, however, is open to hiking tours in Tanzania all year round.

Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd, a leading Africa safari tour operator offers guided hikes to the summit. These hiking safaris in Tanzania last between 5-10 days passing through different climate zones.

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