Kilimanjaro Massif
Notable Mountain Massifs The Kilimanjaro Massif is a central point in Africa, as from there one can reach any location. To the southwest, other mountain massifs become accessible, including Mount Meru, which stands at 4,500 meters and is located 70 kilometers away.
Special mountain massifs
The Kilimanjaro massif is a central point in Africa, as from there you can reach any location. This also makes the southwestern mountain massifs accessible, with the 4500 meter Mount Meru rising from the ground 70 kilometers away. It is also not far to the Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains. From a geological perspective, the Kilimanjaro massif is located on the African east side of the rift valley. In connection with this, there are many volcanic activities. Due to friction, not only earthquakes occur, but volcanoes can also erupt. The smell of sulfur is in the air when the gases rise.
Old massif and Kibo volcano
A little south of the equator lies the massif, which is also located on the border of Kenya. From there you can also reach the city of Dar es Salaam, located to the northwest. If you drive northwest, after about 500 kilometers you will reach Lake Victoria. The Kilimanjaro massif is about two to three million years old. There have been numerous eruptions, with the largest taking place over 300,000 years ago. About 400 years ago, the Kibo last erupted. Now it remains with its volcanic activity. However, it has not yet become extinct. Although the massif is characterized by volcanoes, very fertile land is recorded there. The glaciers contain many mountains, which are bordered by rocks and mountain streams. But the vegetation is also very lush, as in the regions deep inside the mountains, it transitions into rainforest. The highest peaks and mountains that have been mapped in the Kilimanjaro massif are Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. There are also two more extinct volcanoes in the Kilimanjaro massif. The saddle is very rocky and has no glacier, just like the Shira, which has a plateau.
Climate of the Kilimanjaro massif
Despite the seasons that shape the landscape, you can also clearly feel climate change in the Kilimanjaro massif. There it is even more intense than in the plains of Africa. There are two rainy seasons in the massif, with the first in spring and the other in late autumn being very rainy. The vegetation around the Kilimanjaro massif and in the lower areas is very mature and moist. If you want to climb to the summit of the Kilimanjaro massif, you will find a very dry and icy environment even on warm days. There are also numerous mountain streams that have formed from the glaciated summit. Rivers and raging streams can also be observed in the Kilimanjaro massif. The fauna and flora thrives very well on the edge of the massif and represents a very important habitat. You can find numerous rare plants and formations there, but also palms, ferns or mosses in the jungle-like region.
