In the northeastern part of the African state of Tanzania, between the National Parks of Serengeti and Tsavo, is Mount Kilimanjaro, the name of the only mountain in Africa National Park. With its dimensions, the mountain rises with brethren on other continents: Kilimanjaro - fourth in height of the mountain from "Seven Verkhin". There is no equal on the continent, so she rightfully received the nickname "Roof of Africa." In addition, Kilimanjaro is the largest in the world separately standing mountain: The length of the foundation reaches 97 km, and its width is 64 km.

General

The top of Mount Kilimanjaro consists of three tips at once extinct volcanoes of different ages. The height of the mountain is 5895 meters, so it is not surprising that the snow lies in her round year. From the Sauhili language, which is National in Tanzania, the word "Kilimanjaro" in meaning is translated as "sparkling mountain". Local peoples who traditionally inhabited the lands around the Kilimanjaro volcano and never knew snow, believed that the mountain was covered with silver.

Geographically, Kilimanjaro is located very close to the equator line, but large differences mountain vertices We predetermined the change of climatic belts, which is expressed in gravity and population with species characteristic of the areas of other latitudes. In fact, Kilimanjaro - active volcano or extinct? This question is sometimes debatable, since its very young on geological origin sometimes shows signs of volcanic activity.

Another feature of Mount Kilimanjaro is the rapid melting of the snow cap. For a hundred years of observations, white covers decreased by more than 80%, and for the last popsoles, the Mount of Africa lost most of his glaciers. Snow coverage residues are available on two vertices, but they, according to experts, will be finally lost over the next 15 years. The cause of scientists call global warming. Photo of Mountain Kilimanjaro different years The last century eloquently demonstrate the abbreviation and gradual disappearance of white areas on the tops of the mountains.

Flora and fauna

The slopes of the mountain are covered with thick rainforests and surrounded by endless African savannahs. Flora and fauna national Park Tanzania is rich in the views common in these places, as well as unique and disappearing, for which the reserve was created for the preservation.

The large-scale area of \u200b\u200bthe mountain, both in height and in breadth, accommodates almost all characteristic of the high-mountainous areas of Africa zone:

• the southern parts are covered with bottled savannah to the mark of 1 thousand meters and approximately at the height of one and a half km on the northern slopes;
• foothill forests;
• mountain forests - from 1.3 to 2.8 km;
• subalpine swampy meadows;
• alpine Tundra is the most extensive of the available in Africa;
• the vertex areas of the mountain occupies an alpine desert.

Forest arrays, located above 2,700 m, are included in the protected area of \u200b\u200bthe National Park. The vegetation of the Kilimanjaro volcano deserves separate attention. A lot of species characteristic of much more northern latitudes are growing here, as well as the oldest and bizarre plant forms. This is Croton, Calodendron in the forests of the northern and western part of the mountain (at altitudes from 1500 to 2000 m), the Cassic treatment is even higher. On opposite slopes, similar heights occupies a window (or an East African camphor tree). In areas above them - rare tree fern, which meet 7 meter sizes.

Mount Kilimanjaro is deprived of a belt of bamboo rainforests found in other similar mountain areas of Africa. The subalpine zone on different sides is covered with thick vegetation from hagation and a girlfriend. Alpine Tundra differs sharply in its own way appearance And the intensity of living organisms. Plants predominate well-adapted to harsh high-altitude conditions - heather, immortelle, adenocarpus, kilimanjarskaya pathea, Burning, Mirsina African, as well as numerous herbs from the hardy family of dies.

The fauna of Kilimanjaro volcano in Tanzania is no less diverse and amazing. One and a half hundred species of mammals - of them almost 90 inhabit forests. There are several groups of monkeys, dozens of predators, antelope and bats. The most common in the forests: leopards, monkeys, galago, buffaloes and others.

Two hundreds of African elephants travel in the floodplains of the rivers Naviva and Tarakia, periodically taking care of decent Kilimanjar heights. Where the forests end, small insectivorous mammals live. Kilimanjaro volcanic slopes die with a variety of feathered. There are about 180 species of birds, of which: a vulture of a gonzhatnik, or bearded, a one-color modest chasaner, cysticol Hunter, a nithekhvosta Notic, whisk of raven.

Weather conditions of Mount Kilimanjaro

Climatic zonality natural complex Kilimanjaro in Africa was reflected in temperature modes and weather conditions as a whole. The rainy season is well pronounced here, the weather is changed, the temperatures are highly fluctuated at various heights, depending on the time of day. For the base of the volcano, 28-30 ° C are typical, and already starting with three thousand meters and above, the frosts are characterized to -15 ° C. On the slopes of the mountain distinguish the following stable climatic belts.

At different times of the year, depending on the slope and height, there is a cloudiness of varying degrees, elevated or moderate precipitation, thunderstorms. All this affects the visibility and comfort of staying on the slopes - Kilimanjaro volcano in Africa is a favorite place to climb to his colorful vertices.

It is believed that the tops of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are available for conquest all year round. However, periods are distinguished more comfortable for ashens, difficult and even dangerous. The most suitable periods - from July to September and January-February. At this time, weather conditions are the most favorable, and months coincide with the summer or New Year holidays of tourists. Mountain tours in Tanzania are available from different points at the foot. Usually they last from 5 to 8 days.

Routes are diverse due to the vastness of intersected territories, dating with a variety and features of each climatic zone. Tours to the highest points of volcanic tips are completed at the time of surveillance of sunrise, after which the return path begins. Total routes 6, mainly by name settlementsFrom which they originate:

• Marangu;
• Rongai;
• UBBE;
• Macham;
• Lemosho;
• northern traverse.

As an additional route, an expedition to crater is offered.

Tourist hiking in Tanzania are not committed alone. Any mountain is a serious test for climbing even with many years of experience. In addition, for the conquest of the mountain, special equipment and equipment are needed, the total weight of which is always better to divide with someone. Despite the fact that the ascents of the mountain are also possible towards Kenya (Northern Slope), and Tanzania, and only Tanzanian routes are laid and served between states. Kenyan slope is not equipped with relevant infrastructure.

In order to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles to the conquest of the vertex, it is necessary to comply with important conditions.

• The obligatory participation of guide and assistants (at least 1-2 people), without them to make an ascent is not possible.
• Appropriate equipment, special shoes, thermal underwear (perhaps not one set), warmed and waterproof things.
• Sufficient physical training, body harness, strong immunity, responsible attitude to health, competent distribution of energy and forces.

In addition, it will take food, personal means of hygiene, items to provide elementary comfort. The full list of the necessary for the climb is presented on the company's website organizing tours in Tanzania. There is also a list of recommended things that are preferably preferably, but is not necessary. So, with yourself, besides, besides clothes and warm things, sleeping bag, sunglasses, lantern ignion, trekking sticks, flask for water. In addition to this, the organizer usually provides a tent, tourist mat, dishes, hiking furniture.

Approximate value depends on the route, the duration of climbing, the number of people in the group, separately refractable conditions. Amounts start from $ 1350 (Maranga route, 8 days) and reach $ 4,265 (a route by 1 person. With an expedition to crater). At the same time, it is necessary to take into account where the Mountain Kilimanjaro is located - the company's service may include a transfer from Tanzania airport or have to get on their own.

Find out prices or book any accommodation with this form.

Several interesting facts

1. Relative to other mountain peaks of the Kilimanjaro volcano looks not as an irresistible obstacle, nevertheless high Points It reaches only 40% of the waters.
2. Mountain conquers not only absolutely healthy tourists: In 2009, 8 blind climbers were able to take 8 blind climbers who helped to collect funds for 52 blind children.
3. The most award-in-time climber on Kilimanjaro was 87 years old.
4. Every year about 20 thousand people take attempts to climb the mountain.
5. Almost 10 people are dying here every year during the climb.

Kilimanjaro Mountain is not only unique nature ParkFull of amazing creatures, but also real adventure. And to feel the tide of emotions, become owner unforgettable impressions, Touch the majestity of Africa - for this you need to visit Tanzania and personally make sure that Kilimanjaro's unsurpassed qualities.

Related records:

Volcano Ol Doygno. Langai, located in the northern part of Tanzania, refers to the current, but its first eruption was recorded only half a century ago. Local tribes Masaev call this volcano of the mountain of God.

Building over African plains at 2962 meters, published Ol Doygno Lengai like a single mountain, covered with snow. However, the white color of it is explained by a completely different reason - this is the only volcano in the world, whose lava is rich in carbonate materials.

Thoroughly, sodium carbonate acquires a shade that introduces uninitiated people to delusion. Such an unusual composition makes Lava, flowing out of the stewed thick black streams, almost twice as colder.

Despite the relatively low lava temperature - about 500-600s, - the threat of eruptions causes the locals to constantly be alert. The last eruption was recorded in September 2007. The ashes then overcame the distance of 18 kilometers and reached the villages nearby.

Due to the fact that Lava has a unique composition, it, frozen, creates an unique landscape in the vicinity of Ol Doygno Langai, to see which can not be in any other corner of the planet. The soft glow of lava flows at dusk, black, which is replaced by brown when the water hurt the top of the volcano, an unforgettable painting. Looks like Masai was not in vain called this volcano of the mountain of God - after all, there are no similar on him anywhere on Earth, and therefore the interest of tourists to this place will not run away in the near future.

Volcano Ol Doygno Lengai - Photo

In the world there is only one volcano, spraying carbonatite lava: Ol Dono Langai in Tanzania. This is not just another fact for boring scientists: This volcano is really very unusual placeWith no analogues in the world.

History of Volcano Ol Dono Lengai

The volcano formed about 370 thousand years and is the youngest volcano in this part of the East African Fault. Sure, local residents Defict this giant volcano, which rises high above the dry plains south of the Natron lake. In the East African Rift, there are many magnificent volcanoes - the mountains of the Mere and Crater Ngorongoro are not too far away. But this volcano was special for Masai people - it was sacred place Under the name "Mount God" (Ol Doinoy Lengai).

This part of Africa was one of the last places studied by white people. The first European visitors to Ol Doyigno Lengai were German researchers at the end of the 19th century. This volcano is very active - an eruption occurs every few years here. One of these eruptions in 1960 attracted the attention of Canadian geologist John Barry Dawson, who explored this part of Tanzania. He and Ray Picering went down to the crater of the volcano (it was the first famous descent to the crater) in October 1960 and immediately noticed that this volcano is very unusual. Soon after the descent in 1962, his study was published - and the first and only active carbonatite volcano on Earth was opened.

Since then, Ol Dono Lengai was a "playground" for geologists studying unique miracle Nature. Dawson himself continued to study until his death in 2013. Today, the volcano is a fairly popular tourist attraction. The strongest visitors climb the mountain under the heat of the equatorial sun and are trying to get closer to live volcanic activity. It is dangerous, since a strange volcano is a little predictable, and the threats may unexpectedly arise even in the apparent calm places.

Almost all volcanoes on Earth are spewing lava, which consist of silicate minerals. Only some of them monsigned Lava, which consists of more than 50% of carbonate minerals - carbonatite lava. It is known about 20 seats of former carbonatite volcanoes, but Ol Dono Langai is the only one who is currently active.
"The Mountain of God" erupts not only carbonatite Lava - it produces a very specific, rare look: Natro-robonatite lava. It consists of carbonate minerals - very rare neurreitis (Na2CA (CO3) 2) and Gregorite (Na2, K2, Ca) CO3. This material needs significantly lower temperatures for melting - this lava is still flowing at a temperature of 500-600 degrees C, and in the daytime it does not even shine - this is just a flux of black clad. In the night dark lava glows orange. Conventional lava have a temperature of about 1100 degrees C.

Carbonatite lava is also pretty liquid compared to conventional silicate lavs - this is the most liquid lava in the world, the currently as water is often faster than a person can escape. The flow of this lava looks like dark oil, or brown turbid foam. As the lava hardens, it becomes black, with crystals. But it will not for a long time: these carbonatite lava will quickly disperse. After a few hours, the stone becomes white due to moisture. If the weather is dry, Lava becomes white for several days. If it rains - the lava immediately becomes white. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful places of Tanzania.

This is caused by a chemical reaction similar to lime bias. In this regard, the NEURIT and Greitrite are very rare minerals, which even in geological collections should be kept in an atmosphere of Argon. During this time, white lava turns into a brown powder. After a few months, the lava is soft - the foot is immersed in it when walking. Thus, the landscape of Ol Dono Langai is unique and has no analogues in the world.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only acting volcano in Tanzania. It is very active and erupts Lava with ash every few years. Sometimes, when the content of silicates in the lave increases, the volcanic eruptions become explosive - such an eruption occurred in 2007-2008. To these eruptions, many earthquakes occurred - even the lions left this area. It was decided to evacuate people and their cattle at the safe distance from the volcano. During eruptions in the crater, hubber are often formed - smaller hills and even towers that empty carbonatite lava. Lava sometimes forms short-lived lava lakes.