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Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro-the tallest mountain in Africa. |
Southern Africa is comprised of mountains, valleys, lakes, ocean
shores, and everything in between. Of the 15 countries that make up
Southern Africa - Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles,
South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – there are 3
of them that are clustered around Lake Malawi – Tanzania, Mozambique,
and Malawi.
This article is going to focus on these 3 countries because of their
close proximity to one another, as a trip to one country in Southern
Africa really would not be complete without adding on another country or
even two. But we are not going to focus on the deep water. We are going
in the opposite direction. We are heading upwards to explore the great
mountains.
In the words of John Muir (1838-1914), author and an early advocate
of preservation of the wilderness, "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken,
over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the
mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain
parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and
irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”
Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro
Lying a mere 3 degrees south of the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro
straddles Tanzania’s border with Kenya. It is composed of three extinct
volcanoes - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira - and supports five major eco-zones:
rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers. After
reaching its maximum height during its last major eruption 360,000 years
ago, Kibo has been eroded by glaciers, rivers, and landslides to its
present height.
The first people to climb Kilimanjaro were German geographer Hans
Meyer and Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. Today, around
25,000 people attempt to reach the summit of Africa every year.
Before or after an attempt to reach the summit, visitors may wish to
explore other parts of Tanzania as well. Rich in cultural heritage, the
cities and towns of this diverse country present an enlightening view of
African society, while the grassy plains are teeming with animal and
bird life. Just off the coast, Zanzibar is an interesting and exotic
blend of Africa and Asia - the ideal holiday destination for historians
and marine enthusiasts alike.
But whatever you do, do not miss an encounter with the Mountain of
Greatness. Indeed, the valley below Kilimanjaro is believed by many to
be the birthplace of humankind. So perhaps for some, it is a matter of
coming home.