Eternal symbol of Africa, Kilimanjaro has one fifth of all
the ice in Africa in its permanent ice fields, which rise to an altitude of 5
895 metres above sea level. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and the
highest free standing summit in the world. Kilimanjaro was known by reputation
to the ancient Greeks, Chinese chroniclers, Arab slavers and Portuguese
transoceanic sailors, but it was not until 1848 that Western man saw snow at
the equator for the first time. The first recorded conquest was in 1889.
Kilimanjaro consists of three extinct volcanic cones: the
highest, Kibo is the familiar wedding cake pinnacle locked in ice cornices,
with the lower peaks, Mawenzi and Shira positioned on either side. The permanent
ice reached down to 3,000 metres above sea level in ancient times; today it
starts at 5,000 metres. At this height the only signs of life are tenacious
flaky lichens and the occasional weather beaten spider.
