The Divyangjan expedition team of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) has unfurled the 7800 sq ft Indian national flag atop the Uhuru Summit of Kilimanjaro.
About Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in Tanzania.
- It stands as Africa’s tallest mountain at approximately 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
- It is the highest single free-standing mountain above its plateau base globally, which makes it the highest volcano in the Eastern Hemisphere and the fourth most topographically prominent peak on Earth.
- The name ‘Kilimanjaro’ is possibly derived from the Swahili word ‘Kilima’ (mountain) and the KiChagga word ‘Njaro’ (shining or whiteness)
- It is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
Geological Features:
- Kilimanjaro is classified as a stratovolcano, which is composed of ash, lava, and rock.
- The mountain consists of three volcanic cones:
- Kibo: The summit and the highest cone, currently dormant with the last eruption estimated around 360,000 years ago.
- Uhuru Peak on Kibo’s crater rim, meaning “freedom” in Swahili, is the highest point.
- Mawenzi and Shira: Both are extinct cones, contributing to the mountain’s complex structure.
- Kibo: The summit and the highest cone, currently dormant with the last eruption estimated around 360,000 years ago.
Environmental Concerns:
- The mountain’s glaciers and ice fields are rapidly shrinking, with projections indicating they could disappear between 2025 and 2035.
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Frequently Asked Question:
Why is Kilimanjaro famous?
Kilimanjaro is famous for being Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.
In which country is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania.
Why is Kilimanjaro called Kilimanjaro?
The name “Kilimanjaro” may derive from the Swahili “Kilima” (mountain) and the KiChagga “Njaro” (shining or whiteness), reflecting its snow-capped peak.