Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and a popular hiking and mountain climbing destination is on fire! The northern part from the Tanzanian side on fire with flames being seen from as far as Moshi town which is some tens of kilometres away from the mountain.
The fast-spreading bushfire, believed to be fueled by soaring temperature and high winds, erupted near Whona camp, a stopover used by tourists and hikers – and efforts to contain it are underway, authorities said on Monday.
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), which manages the park within which the mountain is perched, said the roaring flames have destroyed a large part of the mountain forest near a resting camp for tourists who use Mandara and Horombo routes to climb.
Mountain climbers on the Marangu route who were at Kibo Hut said they saw the fire in shrubs that are close to Mandara. Given the nature of the vegetation, the fire could spread further if not contained.
Mount Kilimanjaro has three peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. It is the fourth most topographically prominent peak on Earth and the leading tourist attraction in Tanzania followed by Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and other wildlife parks.
Mount Kilimanjaro ecosystem supports life of over two million residents on its lower slopes in Tanzania and Kenya, who depend directly the mountain’s resources, mostly water and rain for agriculture and livestock rearing.
Additional reporting by Daily nation
