Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest (19,340 feet) and most famous mountain in Africa, is located in Tanzania just adjacent to the Kenya border. Three distinct volcanoes can be seen ... Kibo (center volcano) with the highest peak and a permanent glacier and snow field at its summit; Shira (most westerly), the oldest that has been eroded into a plateau-like feature standing 12 395 feet (3778 meters) above sea level; and Mawenzi (most easterly) with a well-defined peak that reaches 17 564 feet (5354 meters) above sea level. The overlapping lava flows from these three volcanoes have almost obliterated their individual uniqueness into a single complex volcanic feature. The southern flanks of the mountain are more deeply eroded than northern slopes. Perhaps the cloud buildup indicates the increased severity of erosion is caused by more precipitation on the southern slopes than on the northern slopes.

     The three summits of Mount Kilimanjaro, Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi are all of very recent origin. Shira and Mawenzi both have suffered considerable erosion and only jagged peaks remain. Kibo, the central, youngest and highest peak has survived as an almost perfect cone.

     Although East Africa and nearby Olduvai Gorge is thought to be the cradle of mankind it is unlikely that early man would have been attracted to the steep and cold slopes of Kilimanjaro at a time when it was probably very active and dangerous.

     A Wachagga legend talks of Mawenzi receiving fire for its pipe from his younger brother Kibo. The Wachagga who live on the fertile volcanic soils around the base of the mountain probably only came to the area about 300 years ago thus this legend suggests very recent activity.

    Another of their legends talks of demons and evil spirits living on the mountain and guarding immense treasures. Stories are told of a king who decided to go to the top.  Few of his party survived and those who did had damaged arms and legs.

    In 1848 Johann Rebmann, a missionary from Germany, saw Mount Kilimanjaro while crossing the plains of Tsavo.  His guide talked of tales how a group of porters were sent up the mountain to bring back the silver or other treasures from the summit.  They came back only with water.

   Mount Kilimanjaro now attracts many thousands of walkers each year. On the 1st of January 2000 over 1000 people reached the summit to see the sun rise over a new Millennium.

MT. KILIMINJARO IS LINKED WITH THE
MT. MERU HEART LIGHT

THE 3D GUARDIAN OF THE
MT. MERU HEART LIGHT IS
MICHAEL

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