The Five Ecological Zones of Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at over 19,000 feet tall, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and has some of the most diverse ecosystems on the continent. Kilimanjaro is divided into five distinct ecological zones, each with its own unique features, plants, and animals. In this blog post, we will explore the five ecological zones of Kilimanjaro and all the wonderful things that can be found while climbing to the summit.
The Cultivation Zone
Elevation: 2,600 to 6,000 ft (792 to 1,800 m)
Day Temperature: 70s to 90s F
Night Temperatures: 40s to 60s F
Precipitation: 20 to 70 in
Zone 1 on Mount Kilimanjaro, named the Cultivation Zone, falls between 2,600 ft and 6,000 ft. This region of the mountain receives the most rainfall and has many rivers due to glacier runoff. The Cultivation Zone is comprised of farmland and some Chagga villages. Coffee plantations dominate the farmland, as well as other crops like bananas, avocados, and mangoes. If the trek leads through Mweka Gate, the trekker will walk through fields of these fruits, which grow prolifically throughout the Mweka Zone. The Cultivation Zone is an integral part of Kilimanjaro's ecosystem, presenting a singular opportunity to see Kilimanjaro's beautiful countryside.
The Rainforest
Elevation: 6,000 ft - 9,000 ft. (1800m – 2800m).
Day Temperature: 70s to 90s F
Night Temperatures: 40s to 60s F
Precipitation: 79 to 40 in
Located near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Mountain Forest is one of the five ecological zones that you’ll encounter when climbing the mountain. The Mountain Forest is a lush rainforest with diverse vegetation and plenty of wildlife. It’s a great spot for trekking and observing the native animals, such as monkeys and antelopes. However, the animals are very elusive and it is difficult to spot them on the mountain's slopes. The climate in the Mountain Forest is tropical, with temperatures ranging from warm during the day to cool at night. The air is filled with moisture and there is often mist hanging low in the trees. This moisture creates an ideal environment for plant life, making the forest quite beautiful and full of color. As you climb through this zone of Kilimanjaro, you’ll notice the trees getting shorter and shorter as the elevation increases. You’ll also see a decrease in the animal population due to colder temperatures and less food availability. The Rainforest zone circles a majority of Mount Kilimanjaro and receives most of its rain on the south and east sides of the mountain. The best places to see wildlife are just above the thinner jungle on the Rongai Route and on the edges of the Shira Plateau.
Heath and Moorland Zone
Elevation: 9,200 to 11,000 ft (2,800 to 3,350 m)
Day Temperature: 50s to 80s F
Night Temperatures: 30s to 60s F
Precipitation: 21 to 51 in
The Heath Zone is part of Zone 3 and starts around 9,000 ft (1800m) and goes up to 13,000 ft (4000m). Temperatures here can soar above 100° F during the day (40oC) and drop below freezing at night (32° For 0° C). The Heather zone is characterized by less rain, gusting winds, giant heathers, wild grasses, and a rocky trail. The popular vegetation are Giant Lobelias and Senecios. As you climb higher into the Moorland zone, tall grasses will start to replace the heather. Sections of the mountain will feature large fields of wild flowers. The sun's UV rays will be strong due to the little cloud cover in this zone, so remember to bring your sunscreen.
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Alpine Desert Zone
Elevation: 13,200 to 16,500 ft (4,020 to 5,030 m)
Day Temperature: 10s to 60s F
Night Temperatures: 10s to 40s F
Precipitation: 10 in
The Highland Alpine Desert is the fourth ecological zone of Mount Kilimanjaro, extending from 13,200 to 16,500 feet. It is characterized by days with temperatures ranging from 10 to 60 F (-12 to 15 C) and nights with temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 F (-12 to 4 C). This area is the driest on the mountain and only the hardiest plants can survive the extreme conditions.
The landscape in the Alpine Desert is dominated by rugged rock formations, providing hikers with beautiful panoramic views. Mosses and lichens cover the rocks, avoiding the soil altogether. The arctic ice trips of the summit start at this level, allowing visitors a preview of what lies ahead. Hiking through this zone is an incredible experience, offering breathtaking sights and unforgettable memories.
Arctic Summit Zone
Elevation: 16,500 to 19,340 ft (5,030 to 5,895 m)
Day Temperature: 10s to 40s F
Night Temperatures: -15s to -20s F
Precipitation: <4 in
The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the Arctic Summit zone, which ranges in altitude from 16,500 to 19,340 feet (5,030 to 5,895 m). This zone is characterized by very cold temperatures, with days ranging from 10-40 F (-12) -4 C and nights from -15-20 F (-26)-(-7) C. The air is also very dry and blustery winds can be quite intense. With temperatures dropping to well below freezing at night, there may be ice and snow underfoot. When trekking in the Arctic Summit zone, it is important to be prepared for the cold conditions and to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen should be applied to any exposed parts of the body and multiple layers of warm clothing are necessary to keep your core temperature up. Due to the dry air, dehydration is a real risk and you should drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also due to the extreme heights, altitude sickness can become an issue as well. Although the Arctic Summit Zone lacks much plant life, certain species of lichens have been known to survive here despite the cold weather and hostile environment. Glaciers are perhaps one of the most iconic sights in this zone due to their sheer size and grandeur. One glacier in particular, Furtwangler Glacier, is located just below the summit and stands out above the rest due to its vastness.