Mount Kilimanjaro Climate – Five Main Ecological Zones

Ecological Zones of Mount Kilimanjaro Climate

Terrain Types on Various Elevations of the Kilimanjaro

There are five distinct Mount Kilimanjaro climate zones , which best describes the climate on Mount Kilimanjaro. Cultivation, Forest, Heather to Moorland, Alpine Desert, and the Arctic Summit zone. We’ll take a closer look at each zone’s distinguishing features below. These mount Kilimanjaro climate zones will be crossed on your ascent of Africa’s tallest peak. The wildlife, birds, and plants that call Kilimanjaro National Park home abound here.

Kilimanjaro’s five distinguishing features have been likened to a trip from the equator to the North Pole.

Each temperate zone describe the characteristics of mount Kilimanjaro including its climate and the unique characteristics, both in terms of plants and animals.

Zones and Weather Conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro

Mt Kilimanjaro Climate Zones:

Zone 1: Planting/ Cultivation

Zone 2: The Amazonian Rainforest

Zone 3: The Heathland and Moorland

Zone 4: The Alpine Highland

Zone 5: The Arctic Peak

What are the Five Climate Zones of Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Zone of Planting/ Cultivation:

1.1 Which best describes the climate on and around Mount Kilimanjaro

What is the climate like on mount Kilimanjaro? The Kilimanjaro climate elevation ranges from 2,600 to 6,000 feet (an approximate 792 to 1,800 miles) with an atmospheric temperature of 70 to 90Fahrenheit or 21-32Celsius. Temperatures can drop drastically at night from 40 to 60F or 4 to 15Celsius.

There are various traces of human activity as you leave Moshi or Arusha and begin your journey to the park gates. Everything from livestock grazing to small-scale farming is covered in this guide.

1.2 Effects of mount Kilimanjaro climate change

Kilimanjaro climate change has disrupted the native vegetation patterns, which were once made up of scrubland and lowland woodlands. In combination with the fertile volcanic soil on the mountain‘s southern slope, this provides ideal growing conditions.

The Amazonian Rainforests

1.1   Mount Kilimanjaro Climate

This climate change Kilimanjaro elevation range is between 6,200 range and 9,200 feet (an approximate 1,800 to 2,800 miles). Expect 70 to 90Fahrenheit or 21 to 32Celsius temperatures in the days. There is a 40 to 60Fahrenheit nighttime temperature of 4 to 15Celsius.

1.2 Characteristics of Mount Kilimanjaro

This tropical or montane rain forest covers the entire cliff. Numerous bird and animal species can be found in this moist and deep woodland. Large animals, such as elephants or rhinos, are becoming increasingly rare due to increased human activity, while monkeys and birds are still plentiful Trees with ‘old man’s beards’ and orchids growing on their branches are behold. Both Colobus monkeys and baboon groups can be found in the treetops. Small antelope, rats, and bush pigs are also present in this area, but it’s hard to tell them apart..

The Heathland and Moorland

1.1 The climate of Kilimanjaro:

What is the climate of Mount Kilimanjaro in the heathland and moorland zone? The elevation range is between 9,200 to 11,000 feet in altitude (an approximate 2,800 to 3,350miles). During the day, temperatures can range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 to 27 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures are low to -1 to -15 Celsius or 30s to 60s Fahrenheit.

You are treated to stunning vistas in the heath and moorland zone as the forest abruptly ceases. Due to its scrubby plants, big heathers, and tussock grasses, this area is occasionally likened to the Scottish Highlands.

   1.2   Effects of climate change on mt Kilimanjaro:

Senecios and lobelias are apparent as you rise in altitude and average temperatures fall. Despite the significant temperature changes, these plants have developed unique characteristics to thrive there. Senecios’ leaves die as they mature, but their stems are protected from the cold by the layers of dead leaves. Lobelias close their leaves at night to keep the cold out of their centers.

A sparse population of animals can be found in this location. Elephants, elands, and other small antelope have all been seen in the area, but they were all on their way somewhere else. Tiny tunnels carved into the volcanic rock are home to microscopic animals. Keep an eye out for raptors taking flight.

The Alpine Highlands

1.1 The climate on Kilimanjaro:

Located between 13,200 and 16,500 feet above sea level (approximate 4,020 to 5,030miles). Day-to-day temperature fluctuations range from 10 to 60Fahrenheit or -12 to -15 degrees Celsius. A hot and humid Kilimanjaro climate with nighttime lows below freezing characterizes this part of the mountain.

1.2   Effects of mt kilimanjaro climate change:

The lack of water means that only the hardiest plants can thrive in this area. It is a barren and hostile landscape. Only a few flowers and a few tussock blades of grass can be found here.

Rough rock formations dominate the landscape, which opens out to vast panoramas. There are patches of moss, lichens, and fungi covering the rocks, but not the dirt. Even though they look dead, these plants thrive in this harsh desert climate.

The Arctic Peak

1.1 Mount Kilimanjaro climate:

The elevation range is between 16500 to 19340 feet in height, approximated as 5,030 to 5,895miles. There is a 10 to 40 degree Fahrenheit or -12 to -4degree Celsius temperature range for the days. Nights can drop to -15°Fahrenheit to 20°Fahrenheit or -26°C to -7°Celsius.

Known as the Arctic zone located on the mountain’s peak, the Kilimanjaro climate in this region is exceedingly dry and frigid at night. It is also exposed to intense sunshine during the day. Small rocks and glaciers dominate the area, which has half the oxygen at sea level. Animal and plant life is non-existent, save for a few hardy, slow-growing lichens that may be geriatric.

1.2   Effects of climate change on Mount Kilimanjaro

At night the temperature drops below freezing, with gale-force winds. Temperatures can drop as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun’s rays can be brutal.

All exposed skin must be covered with sunscreen, and you’ll need warm clothing to keep your core temperature stable in the dry air.

For more articles related to climate change in Tanzania (weather), click here!