There are a group of rocks that are a dark and have whitish creamish stripes that form zebra like stripes and that are where it gets the name “Zebra Rocks”.
The rocks are found on the Marangu. Hikers on this route will meet the rocks on their day of the six day hike.
The rocks are found at an altitude of about 4010 meters above sea level. Hikers can use these rocks as an acclimatization point before they return to the Horombo huts campsite which is at an altitude of about 3720 meters above sea level.
The rocks are located on the borderline of the forest zone and the Alpine vegetation zones of the Kilimanjaro.
Therefore it shares characteristics of both zones, the forest zone; you will see a lot of Lobelias, giant groundsel, colorful red pokers and Senecios trees.
This area of the mountain mainly receives rain through the mist which usually covers the area without notice.
The temperatures here of course will be below 0 degrees. The Alpine zone on the other hand, is made up of giant heathers and Tall grass.
This will however expose you to more winds unlike the previous section. This zone has hot temperatures during the day with very low temperature at night.
Since the area receives more sunshine, the tails here are a bit more dry compared to the forested zone.
The sun rays are stronger since there is no canopy cover. This is the reason why this area is good to acclimatize.
How was the Zebra Rocks formed?
The rain water that is rich in minerals is believed to have come into contact with these rocks.
The rain water was flowing right from the lava cliff and this made the whole reaction and process stick this color pattern onto the rocks and thus the Zebra rocks we see now.
Location of Zebra Rocks on Mount Kilimanjaro
Zebra Rocks on Kilimanjaro are located about 30 minute’s hike which is at an altitude of about 3720 meters above sea level on the way to the Horombo huts campsite and on the way to the Mawenzi huts campsite.
It’s on the borderline of the Forested zone and the Alpine zone of the Kilimanjaro.
The area is dry since it’s located on the leeward side of the mountain.
There are a number of rodents and birds that inhabit here.
How to get to Zebra Rocks
You take a 30 minutes hike/walk to the rocks. You will elevate for about 250 meters.
