The Kilimanjaro Mountains are made up several types of vegetation zones. There are about five distinct vegetation types on the Kilimanjaro. One of them is the the Arctic Zone
Every vegetation type runs about 100 meters. In the range of about 800 to about 1800 meters there will be human settlement and human activity.
Each vegetation zone as unique features that distinguishes them from the rest of the zones.
The Kilimanjaro is such a tedious activity as you can compare it to crossing the equator since you keep moving from cold to hot every now and then just like crossing from the north to southern pole.
The Kilimanjaro stands at about 5,895 meters above sea level. Being the tallest mountain in the Africa gives it characteristic to create its own micro-climates which in turn influence different vegetation zones of these ranges.
Therefore, for every sub climate zone you change, the fauna and fauna will also change.
The Base of the mountain is at an average to about 800 meters above sea level and the summit is at 5,895 meters above sea level and this gap will definitely have segments that have climate and vegetation and animals that differ for the other segment.
There are warm temperatures at the base and the snow at the top of course will give you the freezing the temperature at the summit. Here is one of the Zones of the Kilimanjaro.
Arctic Zone of Kilimanjaro Mountain
Altitude: 16,500+ ft. ASL
DAY TEMPS: 10s – 30s F
NIGHT TEMPS: -10s – 20s F
Precipitation: <4 inches
This is the last zone of the Kilimanjaro. This area is full of rocks and ice. There is no plant or animal like here because the conditions are too harsh for both.
The summit of the Kilimanjaro also has a crater lake. The condition here can be compared to those at the equator. There temperatures are extremely cold but the sun rays are also strong.
The nights are too cold and the days are too hot.
This is the highest point in Africa and you expect the conditions to be a bit harsh. The oxygen levels are at half the normal of those at the base of the mountain and therefore be prepared for this.
It is advised that you control your breathing as one of the ways to manage life here. You will also spend little time here.
