The Kilimanjaro Mountains are made up several types of vegetation zones. There are about five distinct vegetation types on the Kilimanjaro. Every vegetation type runs about 100 meters.
Human habitation and activities will be found between 800 and 1800 meters in altitude. Every vegetation zone has distinctive characteristics that set it apart from the others.
Because you have to constantly switch from cold to hot weather, much like when traveling from the north to the south pole, climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredibly tiresome activity.
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 o 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.
At the base, the weather is pleasant, and at the summit, there is snow. Naturally, I will tell you that the temperature is frigid. Here is a picture of one of Kilimanjaro’s zones.
Heath/Moorland Zone
The Heath/Moorland Zone is in between the forested zone and the Alpine zone. The heath vegetation will characterize this zone and it’s always filled with a lot of wild flowers. This zone is good for acclimatization as the oxygen levels begin to drop from this zone.
If any symptoms of altitude sickness manifest at this point, they usually start to appear. It is suggested that you stay longer here to ensure that, before moving on, you have thoroughly acclimated.
Here the vegetation is characterized by Giant Lobelias. These are the most common plants here. This area has a lot of bird of prey like the crowned eagle and the black and while crows.
Birding hikers will basically enjoy this zone just like the previous one. The rest of the other animals may not really come up to this zone has there is little to feed on and the heat is beginning to hit.
- Altitude: 9,200 to 13,200 ft. ASL
- DAY TEMPS: 50s – 70s F
- NIGHT TEMPS: 30s – 50s F
- Precipitation: 51 to 21 inches
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