Tanzania National Parks Communications manager Patrick Shelutete recently reported of an inferno that broke out at Mt. Kilimanjaro towards the end of last weekend.
According to the Kilimanjaro National Park (Kinapa) official, it’s alleged the fire broke out late in the afternoon on Sunday, October 11 2020.
The cause of the inferno on Africa’s highest peak is under investigation and is yet to be established.
Close eyewitnesses say efforts by local communities to extinguish the wildfires were futile given the high altitude of the blaze as the flames gutted allover and could easily be seen from as far as Moshi town which is some tens of kilometres away from the mountain.
Risk of spread
Mountain climbers on the Marangu route who were at Kibo Hut said they saw the fire in shrubs that are close to Mandara. Given the nature of the vegetation, the fire could spread further if not contained.
Mount Kilimanjaro has three peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. It is the fourth most topographically prominent peak on Earth and the leading tourist attraction in Tanzania followed by Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and other wildlife parks.
It is part of Kilimanjaro National Park and is a popular hiking and mountain climbing destination.
Because of its shrinking glaciers and disappearing ice fields, it has been the subject of many scientific studies.
Mount Kilimanjaro ecosystem supports life of over two million residents on its lower slopes in Tanzania and Kenya, who depend directly the mountain’s resources, mostly water and rain for agriculture and livestock rearing.
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