Cultivated Zone/Bushland

The elevation ranges from 2,600 to 6,000 feet (800 to 1,800 m)
Precipitation ranges between 20 to 70 inches (500 to 1,800 mm)

The bushland climatic zone, which is a half-mile or more above sea level, is the lowest elevation climate zone. This zone is characterized by cultivated soil, grasslands, and densely inhabited human settlements.

The region was formerly covered in natural bush, prairies, and lowland woods. This location, however, is perfect for agriculture because it is rich in fertile volcanic soil. The Chaga people settled on these lower slopes to grow a variety of commodities, including coffee and tropical fruits, which are highly prized. Underground tunnels crawling through the earth from the lush rainforest nestled above irrigate the gardens.

Rainforest Zone

6,000 to 9,200 feet in altitude (1,800 to 2,800 m)
Precipitation ranges from 79 to 40 inches (2,000 to 1,000 mm)

The rain forest receives six to seven feet of rain every year and is teeming with life. Warm temperatures and excessive humidity characterize this thickly forested climatic zone during the day. Rainy nights, on the other hand, can bring temperatures down to dangerously low levels. Climbers should have their rain gear with them to protect themselves from the frequent rains.

The rain forest provides the most diverse range of options for viewing rare African flora and fauna. Orchids, ferns, sycamore figs, olive trees, and palms dripping with hanging mosses are among the plants found here. Camphorwood trees can reach up to 130 feet in the canopy, grabbing for sunshine. A colorful mix of sounds emanates from the rich array of birdlife, while blue and Colobus monkeys gallivant through the treetops, loudly inviting partners.

Climbers climbing the summit by the Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, or Northern Circuit routes may be fortunate enough to see elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the occasional predator scavenging for a stray meal.

Heath and Moorland Zone

The elevation ranges from 9,200 to 13,200 feet (2,800 to 4,000 m)
Precipitation ranges from 51 to 21 inches (1,300 to 530 mm)

This semi-alpine zone, often known as moorland, is characterized by heath-like vegetation and an abundance of wildflowers.

The heath zone, according to mountain medicine, is in the “high altitude” region. Some climbers may experience the initial signs of acute mountain sickness. Most of our clients sensibly opt to stay at this altitude for many days to gradually acclimate to the lower oxygen levels and greater elevations to come.

The heat and dense forest surroundings begin to give way to drier air and cooler temps as we climb higher. The vegetation thins out to smaller bushes such as heather, while animals become increasingly sparse. The unusual and iconic Senecios (also known as groundsels) and Giant Lobelias are the most noticeable flora.

The enormous Senecios and Lobelia seen on Mount Kilimanjaro are indigenous to the area. The Senecios feature thick worn stems topped with big, succulent rosettes, which translates to “old man” in Latin. Lobelias are irregularly shaped palm trees with rosettes that close in the nights to protect themselves from the cold night temperatures.

The highly recognizable black and white crows that forage around camp are the most numerous birds seen in the heath zone. Large birds of prey, such as the crowned eagle and the lammergeyer, occasionally soar overhead.

Here are the current weather conditions for Mount Kilimanjaro’s heath zone.

Alpine Desert Zone

The elevation ranges from 13,200 to 16,500 feet (4,000 to 5,000 m)
10 in. of precipitation (250 mm)

Because the alpine desert receives very little precipitation, it has sparse vegetation. During the day, the temperature can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the thin air and proximity to the equator, solar radiation is extremely high. It is imperative that you use a lot of sunscreens. Temperatures frequently drop below freezing during the night, leaving a dusting of morning frost on the tents. This zone falls under the category of “very high altitude” in mountain medicine. Climbers should spend a few days here for optimal acclimatization.

Our recommended routes encourage clients to “climb high, sleep low,” reducing the negative impacts of altitude.

Most plant and animal species find this dry zone unpleasant because of the shallow soil that absorbs little water. Everlastings, tussock grasses, and several moss species are among the principal plant species that can tolerate such extreme conditions. Occasionally, creatures that appear on the moorland will wander to these heights, but this is extremely rare. The alpine desert zone of Mount Kilimanjaro’s current weather conditions may be found here.

Arctic Zone

5,000+ m (16,500+ ft) altitude
4 in. of precipitation (100 mm)

The arctic zone is the penultimate section of the Kilimanjaro ascent. It’s like finding a swath of rainforest in the middle of an Arctic glacier to find a place like this in Africa’s equatorial belt. There is almost no plant or animal life at this height, which is characterized by ice and rock. The slopes that were once hidden by the rapidly melting glaciers visible from Kilimanjaro’s crater rim are now covered in glacial silt. The nights are bitterly cold and windy, while the unbuffered sun shines brightly during the day.

This zone is classified as “extreme altitude” by mountain medicine. Breathing is slow and difficult because oxygen levels are about half of what they are at sea level. At these elevations, climbers are likely to face varied degrees of altitude-related discomfort. To counteract this, we strive to limit our time spent here. Before AMS can worsen, we ascend and descend quickly.