February 7th, 2012 | 
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So you’re thinking about trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro. Attempting a feat like this of course wouldn’t be done without any preparation or research. In this article we look at seven facts that you may not have known about this African giant.
1. It’s well documented that Mount Kilimanjaro is the largest mountain on the African continent, towering nearly 20,000 feet above sea level. It might not be the tallest but as the structure is one continuous piece of rock; it does stand as the largest free standing mountain in the world.
2. The mountain is actually a stratovolcano, made up of three individual volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Although the date of the last proper eruption was over 360,000 years ago, the most recent activity was just 200 years ago and scientists have confirmed that molten lava still sits as close as just 400 metres below the surface.
3. Kilimanjaro is a natural wonder in itself, with almost every kind of ecosystem found on the mountain. Rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, cultivated land and an arctic summit are all present.
4. There is a little book in a small wooden box located at the peak of the mountains crater rim. Almost every climber who successfully tackles the mountain has written their thoughts about the expedition within.
5. A few facts about the ascent now, the fastest person ever to climb up the mountain was Bruno Brunod, who got from the bottom to the peak in just five hours, 38 minutes and 40 seconds. The quickest person ever to complete a roundtrip was local guide Simon Mtuy in 2004, who achieved the task in eight hours, 27 minutes. Finally the oldest person ever to reach the peak was Frenchman Valtee Daniel, at a youthful 87 years old.
6. Every year it’s estimated that 25,000 people attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; however most of them choose to turn back due to altitude related problems.
7. It’s not just the able bodied who have tackled the beast, South African Bernard Goosen has scaled the mountain twice whilst in his wheelchair. The first time back in 2003 took him nine days, however it 2007 he shaved three whole days off his time.
So there are just a few interesting facts about Mount Kilimanjaro you may or may not have known. There are still plenty more interesting points about the area that I haven’t mentioned; why not look into options for trekking Kilimanjaro and see what exciting discoveries you can find.
Tampa Airport is a short 15 minute drive from downtown Tampa. If you wish to drive here yourself, budget car rental at Tampa Airport is available. Car rental counters are situated close to the baggage carousels. car rental tampa airportAvis, Budget, Dollar Car Rental, Hertz, Enterprise and Thrifty Car Rental all have onsite counters. On the other hand, you might choose one of the six offsite companies, all of whom provide a transfer free of charge.