The spelling of "Kilimanjaro" might seem intimidating, but it is actually straightforward once you break it down using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /ˌkɪlɪmənˈdʒɑːroʊ/, with the stress on the third syllable. The "k" in Kilimanjaro is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, followed by the unstressed syllable "i" pronounced as a short "ih" sound. The following syllables are pronounced as "ma" with a long "a" sound, and "nja" with the "nj" pronounced as a "ny" sound. Finally, the word ends with "ro" pronounced as a long "oh" sound.
Kilimanjaro is a noun referring to a prominent mountain located in northeastern Tanzania, East Africa. It is the highest peak on the African continent and stands as the world's tallest freestanding mountain, with no adjacent mountains of significant height. Kilimanjaro is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is an iconic landmark in Africa.
The term "Kilimanjaro" is derived from the Swahili language, where "Kilima" means "mountain" and "Njaro" is believed to translate to "whiteness" or "shining." This name fittingly represents the awe-inspiring presence of the mountain, as it is capped by snow-capped peaks despite being located near the equator.
The summit of Kilimanjaro, known as Uhuru Peak, reaches an impressive elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. The mountain is a stratovolcano consisting of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. While the volcano is dormant, the last eruption occurred approximately 150,000 years ago.
Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of determined climbers and adventurers every year, fascinated by its unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty and challenging terrain. The mountain presents multiple climatic zones, from the lower rainforest to the arid alpine desert and the eternal ice of its summit. Mount Kilimanjaro holds diverse ecosystems and a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a valuable ecological site for scientific study and exploration.
The word "Kilimanjaro" has its origins in the Swahili language. It is believed to be a combination of two Swahili words: "kilima" meaning "mountain" and "njaro" meaning "caravan". Thus, Kilimanjaro translates to "mountain of caravans" or "mountain of the great journey". This name aptly reflects the mountain's prominent stature and its historical significance as a landmark for those traversing the region.