Climate change in Mt Kilimanjaro affects Tourism development
For decades trekking to the lofty summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro has been one of the top bucket-list items for any serious adventure traveler. As Africa’s highest peak—and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world—it routinely draws thousands of visitors each year.
Even in 2020, amidst a global pandemic, it has remained open to visitors, with small teams of climbers socially distancing their way to the top. In recent years the impact of climate change on the mountain has become increasingly evident.
The once-famous snows of Kilimanjaro have been melting at an alarming rate, and the glacier that lined its volcanic crater has shrunken to just a shadow of its former self. In fact, climatologists now say that the glacier will likely be completely gone by 2033, limiting the amount of freshwater available to the local Tanzanians living long Kili’s base.
Recently however, a new threat has emerged to the health of the mountain. One that has the potential to do more immediate damage and have a lasting impact on the local ecosystem. As wildfires on Kilimanjaro now show that the iconic peak is under siege on multiple fronts, with warming temperatures and drying conditions creating new challenges,(Kraig, 2020).
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