Journey to the Roof of Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [uhn-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari yako?
  [hah-bah-ree yah-koh]
• Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?
  [n-zoo-ree. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [ooh-nah-zoo-ngoom-zah keen-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNataka kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nah-tah-kah koo-oh-nah men-yoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Mambo!
  [mahm-boh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNataka kulipa, tafadhali
  [nah-tah-kah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga simu Polisi!
  [pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari!
  [pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Nataka kununua...
  [nah-tah-kah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNinaangalia tu
  [nee-nah-ahn-gah-lee-ah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni kiasi gani?
  [beh-ee nee kya-see gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [ooh-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Wakati ni saa ngapi?
  [wah-kah-tee nee sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [nee sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu saa (kumi)
  [noo-soo sah-ah (koo-mee)]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [em-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-ee-oh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [em-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [n-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Kenda
  [ken-dah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anuani ni ipi?
  [ah-noo-ah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [ooh-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kweh-neh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi lijalo ni lini?
  [bah-see lee-jah-loh nee lee-nee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwen-dah)]

Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant stratovolcano, began forming around 750,000 years ago. It consists of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo, the highest peak, last erupted approximately 360,000 years ago, creating the mountain's iconic crater. The geological activity that shaped Kilimanjaro also contributed to the diverse ecosystems found on its slopes.

The Chagga people have lived in the Kilimanjaro region for centuries, practicing agriculture on the fertile volcanic slopes. They developed advanced irrigation systems and terraced farming techniques to cultivate crops like bananas, coffee, and maize. The Chagga's rich cultural heritage includes unique dances, music, and oral traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In 1848, German missionaries Johann Ludwig Krapf and Johannes Rebmann were the first Europeans to document Mount Kilimanjaro. Rebmann's accounts of the snow-capped peak were initially met with skepticism, as it contradicted the prevailing belief of a tropical Africa devoid of such features. Their discoveries eventually attracted more explorers and scientists to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kilimanjaro became part of German East Africa before being transferred to British administration after World War I. During this period, European settlers established coffee plantations on the lower slopes, significantly impacting the local economy and landscape. The legacy of colonial influence can still be seen in the region's architecture and agricultural practices.

In 1889, German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller successfully reached the summit of Kibo, the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Their expedition overcame numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain. Meyer's detailed accounts of the ascent provided valuable insights into the mountain's geography and ecology.

Established in 1973, Kilimanjaro National Park encompasses the entire mountain above the tree line and the surrounding montane forest. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its unique biodiversity and cultural significance. It attracts thousands of climbers and tourists annually, contributing to Tanzania's tourism industry.

Mount Kilimanjaro's glaciers have been receding at an alarming rate due to climate change. Scientific studies indicate that the ice fields atop Kibo could disappear within the next few decades if current trends continue. The loss of glaciers would not only alter the mountain's appearance but also affect local water supplies and ecosystems dependent on the meltwater.

Mount Kilimanjaro holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local communities. It features prominently in Chagga folklore and is considered a sacred mountain. Traditional rituals and ceremonies are often performed in its honor, reflecting the enduring connection between the people and their natural environment.

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi. The nearest international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), approximately 40 kilometers from Moshi. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle service to your hotel. Some travelers may also fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, and then take a domestic flight or bus to Moshi.

In Moshi, you can find taxis and dala-dalas (minibuses) for local transportation. Taxis are more comfortable and reliable, while dala-dalas are cheaper but often crowded. For trips to the Kilimanjaro National Park gates, many tour operators provide transportation as part of their packages. Renting a car is another option, but be aware that driving in Tanzania can be challenging due to road conditions and local driving habits.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Moshi, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into more remote areas. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Moshi and the areas around Mount Kilimanjaro are generally safe for tourists. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are medical facilities in Moshi, including KCMC Hospital, which is well-equipped for serious medical issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Moshi where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in towns and villages. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Using a few words of Swahili, such as 'Jambo' (Hello), is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mount Kilimanjaro like a local, visit the local markets in Moshi where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Tanzanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and the mountain. Don't miss tasting local dishes such as Ugali and Nyama Choma. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Chagga villages and learning about their traditional coffee-making process.