The Shira Plateau of Kilimanjaro

Since Kilimanjaro was discovered, a century ago, most travellers have approached it from the direction of the coast, that is, from the south-east. Seen from that direction the mountain appears to culminate in two summits. Nearer, on the east, Mawenzi thrusts its pinnacles to an altitude of 17,500 feet. Eight miles farther to the west the ice-crowned dome of Kibo exceeds 19,500 feet and provides the highest ground in Africa. Between the two the skyline is formed by a saddle-shaped ridge which nowhere passes below the 14,000 foot contour. That aspect of the mountain, unforgettable when seen on a clear morning from Moshi or Taveta, has dominated the popular impression