Tanzanian authorities have closed a third route up Mt Kilimanjaro as the wildfire that broke out a week ago rages on Africa’s highest mountain.
The decision, announced by Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), has forced tourists to alter trekking plans, with only three of the mountain’s main climbing routes now open.
Tanapa on Monday announced the closure of the Rongai route, directing climbers to use Machame, Marangu or Umbwe routes. Last week, the authority closed Lemosho and Londorosi routes after a fire broke out in the Sangarini-Kamwanga area on September 28 and spread towards the Shira Plateau inside Kilimanjaro National Park.
Tanapa Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Communications, Catherine Mbena, said fire control operations are going on, adding that Tanapa was taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of tourists, staff, and conservation and tourism stakeholders on the mountain.
A month ago, another major fire on Kilimanjaro destroyed more than 18 square kilometres of vegetation before being brought under control.
