NOVA is airing a fantastic series this week on a scientific expedition up Mt. Kilimanjaro as researchers measure how quickly Mt. Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are melting. They are taking the same Western Breach route that Embark does. Tune in and visit the mountain’s six ecological zones, from steamy rain forests to the arctic summit, as scientists explain what can live where and how those six zones are changing due to climate change in general and the retreating glaciers more specifically:

Ecologically, Africa’s tallest peak is a world in miniature. On what other mountain can you journey from dry fields and farms into steaming jungles, then up through exotic heaths and moorlands to an alpine desert and finally a glaciated summit? Each of Kilimanjaro’s six distinct ecological zones has its own climate and coterie of flora and fauna. Beginning with the band of rain forest that girdles the mountain’s base starting at about 6,000 feet, this microcosmic Gaia gets gradually drier, cooler, and more inhospitable to plants, animals, and people as one ascends to the sparkling summit at 19,340 feet…. By the end, if nothing else, you’ll know what kinds of clothes you’d need to bring for an ascent (hint: all of them).—Peter Tyson

The series airs on Oregon Public Broadcasting Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20, at 4 a.m.

If you are interested in a company that offers Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Tours, please contact Embark, or visit our Kilimanjaro Tours section for more information.