MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed most of the year, although it is inadvisable
during the rainy season, which is April and May, and during the short rains
in November. The summit of Kilimanjaro is definitely a challenge, and there
are risks involved, but any reasonably fit person who enjoys hiking can reach
it. Reaching the summit will be an experience of a lifetime. The youngest
person to make it was seven years old and the oldest, seventy-eight!
Above the gently rolling hills and plateaux of northern Tanzania rises the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it’s slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. On the lowland slopes, much of the mountain is farmland, with coffee, banana, cassava, and maize crops grown for subsistence and cash sale. A few larger coffee farms still exist on the lower slopes, but much of the area outside the national park has been subdivided into small plots. Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower altitudes and breaks into alpine meadows once the air begins to thin. Near the peak, the landscape is harsh and barren, with rocks and ice the predominant features above a breathtaking African view.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in
Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur, the breathtaking views
of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe,
that belongs to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ -- the highest
point on the continent at 5896 metres -- is the adventure of a lifetime,
especially because, if paced well, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-time
enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak. Please choose your favourite route
among the listed below, if you are not familiar to different routes please
contact us;
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MOUNT MERU
Mount Meru is the second highest Mountain in Tanzania, and the third in
Africa, at 4566metre (14,979feet). It is overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, its
famous neighbor, and frequently overlooked by visitors. But Meru is a spectacular
mountain; a trek involves beautiful hiking through the grassland and forest
on the mountain's lower slopes, followed by a dramatic and exhilarating ridge-walk
to the summit.
The following is a four days sample itinerary for climbing Mount Meru;
Day 1:
Depart from your Hotel in the morning for Momella Gate in Arusha National
Park, After clearing all the National Park formalities, we begin our hike
guided by an Armed Park Ranger, The trek passes through an open grassland
and the rain forest which gives an opportunity to see, Buffaloes, Warthogs,
Giraffes, Elephants, Zebras, Black and White Colubus Monkeys at the rain
Forest. The trail continues as a steady climb through Montana forest, as
well as the route passes through less dense forest, where there are an abundance
of bird’s species. We reach Miriakamba hut (2514 m.), situated in an idyllic
grassy glade, it is time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon sun and beautiful
view over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro Mountain. The trek takes
4-6 hours walking.
Day 2:
Depart from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut below little Meru, it is a short
day walk but a steep climb. Slowly ascend through lush Montana forest to
reach the half way point of elephant ridge, from here we enjoy an excellent
view of the summit ridge and across the crater floor, the path continues
through the giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetations to
reach Saddle Hut (3570 m), the afternoon is free to relax and to enjoy
the view, The more energetic can make the short climb to nearby summit
of little Meru (3820 m) for superb view before sunset, you should relax
in the evening to gain some more energy for the midnight climb to the Peak.
(3-4 hours walk)
Day 3:
In the early morning you start to climb steeply to Rhino point (3800 m),
continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rocks, to reach cobra point
(4350 m) at sunrise. The view are stunning; the cliffs of the Crater rim,
the ash cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the
morning clouds and west towards the rift valley if only the weather is
clear. The summit of socialist Peak (4566 m) is an hour further on a good
but steep path, the route back to Rhino point in the morning light, on
a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the Crater and the sheer
cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating
walks in Africa. Enjoy a rest and have a brunch meal at Saddle Hut before
continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2514 m). About 8 hours walking.
Day 4:
We take a direct route down through open grassland and mixed forest, with
another good chance of seeing Wildlife. This trail has excellent views
back towards the Crater and over the plains of the National Park; we should
reach Momella Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). Once you reach
the end of the climb you will be transferred to your next destination.
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