Tanganyika Travels Ltd. The best of wildlife sataris & Camping in East Africa

TREKKING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

	"As wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white in the sun, was the square top of Mount Kilimanjaro" so wrote Earnest Hemingway (The snows of Kilimanjaro). At an altitude of 5,895 m above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and one of the largest volcanoes ever to burst through the earth's crust.
The base of this immense mountain measure 50x80 km and the outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers: Shira in the West (4,260 m), Mawenzi in the East (5,280 m), and the snow capped Kibo in the middle (5,895 m). Apart from its dramatic geological features and the beautiful mountain vegetation, Mount Kilimanjaro is also notable for its birdlife which is plentiful. On the western slopes of Kilimanjaro animals like elephants, buffalo, eland, duicker, bushbuck, baboon, blue as well as colobus monkey and even leopards could be seen.
	In the space of a few days, normally three days of climb and two days of descent, the climber can pass from Equatorial to Arctic climates as one moves through the tropical rain forest, moorland, alpine desert to snow and ice. The summit of Kilimanjaro could be reached by any fairly fit person with the assistance of a Guide and Porters via the gentle Marangu Route. The youngest to make it was eleven (11) years old and the most senior was seventy four (74) years old through this route.

However, several other more adventurous routes could be used to get to the top. TTS arrange and guide climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro through the following routes:

Marangu Route - this is the most used, and probably the easiest way of reaching Uhuru Peak - the highest point of Kibo at 5,895 m. This route starts at the National Park Marangu Gate which is 6,000 ft above sea level;
Rongai Route - is the second easiest way to reach Uhuru Peak. The route starts at Rongai starting point in Rombo district 76 km from Marangu gate at an altitude of 2000m. asl When trekking through this route, passing the natural forest you can see colubus monkeys and few of wild animals like buffalo and elephats. The trek takes five to six days.
Umbwe Route - this route provides the shortest and most scenic way to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach of Kibo. However, as this side of the mountain is more rugged and no Porters are available, it is only recommended for experienced, self-reliant climbers. The route starts about sixteen (16) km from Moshi, past the Umbwe Catholic Mission which it can only be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles;
Machame Route - this route is more touristic in that it starts with a tarmac road to Machame, then passes through valleys, gorges, walking on rock ridges, through heather to the Shira Plateau at 12,500 ft above sea level. This route eventually links up with Umbwe Route at the Arrow Glacier Hut (16,000 ft);
Kibo South Circuit/Shira Route - this route connects Barranco Hut on the Umbwe Route with Horombo Hut on the Marangu Route. The route is probably the most spectacular on Kilimanjaro under the ice falls of the South face of Kibo. The route can be used to combine any of the Western Routes like Machame.

Useful Hints for Climbers (Medical Aspects):

Altitude sickness - the rapid change of altitude may sometimes cause discomforts, loss of appetite, headache, nausea vomiting, exhaustion, rapid pulse, swelling of hands, legs and face. A drug called Diamox can help;
Sun - at above 4,000 m sun rays can cause burning of exposed skin, dryness of lips which may swell and crack. Snow blindness is also experienced while crossing snow. Good sun creams are recommended for the dry skin while dark sun glasses must be worn while crossing snow;
Equipment - the most basic needs for a safe and enjoyable climb are: warm sleeping bag, good semi-still boots, water proof jacket, head cover, warm trouser, warm jacket, sun protection (cream and glasses), gloves, socks, torch and first aid kit;
Food - it is recommended to eat less than normal once you are above 4,000 m, mostly dry food and fruits.

Reservations:

If you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro through the normal route of Marangu, in July, August, September, November, December, January or February you are advised to book in advance. Why? These times of the year there are many visitors and one may be disappointed or be forced to use the other more expensive and harder than the normal route; but they are quite interesting too.

For more information please contact:

Tanganyika Travels Ltd,
Double Road (near Kahawa House),
P.O. Box 8357, Moshi, Tanzania
Tel/Fax # +255-27-275 1017

E-mail: tangan@tannganyikatravel.com Or tantravel@kicheko.com