Kilimanjaro National Park established in 1973 and covering an area of some 75,575 ha protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. With its snow-capped peak and glaciers, it is the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain has five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point: Lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and summit. The whole mountain including the montane forest belt is very rich in species, in particular mammals, many of them endangered species. For this combination of features but mostly its height, its physical form and snow cap and its isolation above the surrounding plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is considered an outstanding example of a superlative natural phenomenon.
Kilimanjaro represents a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around this mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters.
For a successful summit, you need to improve your chances with every bit of useful knowledge you can get. It's never possible to prepare for every eventuality , but the following equipment list and guidelines have been developed over 10 years of experience. Please feel free to add any items which you personally require and which are not on the list.
TIPS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO
CLOTHING - Correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably mittens), warm hat, rain coat, sunglasses, sun protection cream (20 +), hiking boots, hiking/running shoes ( It is not necessary to walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks are encountered.) and very importantly, a walking stick. One of the most important items of clothing will be a an outer jacket. You want it to perform the function of keeping you warm and protected at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees celsius, keep the wind out, yet still "breath". Never take tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or extreme discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Definitely have this in your bag. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and t-shirts are a must, especially for the lower slopes when the temperatures are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed correctly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct layers, starting from against the body. The biggest mistake made by people is to wear everything they've got and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, but has absolutely no wicking properties." Wick" means that the fabric has the abilitty to draw moisture away from the body and then to allow it to evaporate on the outside. Cotton fabric against the skin will trap the moisture, ensuring a very cold and miserable time. On Kilimanjaro, this could mean hypothermia which is potentially lethal. So, don't take chances with incorrect clothing. The first layer should be a "wicking" type of thermal underwear, offering good insulation. The middle layer should provide the insulation and warmth and a product like polar fleece or Polartec® 200/300 will provide this. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex®, Goretex®, Weathertite® or Jeantex® offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro.
Camping in Kilimanjaro.
KILIMANJARO ITINERARY.
What to take and what
to know ?
For a successful summit, you need to improve your chances with every bit of useful knowledge you can get. It's never possible to prepare for every eventuality , but the following equipment list and guidelines have been developed over 10 years of experience. Please feel free to add any items which you personally require and which are not on the list.
TIPS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO
CLOTHING - Correct underwear, thermal hiking socks, gloves (preferably mittens), warm hat, rain coat, sunglasses, sun protection cream (20 +), hiking boots, hiking/running shoes ( It is not necessary to walk with boots or climbers shoes until the last sections where scree and rocks are encountered.) and very importantly, a walking stick. One of the most important items of clothing will be a an outer jacket. You want it to perform the function of keeping you warm and protected at temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees celsius, keep the wind out, yet still "breath". Never take tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or extreme discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Definitely have this in your bag. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and t-shirts are a must, especially for the lower slopes when the temperatures are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed correctly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct layers, starting from against the body. The biggest mistake made by people is to wear everything they've got and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, but has absolutely no wicking properties." Wick" means that the fabric has the abilitty to draw moisture away from the body and then to allow it to evaporate on the outside. Cotton fabric against the skin will trap the moisture, ensuring a very cold and miserable time. On Kilimanjaro, this could mean hypothermia which is potentially lethal. So, don't take chances with incorrect clothing. The first layer should be a "wicking" type of thermal underwear, offering good insulation. The middle layer should provide the insulation and warmth and a product like polar fleece or Polartec® 200/300 will provide this. The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Products like Ventex®, Goretex®, Weathertite® or Jeantex® offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro.
ADDITIONAL - Aspirin, torch and batteries, toilet paper, 2 x
water bottles (carrying 3 litres). Sodas and drinks may be bought on the
mountain on the Marangu route. Bring smaller currency notes (100's and 200's (
shillings ) as change is not always available on the mountain. The prices
increase the higher you reach.(This facility only on the MARANGU ROUTE !)
CAMERA - Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at the summit of Kilimanjaro is possible, and most people do this. The secret is to always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas at high altitude. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease fuctioning, but remember. If you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens is warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning.
FILM - ASA 200 film is good for taking shots with relatively little light. You might reach the summit just before sunrise and may not wish to wait owing to the altitude and the cold. After sunrise, film with ASA 200 or 100 are fine. There are numerous classic photo opportunities, some of which are only available in low light conditions. If you can, and if you are a serious photographer, we recommend that you take a small, portable tri-pod with you. Also remember that it is sometimes so cold that you cannot hold the camera steady.
FINAL NOTES - Make the ascent in a pace that suits you, do not rush. Frequent rests are required. Make sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 litres of liquid a day - preferably water. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day 2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. This way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Remember, that if you are going to buy your water in Moshi, always get the bottles with the screw tops. REMEMBER ! A functioning body water balance is one of the keys to a successful climb!
PACKING - Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to individually pack items in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or accidentally dropping a bag in a stream.
MENTAL PREPERATION - It is possible to climb Kilimanjaro. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. There is nothing as dangerous to the members of a party if one person is unduly sure of himself. The mental stamina will make the really difficult parts like Kibo to Uhuru and Barafu to Uhuru easier to complete. Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration. Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
CAMERA - Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at the summit of Kilimanjaro is possible, and most people do this. The secret is to always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas at high altitude. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease fuctioning, but remember. If you keep your camera inside your jacket and the lens is warm, chances are that it will form condensation when suddenly exposed to extreme cold. This condensation will freeze under conditions at the summit. Therefore, keep your camera dry at all times. Moisture will freeze at the summit which WILL cause your camera to stop functioning.
FILM - ASA 200 film is good for taking shots with relatively little light. You might reach the summit just before sunrise and may not wish to wait owing to the altitude and the cold. After sunrise, film with ASA 200 or 100 are fine. There are numerous classic photo opportunities, some of which are only available in low light conditions. If you can, and if you are a serious photographer, we recommend that you take a small, portable tri-pod with you. Also remember that it is sometimes so cold that you cannot hold the camera steady.
FINAL NOTES - Make the ascent in a pace that suits you, do not rush. Frequent rests are required. Make sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 litres of liquid a day - preferably water. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day 2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. This way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Remember, that if you are going to buy your water in Moshi, always get the bottles with the screw tops. REMEMBER ! A functioning body water balance is one of the keys to a successful climb!
PACKING - Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to individually pack items in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain or accidentally dropping a bag in a stream.
MENTAL PREPERATION - It is possible to climb Kilimanjaro. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. There is nothing as dangerous to the members of a party if one person is unduly sure of himself. The mental stamina will make the really difficult parts like Kibo to Uhuru and Barafu to Uhuru easier to complete. Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration. Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
KILIMANJARO ITINERARY.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp.
Ascent: 1800 meters to 3000 meters. Distance: 11 km. This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are portaged and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the "Whiskey route") better suited to the slightly more adventurous hikers, however rewarding them with a scenic splendor not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic "slide show" over six days.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Ascent: 3000 meters to 3820 meters. Distance: 5 km. Today's segment of the ascent will continue across beautiful heath land and alpine moorland with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro Peak. We begin up the steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, and trees of Giant Heather and Erica. Scramble around large boulders as you enter the moorland zone, marked by lobelia and senecio plants, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards, which protect wild alpine flowers growing at their bases. We'll overnight at Shira Camp (5-6 hours of walking).
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower then to Barranco Camp. Ascent: 3820 meters, 4640 meters then to 3972 meters. Ascend: 7.5 km. Descend: 5 km (total 12.5 km). We'll draw nearer the peak as we get closer to the Lava Tower. The trek becomes a bit more strenuous as the trail steepens on the approach to the lava Tower, a 300 foot tall volcanic plug which marks an exposed pass at 15000 feet. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set on a col (flat area) enclosed on three sides with steep valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Then we slowly ascent to our overnight stop at Barranco Camp (5-6 hours of walking).
Day 4:Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
Ascent: 3972 meters to 4660 meters. Distance: 10 km. The day will begin with a descent into the Gorge, before we climb its eastern wall where we will enjoy views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, an equatorial anomaly. We'll trek up through the Karanga Valley, the trail turns steadily uphill, following the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15200 feet, 8-10 hours of walking).
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru peak to Millennium/Mweka Camp.
Ascent/Descent: 4660 meters to 5895 meters then to 3790, 3100 m. Distance: 15/20 km. Just after midnight we start a challenging trek (12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 12:30 to 1am, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C) to –10 F (-23 degrees C) just before dawn at the summit. As dawn nears, we'll summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19340 feet. Uhuru will be the culmination of - and the reward for 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. We'll then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before continuing our descent to Mweka Camp (9840 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent).
Day 6: Millennium/Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Descent: 3790/3100 meters to 1660 meters. Distance: 15/10 km. We'll make our final descent to the park gate, a walk of about 3 or 4 hours. After bidding our farewells to our guide and porters, we'll drive to Kilimanjaro to catch up your flight. Notes: - Visas: check current requirement with the nearest Tanzanian High commission, embassy or consulate - Tipping: the recommended minimal tipping to the guide is 20 USD and 10 USD for the porters per day - Insurance: take out travel insurance to cover the loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses - Health: yellow fever vaccination is compulsory. Malaria is endemic but is preventable. Use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Bring prescription medicine, spare glasses, sunscreen. first aid kit, cram for bites, stings, and diarrhea remedy. Drink only boiled or bottled water or caned drinks, avoid ice cubes and salads. We strongly advise to consult your doctor for your personal health information.
MOUNT MERU THE FOURTH MOUNTAIN IN AFRICA
Ascent: 1800 meters to 3000 meters. Distance: 11 km. This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are portaged and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the "Whiskey route") better suited to the slightly more adventurous hikers, however rewarding them with a scenic splendor not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic "slide show" over six days.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Ascent: 3000 meters to 3820 meters. Distance: 5 km. Today's segment of the ascent will continue across beautiful heath land and alpine moorland with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro Peak. We begin up the steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, and trees of Giant Heather and Erica. Scramble around large boulders as you enter the moorland zone, marked by lobelia and senecio plants, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards, which protect wild alpine flowers growing at their bases. We'll overnight at Shira Camp (5-6 hours of walking).
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower then to Barranco Camp. Ascent: 3820 meters, 4640 meters then to 3972 meters. Ascend: 7.5 km. Descend: 5 km (total 12.5 km). We'll draw nearer the peak as we get closer to the Lava Tower. The trek becomes a bit more strenuous as the trail steepens on the approach to the lava Tower, a 300 foot tall volcanic plug which marks an exposed pass at 15000 feet. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set on a col (flat area) enclosed on three sides with steep valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Then we slowly ascent to our overnight stop at Barranco Camp (5-6 hours of walking).
Day 4:Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
Ascent: 3972 meters to 4660 meters. Distance: 10 km. The day will begin with a descent into the Gorge, before we climb its eastern wall where we will enjoy views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, an equatorial anomaly. We'll trek up through the Karanga Valley, the trail turns steadily uphill, following the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15200 feet, 8-10 hours of walking).
Ascent/Descent: 4660 meters to 5895 meters then to 3790, 3100 m. Distance: 15/20 km. Just after midnight we start a challenging trek (12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 12:30 to 1am, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C) to –10 F (-23 degrees C) just before dawn at the summit. As dawn nears, we'll summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19340 feet. Uhuru will be the culmination of - and the reward for 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. We'll then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before continuing our descent to Mweka Camp (9840 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent).
Day 6: Millennium/Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Descent: 3790/3100 meters to 1660 meters. Distance: 15/10 km. We'll make our final descent to the park gate, a walk of about 3 or 4 hours. After bidding our farewells to our guide and porters, we'll drive to Kilimanjaro to catch up your flight. Notes: - Visas: check current requirement with the nearest Tanzanian High commission, embassy or consulate - Tipping: the recommended minimal tipping to the guide is 20 USD and 10 USD for the porters per day - Insurance: take out travel insurance to cover the loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses - Health: yellow fever vaccination is compulsory. Malaria is endemic but is preventable. Use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Bring prescription medicine, spare glasses, sunscreen. first aid kit, cram for bites, stings, and diarrhea remedy. Drink only boiled or bottled water or caned drinks, avoid ice cubes and salads. We strongly advise to consult your doctor for your personal health information.
MOUNT MERU THE FOURTH MOUNTAIN IN AFRICA
Mount Meru is situated east of the
Great Rift Valley and about 40 km southwest of Kilimanjaro in northern
Tanzania's Arusha National Park, is considered an active volcano and is the
country's second highest mountain. It is also considered the fourth highest
mountain in all of Africa by some. 500,000+ years ago, Mount Meru erupted in a
tremendous explosion that destroyed it's cone shape and resulted in a horseshoe
crater with the eastern side removed. The resulting mountain has its summit on
the west side with its inner walls rising over 1,500m from the crater floor,
making them among the tallest cliffs in Africa. In the past 100 years,
eruptions have been reported as the Ash Cane continues to build inside the
crater.
.
Although this is a spectacular
mountain with amazing scenery and wildlife, it's location in East Africa means
that most international visitors will visit Mount Meru as a secondary trip in
conjunction with their primary destination, usually Kilimanjaro or the
Ngorongoro Crater. Reasons to do this summit include: (1) amazing views into
the summit crater and ash cone, (2) hiking along the crest of the crater rim,
(3) nice, but distant, views of Kilimanjaro from the summit, (4) the ability to
see a lot of wildlife on the lower slopes in the form of a walking safari, (5)
the chance to escape the tourist crowds, and Arusha National Park provides
certificates for people who summit the little Meru sub-peak (3,820 m / 12,533
ft) or Socialist Peak - aka the Mount Meru summit.
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