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Mt. Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania.
Rising abruptly from the open plains, capped by
snow and frequently fringed by clouds, it is
19,344 feet (5985m), it is the highest mountain
in Africa and the highest walk able summit in
the world. The diameter of its base is an
incredible 40 miles.
Kilimanjaro is a dormant, but not extinct
volcano. Ominous rumbles can sometimes be heard
and gases emerge from the fume holes in the
crater. Although just three degrees south of the
Equator, the peaks of both Kibo and Mawenzi have
permanent caps of snow and ice.
During their time on the mountain, climbers pass
from tropical to artic environment in just a few
days. The various trails first pass through lush
rainforests before reaching heather and open
moorland where giant lobelia and huge,
cactus-like groundsel grow. Above this moorland
is the almost lunar landscape of an alpine
desert, which stretches between the two peaks of
Kibo, the flat-topped dome at the center and
Mawenzi, a group of jagged point and pinnacles
on the eastern side. Inhospitable as this
‘moonscape’ may seem, animals such as herds of
elands thrive there.
The highest point on Kibo, and indeed the whole
of Kilimanjaro, is Uhuru Peak, with its
spectacular hanging glaciers and stupendous
views of the African plains some 20,000 feet
below. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak
of Gillman’s point. These are the goals for most
trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for
mountaineers only.
With the help of porters and a guide, it is
possible to walk all the way to the summit
without specialized mountaineering equipment –
or experience – and Kilimanjaro can be conquered
by any reasonably fit person. There are several
different routes including Marangu, the easiest
climb and therefore the most popular, Machame,
Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe. The total climb
normally takes five to six days and involves
four or five overnight stays in comfortable
mountain huts & camping. Fees, payable in US
dollars, include park entrance and accommodation
for climbers, guides and porters and other items
as agreed in the package between the clients and
the local operator.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the
year but the best time is considered to be from
July to October and January to March. It is wet
in the rainforest during the rain in April, May,
June and November. December through February is
the warmest months.
KILIMANJARO WITHOUT A CLIMB
It is not necessary to be a climber to enjoy a
visit to the region. Indeed visitors can ascend
12,000 feet to the Shira Plateau of West
Kilimanjaro – by four-wheel drive vehicle! Tours
can be arranged which pass through beautiful
countryside on the way.
The climate at this altitude is conducive to
gentle walks through flowering vegetation, past
small settlements. Walkers will be entranced by
the bird life, with its vivid plumage, which can
be seen all around them.
If they head for the rainforest which circles
the mountain visitors will find themselves in a
world of enchantment and mystery. Monkeys, birds
and antelope abound. Elephants, buffalo and
black rhinos range through the forest and even
leopards can occasionally be seen. In its turn
the rainforest ensures the fertility of the
lush, lower-lying ‘shamba’ country where the
Chagga people cultivate their coffee, maize and
bananas. A stroll through the plantations will
provide a fascinating insight into the lives of
the local population.
One can visit local wood carvers and observe the
vibrant patterns of the beadwork necklaces and
earrings.
Nearby is Lake Challa, an azure crater-lake
formed from the waters that drain off Mount
Kilimanjaro, close to the road between Moshi and
Taveta. Lake Jipe lies on the same road. Sixteen
kilometers along by five kilometers wide, it is
slightly saline and significantly larger than
Challa. On the Tanzania – Kenya border, it is
rarely visited, so exudes an atmosphere of
tranquility and seclusion. |
