Tanzania Travel Articles

Kilimanjaro climbing helpful tips

Climbing and trekking expedition, an exercise and fun adventure for any normal physically fit person with some $.

Mountain Trekking, climbing information and techniques

Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland - elevation around 900 metres - to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet). 

Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. 

And their memories.

But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. 

Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot's duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias. 

Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow - and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

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. 

The highest peak and most famous mountain in Africa, scaling the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is a heavy challenge, more from the rigours of altitude than the actual difficulty of the hike itself. The climb, which takes on average five days (you're more likely to reach the top if you pace yourself), takes hikers through thick forests and alpine grasslands, desolate rockface and brilliant white glaciers.

There are 6 routes to follow when climbing mount kilimanjaro and they will lead you to the summit. The Easiest route is Marangu, followed by Rongai. Other routes are a bit challenging.

Marangu route is very famous and hence very travelled and for 5 days only any one can reach Uhuru peak. Marangu route gets more visitors. The less travelled routes are more scenic, beautiful but a bit challenging, hence they need 6 days or more. These Scenic and beautiful routes are Machame, Shira, Londrosi/Lemosho and Umbwe. 

PLEASE LOOK AT THE LINK BELOW FOR MACHAME AND RONGAI ROUTE DETAILS AND PROPOSED PRICE. IF YOU WANT SPECIAL DISCOUNT WE CAN NEGOTIATE.
http://www.kilitraveladventurestz.com/rongaimachameroutes.htm

When planning and booking for kilimanjaro trekking trip, then tell us to send you more details.

 Important things that Help you Reach Mount Kilimanjaro Summit.

-Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximise your chances of reaching the summit. 
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

-Use Mountain Climbing Outfitter (Tour Operator) which is licensed. The Legal company have employed Well trained and experienced Mountain Guides. These Professional Mountain Guides are trained and licensed by Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. They understand all safety conditions in the Mountain for care taking of Tourists.

-There are also Mount Kilimanjaro Rangers, these are employed by Tanzania National Parks and they work hand in hand with Mountain Guides mentioned above in cases of Rescue if any case arises. 

-Since these Mountain Guides are well trained and experienced, please trust them for your safety. Listen to them and will enable you reach Mount Kilimanjaro summit. These Guides are Friendly and will tell you various stories and knowledge about Mount Kilimanjaro, they are so friendly.

-Take Enough Bottled Water with you. Water is very important. Kilimanjaro Travel and Safari Adventure Services will buy mineral Bottled Water enough for you. 

-Also Chocolate and Biscuits with Glucose will help you on Summiting day. Kilimanjaro Travel and Adventure Safaris will provide you with all these plus Rich enough food, including vegetables and Fruits. Our Porters and cooks will take care of you on Supervision of Guides.

-First Aid Knowledge and KIT is very essential. Our Mountain Guides and Porters are well equipped.

-We have enough Facilities to handle a traveling group from 2 people up to 48 people.

-Our Professionalism, experience and Reliability always is keeping improving as we serve more customers. Our % success is increasing as Many Tourists are satisfied with services and meet their dreams of going to Mount Kilimanjaro summit.

We wonder what is your plan, budget, time, opinions and if you have any worry!!!

We are always read to make sure we meet all what you need.

Please send us email for free price quotations, services and we give you chance to compare with others. How ever our services are not the cheapest as we make sure you get quality services and reach your Life time Goals.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a life time adventure and meeting your Dream is a Must!

Things to Bring

There are no mountaineering or outdoor outfitters in Tanzania, so when preparing for a trek in the country, keep in mind that you'll need to bring most of your own gear. Sleeping bags, good hiking boots, many layers, and waterproof outer clothing is essential for keeping warm and comfortable at high altitudes. Bring a few refillable plastic water bottles and a good day pack as well -- although porters will carry the heavier equipment, you'll want to have a few things easily available throughout the day. Although a comprehensive packing list of essentials difficult to find in the country is listed in 'What to Bring,' here's the trekker's list with special emphasis on what you'll need when on a climb:

· A lightweight camera that you can carry easily and access from your day-pack, with plenty of film

· A lightweight and versatile day-pack to carry water, camera, and important documents

· A durable refillable water bottle that you can easily access from your day pack

·Good insect repellent in a no-spill container

·  High SPF waterproof sunscreen

· A bandana or small hat to keep off the sun

· Sunglasses with a good cord

· A photocopy of your passport, important phone numbers, credit cards, driver's license, medical insurance, tickets, and contact number of who to phone in case of an emergency

· Good-quality, durable hiking boots, waterproof if possible, but definitely water-resistant

· Thermal under-layers

· Good hiking socks

· Waterproof outerwear fleeces and plenty of warmer layers that you can easily take on and take off during the climb

· A scarf, hat, and gloves for final night climbs

·A lightweight flashlight with extra batteries

·A low-temperature sleeping bag

· A pair of lightweight sandals or flip-flops for wearing once you've made it to camp

·A bathing suit for swimming in rivers and waterfalls

· A basic first aid kit of plasters, calamine lotion, ibuprofen, a non-mercury thermometer, immodium or other antidiahoreals, a good-quality lip balm, a sealed syringe in case of medical emergencies, anti malarial prophylactics, high-altitude drugs, and any prescription medication you are taking.

NOTE: How ever due to Luggage Restrictions on Airlines, you can hire some of the gears like boots, walking sticks, warm clothes, and sleeping bags.

For climbers on Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Kilimanjaro Guides Co-operative Society runs a small shop inside the Marangu Gate of the national park, where visitors can pick up a few things before they start their climb. Be forewarned, however, that although items are usually available for a price, their stock and prices fluctuate, and it is far better to arrive prepared.

For further information about Mount Kilimanjaro follow link below.
http://www.kilitraveladventurestz.com/kilimanjarotrekinfo.htm

Resources : http://www.kilitraveladventurestz.com/index.htm

Keywords : mount kilimanjaro, climbing, trekking, climbing mount kilimanjaro, kilimanjaro trekking, volcano, mount kilimanjaro volcano, machame, rongai, marangu, shira, londrosi, uhuru peak, kibo