ENJOY WAREFALLS IN THE FOOT OF MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO
THE SNOW AT THE TOP OF KILIMANJARO
Moshi Kilimanjaro
Moshi Tanzania
BIRD WATCHING IN LAKE MANYARA
Lake manyara national park
PANGANI BEACH
Tanga, Tanzania.
THE SIGN AT THE TOP OF KILIMANJARO
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
CHAGGA CAVES
Moshi Kilimanjaro
SAFARI IN TANZANIA
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Mount Kilimanjaro
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.
What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.
When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Day tour around mount kilimanjaro.
Popular routes for Safari in Tanzania where wildlife viewing is a major part of tour
Northern Circuit/Southern Circuit/Western Circuit
Northern Circuit (1.5 to 2 weeks) – Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro CA, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP, Arusha NP
The northern circuit is the most popular safari circuit of Tanzania. In most cases, you will fly to Kilimanjaro Int. Airport or Arusha airport and travel onwards to Arusha, the town from where the northern circuit is explored. Upon an early arrival, you could start with a visit to Arusha National Park the same day. If the safari includes a flight back to Arusha from the Serengeti, Tarangireand/or Lake Manyara will most likely be the first you’ll visit (depending on the season, since Tarangire is only seasonally good). Next is Ngorongoro crater, one of the largest intact volcanic calderas in the world and full of wildlife. Last but not least, Serengeti National Park, one of the best parks of Africa. If you drive back instead of flying, you will most likely skip either the Ngorongoro crater or Tarangire/Lake Manyara on the way to the Serengeti, and visit them on the way back.Popular add-ons:
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Zanzibar Island for some relaxing on gorgeous beaches or scuba-diving. Less popular, but good, alternatives are Mafia Island, Pemba Island or Pangani.
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Gombe NP or Mahale Mountains NP to go chimpanzee tracking. You will most likely get there by charter flight from Arusha Airport.
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Mt. Kilimanjaro NP to climb the mountain. Some do it as a 5-day hike, but it is recommended to take at least 7or 8 days, since it is a tough hike with great altitude challenges.
Marangu village Day tour takes you on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Marangu is a lively market town with a cool climate. The location of the town makes it an ideal starting point for climbing mount Kilimanjaro.
Marangu is also an excellent location for hiking, bird watching and taking in the sights of rural Africa.
The cultural tourism program offers the opportunity for visitors to watch traditional blacksmiths, visit nearby caves and waterfalls as well as experience life in the local chagga tribe.
People around Marangu village are very welcoming and we hope you will enjoy your time with them.
While in Marangu one can learn more about the chagga culture by visiting a traditional chagga house made of straw roofing. Also the traditional food made by bananas and local brew known as Mbege can be tasted.ACTIVITIES: PICNIC LUNCH, ADVENTURE WALKING/TREKING, CULTURE EXPLORATION