Climbing
On the way to the base camp in Kilimanjaro
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.
Mountaineering | Mount Meru
The ascension to the volcano Mt. Meru is a perfect preparation for the conquest of Kilimanjaro. You can get used to the heights (around 15.000 feet) and it is possible to test out the equipment, so that you will be able to correct and improve it at the rest day that lies between the climbing of Kilimanjaro. But the most important thing is to practice ascending at night, since it is not very pleasant to do this in the almost dark, when it is quite cold.
We recommend a three day tour. You will spend the nights in so called "Swiss" huts, which nobody would expect to find in Africa. Even to the top of the volcano animals roam, especially buffalo. At the foot of Mt. Meru you often meet with giraffes, elephants, wild hogs, antelopes, baboons and a great variety of birds.
To ensure your safety the group is accompanied by an armed ranger. On the tour you will cross many different vegetation zones, as there is open grassland, mountain forest, swamp, giant heather and penurious rocks, therefore you have the chance to experience.
Mount Meru 4 Days Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met at the airport and transferred to moshi for overnight. There will also be pre-climb briefing by your mountain guide.
Day 1: Moshi to Momella Gate (1,387 m to 1,500 m over 10km, 4hrs)
Transfer from your hotel to Arusha National Park, pay fees etc. and drive to the Momella Gate to begin your trek. You will trek with an armed ranger as you can see buffalo, warthogs, and elephants.
The climb continues through sub-montane forest and you will pass a huge Strangler Fig tree which cars can drive through! After lunch you continue through the less dense montane forest. Great views of Meru, towering cliffs and Ash Cone. The Miriakamba Huts are found in a pleasant glade which you will reach in time to enjoy the superb views of the plains between Meru and Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (2.514 m to 3,570 m over 8km)
From the Miriakamba Huts it is a steep climb to the crater rim. Then, you follow a steep path through the montane forest to reach the giant Ericas in the Moorland zone around the saddle between Little Meru and Meru. Lunch will be ready by the time you arrive at the Saddle Huts. Your afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views, but energetic trekkers can make the short climb summit Little Meru (3,820 m/) for stunning views just before sunset.
Day 3: Saddle Huts to Mount Meru Summit to Miriakamba Huts (3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m 5km up 13km down)
Start to climb very early at 2am reaching Rhino Point (3,800m) after an hour. Then you descend slightly and continue along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) around sunrise. Hike for another hour on a steep path to reach the summit of Meru. Enjoy brunch and a well-earned rest at the Saddle Huts before continuing your descent to the Miriakamba Huts where you will overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate to Moshi (2,514 m to 1,387m over 10km)
Descend by a slightly different route. This trail has excellent views back toward the crater and game is plentiful. Afternoon drive back to the hotel.
Mountaineering | Mount Oldonyo-Lengai
Mountain Lenkai (normally known as “Ol'doinyo Lengai”) rises about 2,100 meters above the East African Rift Valley floor to a height approximately 2,880 m. The name Ol'doinyo Lenkai which means “Mountain of God” originates from the Maa language (the Maasai's language) from Ngorongoro area. The Maasai people conduct prayers to God “Enkai” or “Engai” whom the Maasai believe is the Creator of all things on this active volcanic mountain.
Ol'doinyo Lenkai is the only active volcanic mountain in the East African Rift Valley Region which attracts many geologists from all over the world who come for research. Scientifically, carbonated lava is dark brown upon extrusion, but reacts very rapidly and turns into moisture to hydrate, then to secondary alteration minerals that impart a white colour to the rock.
The Maasai believe that the “white rock” symbolizes the white beards of "Enkai". Many tourists visit and climb this mountain which is located in Northern Tanzania every year. One should not underestimate this 9,442 feet long mountain, as it needs much determination to climb because of the steep walking.
However, climbing Ol'doinyo Lenkai doesn't require technical skills to get to the peak. At the summit, the small cones formed by lava can be seen on the crater rim. Despite the fact that Ol'doinyo Lenkai's volcano erupts frequently there are no records of injuries or deaths. Geologists tell that Ol'doinyo Lenka's lava is not as hot as other volcanoes lava recorded in the world. It takes three days to the summit of Ol'doinyo Lenkai.
After a climb to Lenkai, the company advices tourists to spend sometime and take a tour around Lake Natron. Lake Natron is the largest lake in East Africa which accommodates numerous flamingos and other birdlife.
Zebras, elephants, giraffes, can be viewed on the walking safari from Ngare-Sero, Engaruka to Loliondo accompanied by armed rangers.