Archive for October, 2010

snow-capped Kilimanjaro, floating above the clouds is probably one of the most beautiful and most impressive in the natural world. Even hard non-believers who in their spare time, empathy with the Maasai who call it the “House of God.” The mountain is one of the seven summits of world leaders? It is the highest point on the African continent.

Although there are higher mountains, they are part of the mountain ranges, Everest for example. But Kili, as it is popularly called, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises gently from 3,000 feet reached the sky, stopping only after a rise of 16,000 feet. The diameter at the base is an amazing 64 kilometers.

Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania on the border with Kenya. It is a popular myth, like the mountain was a part of Tanzania, which has been so much of the time of the German Empire.

Queen Victoria is the face of the mountain on his little son of German-Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday gift have. He also said that the Germans had at the blatant injustice of a snow-covered mountain is missing in their empire, while the Queen has two A was grumbling? the second Mount Kenya.

Although historians have discredited the myth, he refused to die and there is still a source of pleasure for many. Unwilling to allow the truth stand in the way some anti-colonial historians smoke with indignation, citing how the boundaries of East Africa were chosen randomly in the capitals of the imperial powers.

For most people in the west, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway short story for his 1936 “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”.

In 1952, Hollywood conjures the magic of the book fascinated Kili, he appeared in a movie with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in the lead roles.

Kilimanjaro is young as far as mountains go, and geologists is only permitted, 750,000 years. The mountain is of three extinct volcanoes-Kibo (19,340 feet), Shira (13,000 feet) and Mawenzi (16,896 feet) put together. Kibo occasionally belches a little steam and sulfur.

The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo, where you see the stunning glaciers and fantastic views of the countryside below. Though Kili is only three degrees south of the equator are the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi covered over with ice and snow throughout the year.

Many people have learned in Europe played a snowy />
Berg was at the equator, where the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported in 1849 found.

Going up the mountain, move from the tropics to the arctic conditions. There are five different climate zones, each zone at 3,300 meters.

Areas are the lower slopes, then forest, then moorland, alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes cultivated and agriculture flourishes. The forest region is dry and moist on the north, the south side. The forest has many species of trees, including Podocarpus, camphor, fig and olive trees and bamboo.

The animals are to be found blue and colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including hornbill and Touraco. In the area of Moore, you see the giant groundsel and lobelia often in high mountain regions of East Africa. Above, vegetation and animals are rare.

Kilimanjaro is the roof of the world, “the Internet. Any person who is reasonably strong and ambitious, without using any special mountaineering equipment can to defeat this giant. However, it is hard work. Altitudes and the resulting thin air, the biggest challenge, and not your lack of strength to be avoided. In order to succumb to altitude sickness, you will always guide you advise to take the mountain slowly, “pole pole” or slowly, as they say in Swahili. />
You must therefore avoid a rapid rise and take the time to get used to the oxygen of the disputed mountain air. achieved by ignoring such good advice from many young men not to the summit, when older climbers to do more deliberate.

To enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of Kili, you do not even climb. With a vehicle with all-wheel drive, you can be on the Shira Plateau, which towers at 12,000 feet. The first person known, reached the summit, the German climber Hans Meyer in 1889 is to have. Unlike today’s climber, he did not favor a road map and it has as the second attempt.

Having learned a lesson in humility for the second test, he brought together an expert in the Alps and a local guide. Meyer named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II, but it was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili.

Since the days of Meyer has resigned and the ice cap, scientists fear it will disappear in 20 to 50 years. So hurry up and climb Kili, while there is still such a beautiful sight.

Today, some climbers use a little difficult passage by Meyer developed. The climb normally takes five fifty-five days and includes four fifty-six nights in comfortable cabins.

The Marangu route, which was established way back in 1909, is the simplest and most popular, and is used by over 90% of the climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the scenic route and difficult Machame.

Climbing plants are not without a sense of humor, and they relate to the Marangu Route Coca-Cola and the Machame Route whiskey. Other routes are Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.

Shira is a scenic route that you arrive through the Shira Plateau, in the all-wheel drive. The road offers a breathtaking view of the Rift Valley and Mount Meru. With Mweka, you reach the summit and back to the starting point in 4 days. But as you can imagine, it’s pretty stiff and not easy at all.

The road is steeper and faster Umbwe and take only three days from top to bottom. The route is spectacular, but it is for the trained and experienced climbers and not accidental. In addition, there are technical ways in which the violation of the West and streets Lemosho.

Regardless of the route you choose, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. Here you can get your license and pay the entrance fee. climb on the Marangu route typically spend four nights on the mountain. The route is clearly marked on the top. You begin the hike through the forest zone Mandara hut (9,000 m) on the first night. Next stop by the swamp for a second night at the shelter Horombo (12 450 ft).

Then, through the alpine desert, by the third night at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep until you at the Summit, go just after midnight.

You can then descend to Horombo cabin for your last night after a global hike of about 77 km. If you spend more time to acclimatize at the top, you can overnight twice at Horombo hat.

On the Machame route, spend a night in the night mountain.You Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. They combine the Mweka route and continue to Barafu hat.

After the fight against the top you will get your last night at Mweka hut. The next day we joined other mortals at the foot of the mountain. It is recommended that the route to choose the most suitable for your experience.

Most seek to Uhuru Peak reached – the highest point of Kibo, and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman’s Point, just below the summit of Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than the peak, Kibo, is more irregular and requires experience of mountaineering. Many climbers find scale Kili, whatever height they reach a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not achieve estimated to reach only 15-30% of summit.Different climbers to the summit. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared.

It is your ability, this extra dose of determination that will count in difficult times mobilized. In terms of physical preparation, start by including walking with luggage on their backs. This continues the growth rates less height.

Think you get in some aerobic workout in the gym and jogging. If you have heart or lung disease, better not risk the rise. In any case, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor so that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is preferred that a climbing trip purchase to take advantage of people with indigenous knowledge instead. The typical package bundle: Return transfers – charges or Arusha Moshi to Marangu Gate, the park and rescue services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in cabins and all meals on the mountain.

You also need to hire locally or bring sleeping bags and equipment. Some useful tips for collecting include – waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, flashlights, sunglasses, prevention of diseases, elevation, gloves and shoes at night.

You need a backpack on some key elements such as beams, your equipment must be worn to walk normally on their way. Some items worn on the back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen. BeSure contribution and a very good book value of our offer ascent of Kilimanjaro.

You can Kili, descend at any time during the year. But of course it is less fun in the period from March to June, when it rains the most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is hot and dry – January, February and September.

July, August, November and December as well, but fresher. Due to different conditions along the route tropism for the Arctic – it is appropriate to include in layers of clothing, you can either add or shed. Generally, in the northern region of Tanzania, you can expect an average temperature of 15 ° C from May to August and 22 ° C over December to March.

In the mountains, temperatures drop by about 1 degree Celsius attached per 650 feet.

Many climbers like Christmas and New Year, to find them in the mountains, and if you book early, it is difficult to obtain a slot.

The best way to relax after the ride is unmatched, it take a safari in northern Tanzania and the wilderness heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. We covered these attractions in previous editions of the newsletter here.

You can climb your vacation in Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro Safari or together – offers a glimpse of our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Hotel. If you want to build your own safari, then visit the pages and Tanzania Car Rental Tanzania hotels and lodges on our website.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km northwest of Dar es Salaam. The basis for the rise of Kili is nearby towns in northern Tanzania in Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services the region. But it is better to get out in Nairobi in Kenya, then take a shuttle to Arusha. http://www.gotomountkenya.com

Kilimanjaro Tours