Currently viewing the tag: "Kilimanjaro"
Every year Canadians come together for the Climb for CARE – climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to support CARE’s work around the world, and to have a life-changing experience they will remember forever. This video was made by the people who Climbed for CARE in 2005.
DON’T FORGET TO CLICK “HD” Each year, nearly ten thousand tourists travel to Tanzanias Kilimanjaro National Park to summit the worlds tallest freestanding mountain. The journey from the base to the summit can take up to a week of navigating dangerous conditions, from rock slides to freezing temperatures and altitude sickness. There are no facilities on the mountain, so each climbing team is responsible for supplying its own food, shelter, and safety equipment. As most climbers on Kilimanjaro are amateurs, the National Parks mandates that each climber is accompanied by at least one porter to help carry these essentials. It also has guidelines for a minimum daily wage, the maximum weight each porter can carry, and the type of equipment each porter should be outfitted with. Porters are primarily local villagers from the slopes of Kilimanjaro who can earn a living wage working on the mountain. However, because they are usually uneducated and have little or no other means to earn a living, they are regularly exploited by the tour operators who employ them. The porters are often poorly fed, given no warm or waterproof clothing, and according to National Parks guidelines, are grossly underpaid and made to carry loads far heavier than is regulated. Porters are regularly injured due to the poor working conditions and each year porters die working on the mountain. In most cases, tourists interact solely with their climbing guides and have little to no interaction with the porters …
For A Challenging And Sheer Climbing Experience On Kilimanjaro – Choose Umbwe Route
If you are planning to climb mount Kilimanjaro, you might want to wisely consider the 5 different routes that you can take to summit it. Each has its unique features and provides a unique experience with varying difficulty as well.
While climbing a mountain a lot of planning and preparations are involved. Your success in reaching the summit depends largely on how you fare on the mountain. With every step you take towards the peak you trade your strength and try to keep your determination. To summit the mountain, you might have to take thousands of steps on terrains and through temperature that changes from height to height. When you are actually on the mountain and summit bound, how you fare during the ascension depends a lot on how you planned and prepared.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, is a favorite destination for thousands of climbers around the world. It is reported that over 25,000 people from across the globe head to the planet’s tallest free standing mountain to summit Uhuru, its peak. However, it is believed that only around half the number of climbers reach the peak. Although not a totally crucial undertaking, it could be quite severe when coupled with the altitude sickness that generally kicks in. Hence, right from tuning your body and mind to picking the suitable route in regards to your body each aspect to be given a practical thought.
There are 5 different routes that you can choose from to reach the top including Machame, Marangu, Shira or Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe. Each route has its unique features and will provide a unique experience. This also means that the distance, weather, view, duration of climb, cost, difficulty etc., could differ from one route to the other. Not all the 5 routes are suitable for every one.
Machame route, one of the most popular and busy, is known to offer the best success rate with beautiful scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones. Marangu route, also called the ‘Coca Cola’ route is considered the easiest and shortest with less scenic view as the same route is used for ascent and descent. Shira or Lemosho is recommended for the highest success rate and good acclimatization. These two routes are remote and spectacular, offering Kilimanjaro’s diverse climatic zones as you climb higher. Rongai is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai route provides the experience of real wilderness on the initial stages of the climb. The fifth route, Umbwe, is considered to be the most difficult of all the routes.
Umbwe route, or also known as the ‘Vodka route,’ approaches from the south. It is a short route to the top with steep and direct climb. Due to its steepness and difficulty, it is often said of this route that one requires an iron will to summit Kilimanjaro via Umbwe route. Hence, it is not recommended for the fainthearted. The route is known for its low success rate, it also offers poor acclimatization to altitude because of the rapid ascent. So, be sure to pack a Herculean strength and a similar will before taking this route.
The Umbwe route is also a very remote and quiet one, therefore, be prepared for an exclusive and a sheer climbing experience if you pick this one. The minimum required days to summit Uhuru (Kilimanjaro’s peak) via this route is 6 days. There are low recommendations for this route, but on another note, this could offer seasoned climbers a remarkable experience, those with years of mountain climbing experience and the bring it on attitude.
For any information and service for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro make sure that you approach a trusted tour operator who has experienced guides, success rate, best on site (on the mountain) features and other options. Some also offer special features such as safaris, treks and beaches for a complete African experience.
The writer is associated with Private Kilimanjaro, a reliable agency for special and successful Kilimanjaro climbs. You can also get helpful Kilimanjaro facts at the website.
Article from articlesbase.com
My bf is a keen climber and I want to do this one with him as hes done some big ones in america without me and I want to go with himf or once but ill need the easiest route as im in shape but definitly not used to climbing up mountains
The “little mountain boy” has been on the news the past few days. Here’s a link to the story:
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_7816782
Hiking is among the most enjoyable hobbies or activities that we can undertake, particularly hiking in areas of great natural beauty. Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro is a breath taking experience, with so many different environments seen during the walk.
At nearly 19,500 feet (the actual height is about 19,300 and a few odd feet) Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow covered peaks, is the highest peak in Africa. It is one of the most amazing walks in the world. You will traverse five different climates as you travel upward toward the peak. Each climate, each aspect of the hike, affords you different challenges to meet as you climb upward.
To reach that peak, quite appropriately called the Roof of Africa, in reasonably good health, there are a few things that you’re going to need to take with you along the way. Planning ahead for a trip of this level is, of course, only common sense. What are you going to need to organize?
*You many not climb Mt Kilimanjaro without a guide or without an organized trek, and by following the established paths. Find a good guide and group. Some will be far less costly, but may not be as experienced as they should be and not well able to handle emergencies. Choose wisely.
**Test your limits. You will need to know how your body will react to the altitudes that you’re going to travel. Hike to a few peaks prior to heading out to Kilimanjaro if you can and see how you react to high altitudes. If necessary see a physician to get medication to prevent altitude sickness.
* Pack very well for your trip. Usually your porter will carry part of your gear. Probably the porter will carry about 25 pounds worth. Don’t skimp or leave out needed equipment. One thing you will absolutely want to be sure that you have along with you will be portable water filters or hiking water filters. These are relatively light weight and you don’t want to be caught without one. Carrying enough water to sustain yourself on the trip is going to be difficult at best. A portable water filter, or hiking water filter will lessen the load and keep you safe by filtering out any type of micro-organism, even viruses.
*Good quality hiking boots are an absolute must. Never wear new boots that aren’t broken in. Get yourself in reasonable physical shape and break in the boots at the same time, but wearing hiking boots that are new is going to mean that you’re not as comfortable as possible. With a trip of this length and height, that is not an option. Hike a few smaller peaks while you wait for your trip, take your dog for excessively long walks, or even just stair climb with them, but whatever you do, make sure your boots are well worn in.
*Don’t forget a camera, but make it a good quality one. Cameras often don’t react well to high altitude or low temperatures. Make sure that yours is well rated so that your gorgeous photos of you at the peak aren’t lost to a camera failure.
Just as you would with any other trip, don’t try to rush it, and get in decent physical shape. Make sure that you’re fit enough to handle the trip. Get out and get moving well before your trip comes up, and pace yourself on the way up. If you follow common sense rules for hiking, you’ll be sure to end up standing at the peak smiling down at the rest of the world.
Nature is one thing that’s very close to my heart and take full advantage when I get time to do outdoor activities. I hope you take time to enjoy hiking, safari, backpacking, and camping.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB
Any physically fit person can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.. No climbing experience is necessary to get you to the top of Africa’s highest mountain 5,895M (19,340FT) with its magnificent gleaming glaciers, Flora and Fauna.
Weather
Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed any time of the year but there are two rainy seasons – late March to mid June and November. The best months are December, January to March and July to October usually dry and minimum clouds.
8 DAYS MT. KILIMANJARO- MARANGU ROUTE
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
Travel from Nairobi to Arusha on board a Shuttle bus or pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport â?? transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay Â
 Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km’s | Habitat: Montane forest
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Day 3: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.  Â
Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatisation day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest. Â
Day 5: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.Â
 The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. Â
There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Â
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. Â Â Â
From Gillmanâ??s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Â
Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km’s
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at a budget hotel.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule/travel back to Nairobi on board a shuttle bus. Â Â Â
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Muchina is a tour consultant with Beaverline Safaris a Nairobi based tour operator commited to giving its clients the best of services through its highly effient and dedicated stuff. For all your East Africa Travel needs kindly contact Beaverline safaris at info@beaverlinesafaris.com or visit our Website at http://www.beaverlinesafaris.com