Mt Kilimanjaro hiking and mountain climbing safaris
Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain peak in Africa. It was named after a king of the Kibo kingdom in Tanzania who ruled from 1890 to 1896 and then became the first person on Mt Kilimanjaro. This mountain is also referred to as “Kibo,” which means “SHOW ME” in Swahili. There is a crater on Kilimanjaro that was actually created by a volcano that erupted. The crater has a diameter of about 1 kilometer, and the average depth is about 200 meters. Inside the crater are various types of wildlife, such as flora and fauna, making Kilimanjaro an attractive place to visit. Mt Kilimanjaro is located in the Kilimanjaro region. This region is situated in the north of Tanzania.
Popular activities
- Mountain climbing
The main reason why people visit Kilimanjaro is to have the opportunity to climb the mountain. Depending on what one is looking for, there are several different routes to take while climbing the mountain. The most popular route is known as the Marangu route, as it is mostly used by people who need help to afford a package tour but still want to climb the mountain. The second route, the Machame route, has a similar difficulty level as the other one. There are other various routes that one can use to climb Kilimanjaro. The mountain can get very dangerous if one is climbing during certain months of the year. One must know how to protect oneself from the cold in these months and climb safely. Some areas become dangerous due to lack of oxygen, making one fall down on top of a crevice and causing major injuries.
- Paragliding
Paragliding is a popular activity that can be done in the park. When it comes to paragliding, there are various types, such as high-altitude paragliding and ultralight paragliding. These activities are mainly done in areas with an elevation of more than two thousand feet. Very few clouds are present during the dry season due to high temperatures and low humidity levels that make the area extra dry. Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular paragliding destinations in the world due to its unique location.
- Parasailing
Kilimanjaro offers the perfect platform for parasailing. During summer, there are no clouds present, and the high elevation of Kilimanjaro provides a clear view of other parts of Tanzania. one can also spot Mt Meru, another mountain located in Tanzania, while parasailing on top of Kilimanjaro.
- Mountain cycling
There are numerous cycling trails that one can navigate through within the park. One can cycle around the national park to get a good view of all the wildlife there, and this is a popular activity for tourists who visit Tanzania. One must have a guide when cycling in this region and carry enough water and food. The average cyclist will take about 10 days to cycle through the entire mountain.
- Hiking
Hiking Kilimanjaro is a walk up to the mountain’s peak, which is done in one day. However, other people decide to stay at Mt Kilimanjaro overnight and make it their base camp. One can take various routes while hiking this mountain; the most popular one is the Machame route. It is the safest route since it passes through a peaceful forest with good oxygen.
- Crater camping
This can be done if one want to camp on top of the mountain like the ancestors did a long time ago. However, it is highly recommended that one do not keep a fire going considering the altitude and the amount of oxygen present. This will lead to carbon dioxide poisoning, which can prove fatal to an individual suffering from altitude sickness. The easiest and safest way to camp is by getting a tent and pitching it above a crater.
- Mawenzi peak technical climb
Mawenzi Peak technical climb is one of the most dangerous routes to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. One can use various mountain routes, but Mawenzi Peak’s technical climb is the hardest. The average person will need about 20 days to complete this route, but it will be a different story for an experienced climber. The Mawenzi Peak technical climb has an altitude of 14,660 feet, making it a dangerous route due to lack of oxygen.
- Shira plateau day visit and nature walk in the montane forest.
The plateau is also home to one of the most important ethnic groups in Tanzania, who are known as the Masai people. There are different tours that one can take while on the Shira Plateau since some of them include a visit to a Masai camp. Some Shira Plateau tours include climbing Kilimanjaro and hiking the Shira Gulch trail. The best time to visit Shira Plateau is during the dry season since the weather conditions are at their best.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kilimanjaro is between October and June, with the colder months being preferred. Spring, which starts as early as February and ends as late as June, is also a great time to visit the mountain; however, one should avoid some parts.
What to expect
Before visiting the mountain, make sure that one has read all the safety precautions provided by Tanzania’s National Park Authority. There are various types of terrain for Kilimanjaro, and one must be ready for various scenarios. Some of these scenarios include a climb in an area known as “Death Zone,” where it can get extremely cold and dangerous, but this area is also referred to as “Peaceful Valley” by other climbers.
