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ABOUT MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro, a scenic show piece of Tanzania would always greet you on arrival. Just as you cross the equator, Kilimanjaro’s white flat top, shimmers in the blue sky.
Grand and majestic, it looks “ as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievable white in the sun” as Hemingway had seen it.
Standing at 5895 metres above sea level, the Kilimanjaro is the highest landmark in Africa, the highest free standing mountain in the world, as well as one of the dormant volcanoes.
Rising out of the equator, and only 250km from the tropical coast, Kilimanjaro’s permanent snows defies its tropical location- a mystery that for over 2000 years has baffled the world.
With the continuous destruction of the ozone layer and warming, it remains to be seen if the snows of the Kilimanjaro would remain forever. |
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Mount Kilimanjaro national park was gazetted in 1973 and officially inaugurated in july 1977.It has an area of 1668sq km. The park’s major objective is to “protect Africa’s highest and one of the world’s largest freestanding mountains and to conserve its unique socio- economic, cultural, and ecological values and features of the gragile mountain ecosystem”.
Hence, the park has an important role to play in the lives and livelihoods of neighbouring communities, in addition to its well- recognized national and international roles.
The headquarter is situated at the marangu gate at the forest periphery. The altitude varies from 1829 meters at marangu gate to 5895 meters at the snow capped – kibo peak. Rainfall of 2.337mm has been recorded in the forest at 1829 meters elevation. It decreases rapidly with an average of 1321 mm at mandara Hut (274m).
Horombo hut at 3719 meters about 534mm of rainfall and November and December. There is a dry spell in January and February, while long rains begin in march and continue through may.
The park has been divided into three management zones, namely: High use zone, low use zone and the wilderness zone. The high use zone – includes marangu, mweka and machame routes.
The marangu route is the easiest and most popular. It is a two way route, that is , visitors climbing through this route will descend through the same route. The journey starts at marangu, an ever green small township surrounded by coffee and banana plantations as well as a green forest supported by the many streams that cascade from the mountain slopes.
The ascent, usually, begins at marangu gate. From here one walks through the montane forest comprising of camphor, cedar, juniper and olive trees, festooned with lichens and moss to the delight of the eye, while monkeys shake the trees and birds are heard singing in profusion. Visitors using this route spend 5-6 days for ascending and descending.
They are accommodated at mandara, 9km from the gate; Horombo, 12km from mandara and kibo, 12 from horombo. Visitors from the rongai route also descend throuth the marangu route but camp at Horombo. On the other hand, the machame route is a one way and is used fo ascending only; descending takes plade through the mweka route. The combined routes take 6 – 7 days for ascending and descending. The machame route has stopovers at machame II and shira II. And lastly, the mweka route is used for descending only by visitors from machame, londorosi and umbwe routes.
The low use Zone includes Londorosi, Umbwe and Rongai routes as well as kibo circuit. Whereas Londorosi is a two way route, Umbwe and Rongai are ascending routes only. The Zone also includes an area on the shira plateau.This zone represents an expanded opportunity where non-summit bound hikers focus more on the spectacular scenery and the diversity of geologic features and flora that comprise this unique area.
The wilderness zone on the other hand, is the largest of them all covering about 83% of the entire park. It incorporates the mountainous areas and all areas in the park that are not included in the other twon zones, In this zone , there are no designated trails, roads or campsites and climbers will required to use camouflage camping techniques within the zone.Guides, therefore are needed. |
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The number of visitors climbing mount Kilimanjaro has increased steadily. In 1995, for instance, there were 15,639 people who visited the Park. However, in 2004, the park recorded 28,814 people. The leading route is marangu followed by machame route.
The animals which can be seen in the park expecially in the western park of the Kilimanjaro include Harvey’s and Abbott’s duiker, elephant, buffalo, eland, leopard, colobus and blue monkey.
Mount Kilimanjaro has five altitude zones:
The lower slopes
Forest
Heather and Moorland
Highland desert
The summit
Within each zone there is an association between altitude, rainfall, temperature, plants and animals. The above zones occupy belts of about 1000 metres of altitude each. Generally, the temperature falls about 1c for every 200 meters increase in altitude.Similarly, rainfall decreases steadily with altitude from the forest upwards.
The lower slopes ( 800-1800m) were originally scrub, bush and low land. These have been cultivated and are now used for for livestock grazing as well as food and cash crops. |
On the other hand, the forest which is between 1800 and 2,800 metres above sea level is the richest zone on the mountain.The montane forest encircles the mountain, frequently covered in cloud. In this forest, there is high humidity, dampness and fog.The forest is the ideal habitat of most wild animals although they are often hidden form view.
The heather and mooraland ( 2800 – 4000 m) is a low alpine zone with a cool clear climate except for mist and fog near the forest. Heather and health-like shrubs grow in this area, as well as gorse- like bushes, attractive grasses and flowers.
The highland desert ( 4000-5000m) is the alpine zone. There is intense radiation, high evaporation and daily fluctuations in temperature; nights can be below 0c and in the day time as high as 40C in direct sun. Under these harsh conditions only the hardiest lichens, moss and tussock grass can exist.
Finally, the summit area above 5,000m is characterized by arctic conditions – freezing cold at night and burning sun during the day. Oxygen is about half that at sea level and there is little atmosphere to protect you from the sun’s radiation.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year. However, January, February and September are considered the best months. |
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During the rainy period of march to may, clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow ontop and rain at the base. Visibility can be limited by cloud cover even when no rain falls.
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The shorter rainy period of October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain, dropping rains as they go. Normally, the clouds disappear in the evening; so the nights and mornings are clear with excellent visibility.
It is important for visitors to athere to the code of conduct set by the park authority, to ensure a successful safari. Visitors are therefore reminded to be aware of the following rules and regulations.
The support that you are giving through your park fees provides the park with the means to conserve and protect this unique naural environment.Mountain hiking offers a range of challenges and adventures. Trails users can choose gentle, scenic or challenging routes.
Regardless of what type of tarrain you select, remember there are elements of risk in mountain hiking that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce, but not eliminate. Observe the code listed below and help create a great trail experience for everyone. These are the most important precautions that you are required to follow while you are on the mountain. Please read them carefully, then print and sign your name to show that you understand your responsibilities. |
Familiarize yourself with the trails systems and select routes within your ability level.
-Hickers attempting to reach the summit should be physically fit.If you have a sore throat, cold or breathing problems, do not go beyond 3000m above the sea level.
-Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to go beyond 3000m above sea level
-If you have heart or lung problems, do not attempt to hike the mountain at all without consulting your doctor.
-Allow plenty of time for the body to acclimatize by ascending slowly.
-Drink 4 to 5 litres of liquid each day; water is the best but fruit juice is good supplement
-If symptoms of mountain sickness or high altitude diseases persist, please descend immediately and seek medical attention. Our rescue team is always at standby to render such services at kibo hut, Horombo hut, shira II, high camp/ millennium, Baranco and marangu Headquarters.
- Obey all trail signs and markings and only hike and camp at the designated trail and campsites only.
-A licenced guide must lead every climbing group. Feel free to ask the guide to show his/ her official guiding licence offered by the park.
- Always go as a group, never walk alone.
-Porter are allowed to carry a maximum of 25 kgs including their belongings during the climb.
-Respect the environment and wildlife.
- Be self – sufficient and aware of changing weather and terrain conditions.Water, Extra clothing, gloves, sturdy shoes and sunscreen are recommended. |
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The Kilimanjaro national park is only 48km from moshi own and 90km from the Kilimanjaro International Airport.The park may be reached from the Airport in about I hour at a normal driving speed. The road is tarred all the way to the entrance gate. Accessibility to the park, therefore, is excellent since the park is not only close to Kilimanjaro International Airport, But it is also not far from the jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, only 310km away.
Like other parks, the Kilimanjaro has several natural, scenic and cultural attractions which can correctly be called “ Pull factors”. The hike through savannah, montane forest, low alpine, heath and Moorland, alpine desert, snowfield and glaciers for instance, make the ascent to the summit similar to traveling to the Arctic from the Equator in the space of only a few kilometers.
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The montane forest is one of the most important zones in the park; walking through it simply takes ones breath away. It is a lifebelt for the people living around the mountain and beyond. As a watershed, It ensures a stable water supply for irrigation and household use; prevents soil erosion and flood damage; moderates temperatures; serves as a windbreaker; prevents drought and improves soil quality. In this area, one finds largest known populations of Abbo’s duiker, listed as a globally threatened species.
On the other hand , a number of endemic plants arepresent in the park. The spectacular giant groundsels and lobelia are adapted to the Kilimanjaro conditions. Admittedly, the convention on International Trade in Endagered Species of wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ) has identified elephants, and leopards as well as lions, red fronted parrots, abbot’s duikers, birds of prey( crowned Eagle, Mountain Buzzard, Augur Buzzard and Lammergeyer), chameleons, tree hyraxes, primates ( Black and white colobus monkey, vervet monkey, Blue monkey, Olive baboon, patas monkey, lesser and Greater Bush babies) as being threatened and vulnerable species of animals.
The outstanding features of the park are its major volcanic centres. Shira peak ( 3,062 meters) in the west is the oldest in its lava formation. It is considerably eroded and only the southern and western rims remain. |
The shira plateau has an open grassland, heath and moorland, with a large concentration of the endemic giant senecios and lobelias along its drainages.
There are magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley and mount Meru to the west and mount longido to the northwest. Special features fo the plateau include the shira cone, which rises to about 200 meters above the plateau, the shira ridge on the west rising to 400 meters above the plateau and the southern ridge tieh its two dramatic peaks called the cathedral and the Needle. The jagged Mawenzi peak ( 5149 meters ) to the east is one of the most dramatic aspects of the Kilimanjaro landscape and by far the greatest challenge to mountaineers.
Kibo peak, the summit of mount Kilimanjaro, is the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters and is also referred to as the Uhuru ( Freedom) Peak. Kibo is characterized by arctic conditions, with oxygen nearly half that at sea level, no surface water and virtually no animal life. Among the special features of the summit are the “ Inner Crater, the Ash cone, and the Ash Pit, The Terrace, and the dramatic ice cliffs of the northern glaciers. The Ash Pit, one of the most perfect formed examples in the world, Is 120 meters deep and about 360 meters across
A suggested list of climbing gear and clothing would include:
-Insulated, waterproof hiking boots with rigid uppers and thick soles
-3 pairs of warm socks
-3 pairs of lightweight socks
-1 or 2 pairs of lightweight walking or running shoes for walking around the camp
1 warm hat ( or balaclava) with brim to keep the sun off face and neck and a sun hat
-1 pair of insulated hiking or ski gloves
1 down- filled, hooded parka or goretex anorak.
-2 sets of thermal underwear
-1 pair of warm, windproof slacks
-1 pair of shorts
-2 woolen or flannel shirts with long sleeves
-1 or 2 warm sweaters
-2 lighter – weight shirts
-3 or 4 sets of Underwear
-Lightweight rain gear with hood
-Lightweight personal water container
-A water purification kit and / or iodine pills
- A lightweight daypack for carrying your own water, lunch, camera , film etc..
-A medium – size, sturdy duffel bag to maintain all your gear and clothing.
-Well insulated sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of 20 fahrenheit.
-Camping pillow
- Emergency foil blanket |
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Flashlight ( with extra batteries); a head lamp will be especially useful for the last part of the climb, which is done at night.
-1 or 2 walking sticks
-Pair of mud gaiters
-Dark sunglasses with high ultra-violet ( UV) ray protection or snow goggles
-Sunscreen
-Lip balm containing a sun block
-Small hand towel, soap, and 2 rolls of toilet paper
-Tussue and “wash and dry” wipes
- Uv filters for your camera
- High – energy snacks ( such as muesli bars and chocolate)
-A small reference book on plants
In Addition, It is suggested that, one should assemble a basic medical kit. The following items may be useful:-
-A good supply of aspirin ( for altitude headaches)
-Altitude medication
-An antibiotic to use if needed
-Anti – biotic cream ( for cuts and scrapes)
-Band-aids and bandages
-Moleskin
-Scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer
-Cold / flu tablets and throat lozenges
-Medicine for stomach ailments and re-hydration salts
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will indeed remind you of having been to the “ Roof of Africa”. You are therefore most welcome to scale the highest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding volcanic mountain in the world. Come one; come all to Tanzania – The land of the Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. |
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