Tanzania is extremely proud to have within it's boundaries the tallest mountain in Africa. And Kermali Tours and Safaris would not miss any opportunity it gets to show you its peak! But for those who are interested in climbing smaller challenges, we also have other mountains like Mount Meru.
MOUNT MERU
Mount Meru is a beautiful mountain located in Arusha National Park. It is a dormant mountain with abundant wildlife and is also snow capped at 14,979 feet. Climb this mountain with a wonderful trek into alpine Africa while looking at lush green forests, bare rock, and a spectacular crater.
The dramatic crater of Mount Meru is often neglected in favour of its famous neighbour to the east, but a visit to this spectacular mountain, located within Arusha National Park, is an unforgettable experience.
It's lower slopes are covered in dense highland forest, where colobus monkeys play and buffalo graze concealed beneath the thick foliage. The extinct volcano's extensive base gives way to a perfectly formed crater, and another internal crater whose are sharp, sheer cliffs. An ash cone forms a subsidiary peak, and the Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater are visible from Meru's slopes.
MOUNT KILIMANAJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated just three degree below the equator and it is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest walkable summit in the world.Kilimanjaro is a dormant, but not
extinct volcano. Ominous rumbles can sometimes be heard - and gases emerge from the fumeholes in the crater.
The two peaks of Kilimanjaro are the Kibo (5,893m) and Mawenzi (5,149m). Its breathtaking beauty has to be seen and experienced by one personally. Ascent and descent takes about 5 days and can be climbed by any normal fit person with the assistance of experienced mountain guides and porters.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year but the best time is considered to be from August to October and January to March. It is wet in the rainforest during the rains in April, May, June and November. December through to February are the warmest months but then Weather is very unpredictable and therefore you have to check with us at the time when you are close to your adventure.
With the help of our experienced porters and a guide, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without specialized mountaineering experience or equipment and Kilimanjaro can be conquered by any reasonably fit person. The climb normally takes five to six days and involves four or five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts when using Marangu Route. Machame Route does not have huts and therefore tents are used. Thousands of trekkers reach Gillman's Point or Uhuru Peak successfully each year without any real difficulty. To avoid altitude sickness and failure, it is recommended to acclimatize by ascending slowly and steadily instead of rushing to the next stop.
During the time on the mountain, you will pass from a tropical to arctic environment in just a few days. The various trails first pass through lush rainforests before reaching heather and open moorland where giant lobelia and huge, cactus-like groundsel grow. Above this moorland is the almost lunar landscape of an alpine desert which stretches between the two peaks of Kibo, the flat-topped dome at the centre, and Mawenzi, a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side.
VARIOUS ROUTES TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO:
KILIMANJARO FROM MARANGU ROUTE.
This is the most common and the most easiest route to climb mount Kilimanjaro. The route starts from Marangu gate (KINAPA HQ) AT 1820 mts, Mandara 2750 mts, Horombo 3780 mts, Kibo 4700 mts.
Marangu route was first used by the early express i.e. Hans Mayerin 1889 followed by Speke, Rebman, Klute, Peter and Bismark who built Mandara hut in 1912 followed by Peter hut now known as Horombo hut.
Marangu route is a two way traffic route.
KILIMANJARO FROM MACHAME ROUTE.
Machame route has become the second route from Marangu. It was esatblished by KINAPA in 1976 and has been the most scenic and atractive one. Gives someone more chance to adjust and explore the mountain starting from Machame gate 1600mts, Machame hut 3000mts, Shira hut 3800mts, Barranco 3900mts, Karanga 3850mts and Barafu 4600mts.
The terrain is gentle slope.
KILIMANJARO FROM SHIRA/ LONDROSS ROUTE.
This route crosses the Shira plateau west of Kibo. The views from the Shira plateau and there is also some game to be seen.
The route starts from Londross gate 1800mts, Simba caves 3800mts, Shira hut 3800mts, Lava tower 4600mts and Arrow hut 4800mts.
This route is very scenic and steep and is ussually used for young, strong and fit climbers.
KILIMANJARO FROM RONGAI ROUTE.
Rongai route is fast gaining in popularity and is considered to be one of the easiest routes up the mountain. This route starts from Nalemoru on the western side of Mawenzi at 1950mts. The first cave is at 2600mts and the second hut that is the school hut is at 4450mts. Overnights are spent camping in tents. The summit is reached via the east side of Kibo and the descent is via the Marangu route.
KILIMANJARO FROM UMBWE ROUTE.
This route is the most difficult route, very steep but the most fascinating. It was made by KMC and Dr.Batetho who built Barranco and Arrow huts. This route is very steep and is usually used by young, strong and fit climbers.
