Tanzania safari to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park – Hiking mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Tanzania safari to Mount kilimanjaro national park – About Mt. Kilimanjaro Park. Though the park is only 1,688 sq. km (652 sq. mi) it encompasses one of the largest mountains in the world.
Location:
Just 200 miles from the equator, the mountain holds many glaciers. It is situated in northern Tanzania.
Climate:
Because Mt. Kilimanjaro is more of a vertical park, the climate changes as you ascend the mountain.
The rainforests at the base are usually quite humid and wet. Rising above the cloud line, the air is drier and clear but also much colder. The summit area averages a temperature of -7oC (19oF).
Best time to visit:
Kilimanjaro is accessible any time during the year but the weather patterns on the mountain are erratic and hard to predict. The best time for climbing is during the dry season from late June to October.
Getting there:
You can book a tour or a climb with Great adventure safaris from Arusha, the park is about 45 km (28 mi) away.
By air: Kilimanjaro International Airport services Arusha.
Preparing for Mt. Kilimanjaro
Tanzania safari to Mount Kilimanjaro national park – Although many attempt to summit the mountain only about 50% actually complete the climb. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the experience as far as it takes you. Just be realistic about the mountain and its harsh conditions.
Of course, you should be in fairly good shape and not try and push the climb, giving yourself 6 or more days for the ascent. Still, the extreme cold and altitude can fell even the most experienced climber.
The symptoms of extreme altitude sickness – headache, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite – should be taken very seriously.
You’ll need waterproof cold-weather clothing and gear, a good quality sleeping bag and plenty of water bottles. The grandeur of Mt. Kilimanjaro is awe-inspiring but ultimately this mountain must be respected.
Discover Mt. Kilimanjaro
Visiting Mt. Kilimanjaro can be one of the great experiences of your Africa Holiday. Few summits share its fame or its power to conjure up the magnificence of our planet.
Climbing the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro
Climbing the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak is a prize sought after by many, and we can organise climbs of various duration. Over the years entrants have even included people disabled in different ways, whose charities have sponsored climbs. For the able-bodied however it remains a challenge, only 70% make the peak.
Africa’s highest mountain stands a proud 5,896m and is surrounded by a national park of 756 sq. km. All routes lead to the summit circuit and twin peaks Kibo and Mawenzi (5,149 m), which are connected by an 11 km saddle. The collapsed peak Shira (3,962 m) has become a crater. Many attempt the climb but only 20-50% completes the top.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located at the north/eastern tip of Tanzania. For the adventurous, a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro is a must taking you through the mists of equatorial jungle to reach the snows and breath-taking views from the summit.
Activities in mount kilimanjaro
The upward track wends through forests that vary constantly with the altitude and finally opens out into open moorland below rocky, snow covered Kibo plateau. It has 3 volcanic centres, Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi. 5, 7 & 8 day climbs are easily arranged from Moshi or Arusha, and is the perfect start to your trip in Tanzania.
When is the best time to Climb mount kilimanjaro?
It can be climbed at any time during the year. However, Christmas and New Year are usually fully booked and April, May and November is the rainy season.
Safety
Please check with your doctor to ensure you are fully aware of the dangers of climbing at this high altitude.