http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/altitude-and-safety-on-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/altitude-and-safety-on-kilimanjaro.html Fri, 29 May 2009 08:50:16 -0500
Be fit and take your assent slowly whilst drinking a lot of water. Anyone is can get altitude sickness and your guide will watch for the signs.

Pre-climb try to stay as high as you can so your body is starting to acclimatize.

Most climbers feel the effects of altitude, a shortness of breath and headache. When these symptoms worsen then they become what is know a AMS, Acute Mountain Sickness. The most effective treatment is by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude, a drop as little as 500m will be usually be enough. The symptoms of AMS, in the order they normally present: headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the extremities and reduced urine output.

By drinking at least 3-4 liters of water every day you will give yourself the best chance of making it to the top. Preventative medicine such as Diamox is also available. You should consult your physician for advice before visiting a foreign country . Fluid build-up may cause a condition known as oedema. This can affect the lungs (pulmonary) by reducing oxygen exchange, or effect the brain (cerebral) which causes the swelling of brain tissue. The latter can be lethal if not treated promptly.

Acclimatization is critical. An extra acclimatization day spent on your climb is very worthwhile. I would recommend spending the extra money as it significantly increases your chance of success in reaching Uhuru Peak. Tell your guide if you: feel tired, vomit or if you are passing blood. These are all indications of Mountain sickness. If you begin to suffer seriously then you need to get to a lower altitude as fast as possible. Do not try to tough it out by hanging on thinking you will be fine, get down the mountain as quickly as possible or you could die.

Another potential risk on Kilimanjaro is hypothermia. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature. As with altitude sickness prevention is preferable to cure. There is no such thing as too cold, just the wrong clothing. Try not to allow your clothes to get wet. The treatment for hypothermia is relatively simple. Get the victim into a sheltered area as quickly as possible, remove all wet clothing and place the casualty inside a sleeping bags with another person to help heat them up.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/climb-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/climb-kilimanjaro.html Thu, 21 May 2009 10:28:47 -0500
There is a popular myth telling why Kilimanjaro came to be part of Tanzania. Queen Victoria is supposed to have gifted the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday present. Historians have discredited the myth but it has refused to die.

Mt Kilimanjaro is still young as far as mountains go, and geologists age it at only around 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes -Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi. Kibo still vents some steam and sulfur. The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak, where you see great glaciers and fantastic views of the country below. As you Go up the mountain, you will move from tropical to arctic conditions.

There are five distinct climate zones, with each zone taking a band of approximately 3,300 feet. The zones are: lower slopes,forest, moorland, alpine desert and arctic. The lower slopes are cultivated. The forest is dry on the northern and wet on the southern slopes.

The forest has numerous plant species including podocarpus, camphor, fig and bamboo. The only animals to be found here are blue and Colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including trumpeter hornbills and livingstones turaco. In the moorland region, you find the giant groundsels and lobelias. Further up, vegetation and indeed life itself becomes sparse.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the world's most accessible top summit. To avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness you should go slow and drink lots of water.

The German climber Hans Meyer was the first person to have reached the summit in 1889. He only made it on the second attempt and named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II. This was changed to 'Uhuru' or 'freedom' in Swahili several years later.

There are several routes up the mountain from the Coca-coal route (Marangu route) to the more difficult whiskey route (Machame). Climbers are advised to pick the route that best suits their experience. Most people aspire to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kibo whilst others are satisfied with Gillman's Point, the lower peak on Kibo.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to the north of Dar es Salaam the commercial capital of Tanzania. The base for climbing Kilimanjaro is nearby northern Tanzania town of Moshi. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best place to arrive.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris







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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/conservation-of-the-forests-on-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/conservation-of-the-forests-on-kilimanjaro.html Mon, 04 May 2009 09:38:31 -0500
Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, recently said the following: 'Wanton destruction of trees in mountains has completely ruined our environment. It is now necessary to ban destruction of forests to save the environment…'

Charcoal burning and logging have been banned from Kilimanjaro's slopes, however it may be a case of too little too late. Recently the local environment has been noticeably drying out. Kilimanjaro has always had a high population density but this has increased since the colonial era and the level of clear felling for agricultural purposes has risen correspondingly.

The rich forests of Kilimanjaro cover the flanks of the mountain, trapping moisture which is then released slowly. The forest comprises of a belt that is in some places less than a kilometer thick. When Hans Meyer first climbed Kilimanjaro he found an immense forest, skirting the mountain to the floor of the savannah. The forest was graded in saturation and density with altitude. It was most concentrated between 1,300m to 3,300m.

Conservation is usually left to volunteer organisations and NGOs, that, guided and administered by a handful of professional conservationists. The general plan of these organisations is an attempt to enlighten the local people to the fact that they are sowing the seeds of their own demise. The constant land clearing for agriculture is wholly counter-productive, since it is merely creating the conditions where agriculture will become futile. Flash flooding can now occur arround Kilimanjaro, often followed by massive gully erosion and landslides. This is already visibly affecting the landscape.


For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

--
Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/endemic-plants-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/endemic-plants-of-kilimanjaro.html Mon, 04 May 2009 08:38:43 -0500
Kilimanjaro has a large variety of forest types graduated over a range of 3000 m. These areas contain over 1200 vascular plant species. Montane Ocotea forests are found on the damp southern slopes, whereas Cassipourea and Juniperus forests grow on the drier northern slopes.

Subalpine Erica forests at 4100 m are the the highest elevation cloud forests in East Africa. Despite the high biodiversity, the degree of endemism is low. This is possibly as a result of serious habitat depletion prior to complete survey work or the young age of the Mountain.

Remnant forest patches in the deepest valleys of the cultivated lower areas suggest that a diverse forest flora inhabited Mt Kilimanjaro in the recent past. This includes limited range species otherwise only found in the Eastern Arc mountains.

This low amount of endemism on the mountain may be a consequence of the destruction of the lower altitude forest as opposed to the relatively young age of the mountain.

Another unique characteristic of the forests on Mt Kilimanjaro is the lack of a bamboo belt, which occurs on all other comparable mountains in East Africa with a similarly high rainfall. This is possibly linked to the actions of large herbivores such as elephants and buffaloes. The Sinarundinaria stands are often favoured by elephants and buffaloes and these herbivores are found on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. On the Northern slopes it is far too dry for a large bamboo zone to develop. The larger animals are denied access to the wet southern slope forests by steep topography and the presence of humans. The local tribes have farmed the lower slopes and foothills for at least 2000 years.

This complex relationship betwen the biotic and abiotic factors could explain both the lack of a bamboo zone on Kilimanjaro and potentially explains for the patterns of both diversity and endemism found on the mountain. The forest of Kilimanjaro can are a superb example of the significant influence of both animals and humans on the landscape.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


--
Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-geology-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-geology-of-kilimanjaro.html Mon, 04 May 2009 06:16:08 -0500
On the Marangu Route you will more than likely come across a number of small cone shaped hills. These are known as 'parasitic cones' and are quite simply formations that are the product of offshoots of the main lava flow. In the event that you elect to do the optional Saddle Walk, you will pass a cliff face that appears to be stained with black and white stripes. Entitled Zebra Rock, this unusually patterned formation is the result of mineral rich rain water flowing down from the rocks above and streaking the almost black lava cliff white in places.

The formations on Kilimanjaro are not limited to volcanic rock alone, but also include incredibly impressive glacial configurations. While the sheets of ice on the mountain reflect the sun's rays from above, typical Weather Patterns on the mountain ensure the heat from the ground melts the ice from below, resulting in the formation of intricate undercuts and overhangs.

Thousands of years ago, whole sheets of ice covered the mountain all the way down to almost 3000 feet. Today they can be seen only near the peak, and scientist predict that sadly within the next 15 years the snow cap may just disappear completely, confining the sight of the Great White Mountain to the pages of literature and the memories of those lucky enough to see it in it's glory.

Shira and Mawenzi were two other areas of volcanic activity. Both became inactive before Kibo. The Shira volcanic cone collapsed leaving the Shira Ridge as part of its Caldera Rim. Mawenzi has been heavily eroded to leave a mass of steep-sided ridges and summits, particularly dramatic on the infrequently-seen eastern side.

Kibo is the best preserved centre; it has three concentric craters and the outer crater rim rises to Uhuru Point - the chief summit. The middle, Reusch crater contains the main fumaroles and in its centre the 130m deep and 400m wide Ash Pit. The outer crater has been breached by lava flows in several places, the most dramatic of these being the Western Breach.

The ash and lava covered slopes of Kibo are mainly gentle-angled from the steep, glaciated precipices which defend its southern and south-western flanks. The impressive rock walls on Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi are generally composed of lavas and ashes.

Deep gorges (barrancos) have been carved into the soft rocks and ashes of Kilimanjaro. The most impressive of these is the Great Barranco below the Western Breach and the two Barrancos on the east side of Mawenzi.

Numerous parasitic cones extend east-west across Kilimanjaro; some are located near the Mandara Hut (Maundi Crater offers a fine view point), while others lie just north of the Shira Route.

At one stage most of the summit of Kilimanjaro was covered by an ice cap, probably more than 100 metres deep. Glaciers extended well down the mountain forming moraine ridges, clearly visible now on the southern flanks down to about 4000m. At present only a small fraction of the glacial cover remains.

The remnants of the ice cap can be seen as the spectacular ice cliffs of the Northern and Eastern Icefields, and the longest glaciers are found on the precipitous southern and south-western flanks. If the present rate of recession continues the majority of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro could vanish altogether in the next 50 years.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-vulcanology-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-vulcanology-of-kilimanjaro.html Sun, 03 May 2009 02:18:07 -0500 Location - Tanzania, 3.07°S / 37.35°E
Summit elevation 5895 m
Last eruptions - None in historic time (but probably active during the past 10,000 years)
Typical eruption style - Explosive.

Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano reaching an elevation of 5,895m.This volcano's highest and youngest cone is named Kibo. Shira to the west and Mawenzi in the east are older cones that make up Kilimanjaro. Kibo has not been active in modern times, but steam and sulfur are still emitted. At the top of Kibo's summit is a 2.25 km diameter crater.

Kilimanjaro is part of an E-W belt of about 20 volcanoes near the southern end of the East African Rift Valley. Also in this belt are Ngorongoro caldera - a superb wildlife refuge, Ol Donyo Lengi - a carbonitite volcano, and Meru.

Kilimanjaro is a triple volcano with the youngest and central peak of Kibo being 7.5-8.7 miles (12-14 km) from Shira to the west and Mawenza to the east.

Shira is topped by a broad plateau, perhaps a filled caldera, and erosion has cut the rim a lot. In contrast, Mawenzi's summit is a rocky peak surrounded by cliffs .0.5 km) to 1.5 km high. Erosion has removed the original crater, and a great horseshoe shaped ridge opens to the northeast. Mile-deep gullies with 30-45 degree gradients make many places practically inaccessible. Massive series of radial and concentric dyke swarm make up more than 30-40 percent of the summit area of Mawenzi.

Kibo's glacier-clad summit, the highest spot in Africa, is a 1.2 x 1.7 mile (1.9 x 2.7 km) caldera, with an inner crater nearly a mile (1.3 km) wide, and inside that a deep, 1,148 ft. (350 m) wide central pit. Original volcanic forms are preserved at the summit and on many of the flanks, except on the south side where glaciers have cut deeply into the cone. Nearly 250 satellite cones occur on Kilimanjaro, most following SE and NW trends.

Estimates tell us that of a total volume of about 1,150 cu. miles, Mawenzi and Shira each contribute roughly 120 cu. mi. of andesites and basalts, Kibo has the same volume of similar but unexposed rocks, plus an additional 107 cu. miles. Interestingly, more than half of Kilimanjaro's volume is represented by older, basal basalts (672 cu. mi.). This basaltic shield is the most important, but least obvious element of a complex volcano..

The older cone of Shira forms the broad WNW shoulder of Kilimanjaro, and Mawenzi forms a prominent, sharp-topped peak on the ESE flank. Numerous satellite cones occupy a rift zone to the NW and SE of Kibo, the central stratovolcano. A 2.4 x 3.6 km caldera gives the summit of Kibo an elongated, broad profile. Most of Kilimanjaro was made during the Pleistocene, but a group of summit craters are from the Holocene.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

--
Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/waterfalls-around-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/waterfalls-around-kilimanjaro.html Sat, 02 May 2009 10:08:48 -0500
Options for activities include: visits to the local people and their environment or walk to one or more of the majestic waterfalls (Makoa Waterfall, Mongioni Waterfall,Manambe Waterfall,Masare Waterfall,Rau Waterfall and Uru Waterfall). A chance to pass historical sites of clan wars and ancient legends including large caves that were used for hiding during the Chagga vs Maasai wars.

Another great cultural activity around Kilimanjaro is to visit to local Chagga blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools. Amongst other opportunities to experience Chagga culture is a visit to a traditional Chagga house.

Visiting Makoa Waterfalls (a 10m waterfalls created by the Makoa River in Machame) is well worth an afternoon's stroll. It is surrounded by banana and coffee plantations where you will see the indigenous people farming by traditional means
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Uru Waterfall is a 50m waterfall where you can swim in the plunge pool at the base of the falls. Local farms where you will have a glimpse into the past surround the falls. . The 50 meter waterfall is a hidden treasures of Kilimanjaro Region and provides you with the chance to trek through coffee farms and enjoy spectacular views. After walking you can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall before enjoying a delicious picnic lunch at the base of the waterfall.

Marangu is 30km northeast of Moshi town at an altitude of 1800m. Getting there takes around a 45 minutes by car form Moshi town. There are locally organized tours which can either be a either full or half day in length. Attractions here include waterfalls, great views, coffee bushes (this is where the first coffee bush in Tanzania was planted by German Missionaries), ,traditional Chagga arts and crafts will also be available.

Walking tours provide great views overlooking the area including points where the lights of Nairobi can be seen at night.
For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


--
Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/lemosho-route.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/lemosho-route.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:12:44 -0500
Bellow is an itinerary for climbing Kilimanjaro by the Lemosho Route.

Day 1: On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night (a range of hotels are available dependent on your budget). In the evening you will meet your guide and have a Mountain Briefing to prepare you for the climb. You will also be able to hire equipment if required. Dinner at the hotel followed by an early night.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2000 m) to Mti Mkubwa (2650 m)

* Hike time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: +650m
* Final elevation: 2650m

A three hour drive from Moshi, around the mountain, brings you to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate, you pick up a game ranger who will protect you from elephants and buffalo during the trek. After a short drive to the trail head at Lemosho Glades you will start your trek through the pristine rain forest. Today you will hike to Mti Mbubwa, which means 'Big Tree; in Kiswahili. Overnight camping.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2650 m) to Shira One (3610 m)

* Hike time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: +950m
* Final elevation: 3610m

After a good breakfast, you start the climb through the remaining rain forest toward the giant Erica moorland zone. You will enjoy a great lunch stop in a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater. Today you will get your first close views of the summit. Overnight at Shira one campsite.

Day 4: Shira One (3610 m) to Shira Two (3850 m)

* Hike time: 6 hrs
* Elevation change: +240m
* Final elevation: 3850m

After an early breakfast, you hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral toward Shira Two camp. We only gain 240m in elevation which allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are spectacular. Overnight at Shira Two Camp.

Day 5: Shira Two (3610 m) to Lava Tower (4650 m)

* Hike time :6 hrs
* Elevation change: +700m
* Final elevation: 4650m

You will head up to Lava Tower, traversing the southern flank of Kibo. This is one of the most valuable days for acclimatization. If you prefer we can substitute Lava Tower for Barranco Camp, but this makes the walk a few hours longer.

Day 6: Lava Tower (4650 m) to Karanga Valley (4000 m)

* Hike time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: -650m
* Final elevation: 4000m

After leaving Lava Tower, you descend into the stunning Barranco Valley which is adorned with giant lobelia and senecia plants. There are good views of Kibo peak from here. After the Barannco Wall, we descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest for the night before the hard climb to Barafu Hut

Day 7: Karanga Valley (4000 m) to Barafu Camp (4600 m)

* Hike time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: +600m
* Final elevation: 4600m

This is a tough, steep, climb uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. 'Barafu' means, 'Ice'in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. You will get a half day rest before you begin the final summit ascent at midnight.

Day 8: Barafu to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp Barafu Camp (4,600m) to the Summit (5896 m) and then to Mweka Camp (3100 m)

* Summit time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: +1300m
* Final elevation: 5896m
* Descent time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: -2800m
* Final elevation: 3100m, 10,170 ft

This is a 17 hour day, commencing at midnight and hiking until the next afternoon. You will begin your summit ascent around midnight, and will arrive at the Kilimanjaro summit before sunrise. After the sunrise, you will head back down the mountain, stopping at Barafu Camp to rest, and heading to Mweka Camp, just a few hours from the gate.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Moshi

* Descent time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: -1250m
* Estimated distance: 10km
* Final elevation: 1828m

In the morning you will hike for about 3 hours through lush forest to the gate. After a welcome lunch, you will get your climb certificate and say goodbye to your crew and porters. We will then you back to your hotel in Moshi.


For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


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For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/history-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/history-of-kilimanjaro.html Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:20:30 -0500
Kibo's eruptions covered most of the eroded Shira crater creating the 'Shira Plateau' and lava 'Saddle' near Mawenzi.

The last eruption of Kibo was 100 000 years ago. In all, nine lava types from earlier activity have been identified. At present Kibo is classified as a dormant active volcano. If you descend into the crater a strong sulfurous smell is present and, in the inner ash pit, fumaroles are still found.

The origins of the name 'Kilimanjaro' is a subject for debate. In KiSwahili, the word Kilima literally means 'hill', while the affix -najaro means 'greatness'. According to local tradition, Njaro is the demon who was living on the summit guarding a huge treasure. There are tales of an ancient Chagga king who went to the top but few of his party survived. Another alternative is Waswahili slaving and ivory Caravan Drivers used the word 'Kilimajyaro' meaning 'landmark'.

Both Arab and Chinese traders mention a giant mountain lying inland from Mombasa and Zanzibar. However it was not until the mid 19th century that well documented attempts were made to scale it.

In 1848 Johann Rebmann a missionary from Germany sent reports of a snow clad mountain seen from Tsavo. This report stimulated well funded interest in Germany and several expeditions were dispatched. The first was led by by Baron von Decken. It was Dr. Hans Meyer who finally stood on Uhuru Peak on the 5th of October 1889.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


--
Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/climb-kilimanjaro-machame-route.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/climb-kilimanjaro-machame-route.html Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:11:50 -0500
Day 1: On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night (a range of hotels are available dependent on your budget). In the evening you will meet your guide and have a Mountain Briefing to prepare you for the climb. You will also be able to hire equipment if required. Dinner at the hotel followed by an early night.

Day 2: Machame Gate (1634 m) to Machame Hut (2834 m)

* Hike time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: +1200m
* Final elevation: 3100m

The climb begins at the Machame Gate. After signing in you will enjoy an easy hike through spectacular tropical rain forest. You will reach your campsite in the early evening.

Day 3: Machame Hut (2834 m) to Shira Hut (3749 m)

* Hike time: 6 hrs
* Elevation change: +915m
* Final elevation: 3749m

Departing from the Machame Hut, you will cross the stream and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge to a semi-circular wall of rocks , known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views of Kibo’s glaciated dome. You will cross the gorge to reach Shira campsite where you will overnight.

Day 4: Shira Hut (3749 m) to Barranco Hut (3901 m)

* Hike time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: +152m
* Final elevation: 3901m

From Shira Hut, you will hike up to Lava Tower and then you cross scree slopes and a river valley before proceeding down to Barranco Camp via the Great Barranco Wall. Tonight's camp is one of the most stunning on the mountain.

Day 5: Barranco Hut (3901m) to Karanga Valley (3963 m)

* Hike time: 3.5 hrs
* Elevation change: +62 m
* Final elevation: 3963 m

From Barranco Hut, you climb up through the edge of great Barranco Wall. It's a difficult, steep trail, but once you reach the top, the views are well worth it.

Day 6: Karanga Valley (3963 m) to Barafu Hut (4,600 m)

* Hike time: 3.5 hrs
* Elevation change: +637m
* Final elevation: 4,600m

Today is a shorter hike than the past few days, hiking up over steep rocky slabs to the final campsite, Barafu. You will want to get as much rest a possible before the push to the summit.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m) to the Summit (5896 m) to Mweka Camp (3100 m)

* Summit time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: +1300
* Final elevation: 5896m
* Descent time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: -2800m
* Final elevation: 3100m

You will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am) as the walk today will take 10- 12 hours. The 1,100-meter ascent to Uhuru Peak in just over 3 km will take us about 6-8 hours, as we try to reach the Uhuru Peak to watch the sunrise over the Rift Valley. After watching the sunrise, you descend down to Mweka Camp which is below the tree line.
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Day 8: Mweka Hut (3100 m) to Mweka Gate (1828 m)

* Descent time: 3 hrs
* Elevation change: -1250m
* Final elevation: 1828m

On your final day, we will have a short three hour hike out, walking through the lush forest. We will have lunch, and meet a vehicle at the Mweka park gate and drive back to Moshi or Arusha where you will relax in your hotel. If you wish to carry on your Tanzanian Adventure and go on safari we can arrange this for you.

If you would like a cheaper, shorter trip try Machame 6 Days. For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>