MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

MT MERU CLIMBING

Activity Duration: 3-5 days

Location: Arusha

At 4566 meters (14,979 feet), Mt Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania. It is volcanic cone, with a break in the wall that creates a huge horseshoe. A climb to the top takes you through some beautiful areas of grassland and the thick forest in the beginning, followed by an impressive and exciting walk along the narrow rim of the crater horsseshoe. Although
Meru seems small when compared to Kilimanjaro, the climb is as serious. Altitude can still be a problem so, if you are not properly acclimatized, don’t rush up. The climb is steep but not very strenuous. It can be done comfortably in four days (three nights).

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Activity Duration: 5-8 days

Location: Moshi

Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawensi, and Shira, is an inactive stratovolcano in north-eastern Tanzania. Although it does not have the highest elevation, Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world, rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base, and includes the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), providing a dramatic view from the surrounding plains.

An ascent of Mawenzi requires rock climbing and/or snow/ice climbing skills. The climb to Uhuru Peak is considered to be a relatively straightforward endeavour; however, ample time must still be provided for proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. The three shortest routes, Marangu, Rongai and Machame can be climbed by a person of good health and limited mountaineering experience. Many who climb employ altitude-sickness medication and find this to be helpful in preventing the pounding headaches that plague many travellers. Those who travel on the Marangu route usually take four to five days to complete their climb. Huts with cooking facilities, bathrooms, and electricity are available at the end of each day's journey. The huts are Mandara, Horombo and Kibo, located at approximately 2700m.a.sl., 3700m.a.s.l. and 4,500m.a.s.l. respectively. All huts have rangers stationed at them with rescue facilities (modified wheelbarrows to transport climbers stricken with altitude sickness to lower altitudes). The final part of the climb, from Kibo hut at 15,500 ft (4,720 m) to the summit, is generally undertaken at night, because the scree is frozen together, making the climb significantly easier. Gilman's Point, on the rim of the crater but about a 1½ hour hike from Uhuru, is attained at 5:00 - 6:00 am; those who have the strength to continue may then hike on to Uhuru in the growing sunlight and rising temperatures. Another route is the Western Breach, which is much more technical in nature. Annually, approximately 15,000 people attempt to climb the mountain, of whom 40% reach the summit.

CLIMB OLDONYO LENGAI

Activity Duration: The climb is 7-9 hours roundtrip but requires a minimum of 2 days for the entire trip.

Location: Lake Natron

Ol Doinyo Lengai is also known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai. They believe that the mountain increases fertility and they advise women who have difficulty conceiving to visit. The trek up to the crater is an exceptionally demanding climb of around 1700m (5600 ft). The trek starts at midnight or shortly after so you can walk during the cool hours and reach the summit by dawn. This is an active volcano and lava flows are common. It’s a truly unusual destination for those who really want to get off the beaten path.