Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Its highest peak Kibo stands at 5895 meters, yet it is not just accessible to serious mountaineers. Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible experience and is hopefully something that you will remember all your life. The climb to the roof of Africa requires fitness, endurance and perseverance but should not cause undue problems as long as climbers realize that it is a serious endeavor and listen to the experience and advice of their guides. The summit of Kilimanjaro is 500 meters higher than Everest Base Camp, so do not attempt to climb Kilimanjaro unless you are reasonably fit, nor if you have heart or lung problems – although asthma suffers are generally alright. The key to climbing Kilimanjaro successfully is ‘Pole Pole’ – ‘Slowly Slowly’ (Especially during the first two days.) ascending too quickly leads to altitude sickness. Very fit people can be more prone to altitude sickness because they ascend too fast.
Mount Meru
MOUNT MERU overshadowed by its majestic, collapsed volcano remains little known to climbers. Mt. Meru is 50 kms from Kilimanjaro and reaches a height of 4,565m. Mount Meru is the third highest peak in Tanzania. Although the climb is not as relentless as Kilimanjaro, the challenge can be equally rewarding. Compared to Kilimanjaro's mild slope, Meru's pitch can offer quite a challenge. It can be a shorter but equally magnificent alternative to Kilimanjaro or climbed as preparation for a later ascent up Kilimanjaro. There is only one non-technical route up Meru. although less often climbed than Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru has an equally comfortable hut system. Our guides will tell you that the bush to the summit along the crater rim is one of the most exhilarating journeys in Tanzania.
Usambara Mountains
n the North Eastern part of Tanzania between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, there lies the steeply rising mountains, the Usambara Mountains. The Usambara Mountains are green and fertile. On these mountains you can experience all facets of African rural life and enjoy the marvellous view of the area. Numerous historical buildings from the past are the evidence that Germans and English were favoured with mountains because of its pleasant climate during the colonial era. From over distance seen, the mountains are just colourful mosaics but also their seen is so romantic. During the sunset, the are turns into a tremendous pallet of unforgettable colours.
Touring on these colourful and romantic mountains will lead you:
• to the visit of superb viewpoints on the edge of the mountains;
• a visit to various development projects in the area from soil conservation, traditional irrigation, cross breeding, afforestation, heath care–an ideal tour for the development lovers to see development in process;
• a climb to Kwa Mongo, the mountain home to vast number of butterflies;
• walk through the dense natural forests and along small rivers that race downhill;
• a view into the history and daily life of the Sambaa farmers who are habitants of the mountain; and
• a visit to a traditional pottery village.
Touring on these lovely mountains can range from a day walking tour to several days walking tour which can go up to five days.
Mount Kenya
Mt. Kenya National Park is located to the east of the Great Rift Valley, about 175km North-East of Nairobi. The ecosystem lies in Central and Eastern provinces of Kenya.
At 5,199m the mountain is the second highest peak in Africa. Mt. Kenya is an important water tower in the country. It provides water for about 50% of the country’s population and produces 70% of Kenya’s hydroelectric power.
UNESCO inscribed Mount Kenya as a World Heritage Site. Its described as one of the most impressive landscapes in Eastern Africa with its rugged glacier-clad summits, Afro-alpine moorlands and diverse forests that illustrate outstanding ecological processes.
ACCESS
Roads: 175 Kms from Nairobi, the park can be reached on Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. The park is also reachable via Chogoria on the Embu - Meru road, about 150km north of Nairobi.
Airstrips: The closest commercial airstrip to the park is at Nanyuki
SIZE / LOCATION: 2800 sq.km / East of the Rift Valley. Mt. Kenya lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator
CLIMATE: Climate, flora and fauna on Mt. Kenya varies with altitude
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, High altitude adapted plains game, Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.
WILDLIFE: Include Elephants, tree hyrax, white tailed mongoose, suni, black fronted duiker, mole rat, bushbucks, water buck and Elands. Animas rarely seen include leopard, bongo, giant forest hog and rhino.
BIRDS: Over 130 bird species have been recorded.
WHERE TO STAY
Batian Guesthouse Sirimon Bandas
ACTIVITY OPTIONS: Game viewing, Camping, Mountain Climbing, Cave Exploration