MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMBING:

Lying only 3 degrees south of the Equator at an altitude of 5895 meters above sea level. As wide as the entire world, great, high and unbelievable, white in the sun was square top of Mt Kilimanjaro.

So wrote Ernest Hemingway. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest in Africa. It is known as African legends and folk-tales from ancient times. It rises majestically from the Maasai plains about 310km south of the Equator, thus forming the largest single freestanding mountain in the world-composed of one extinct volcano (Shira 3962m) and two dormant volcanoes (Kibo 5895m ) and (Mawenzi 5149m).

The mountain is one of the few eco-systems located near the Equator that contains large expanses of ice-glaciers. It also has the greatest expanses of aspire-desert of all glaciated equatorial mountains in East Africa. Being so close to the equator, the snow capped summit give the mountain a unique and exceptional natural beauty.

The mountain forest on Mt.Kilimanjaro is one of the most important water catchments areas in Northern Tanzania the banana zone lying below is characterized by a high density. Of population (500 per sq mile) home to the Chagga tribe. Coffee is grown as a cash crop (arabica coffee). Many other hosts of crops are grown in this mixed subsistence farming .Such crops include beans, maize ,sweet potatoes, round potatoes ,peas, tomatoes etc.

The first European explorers and missionaries did not see the mountain until the middle of 19th century. Hans Meyer a German together with Yohanna Lauwo were the first people to have reached Kibo summit in 1889. Yohanna Lauwo died in 1998 at an age of 124years. (many visitors flock to his house these days under the cultural tour programme of ASHANTI LODGE in MARANGU.

Since then, many people from all over the world have climbed the mountain via many routes. The mountain can be climbed anytime of the year, though it is often wet in the forest during the long rain seasons in April and May.

MARANGU ROUTE

Day1:- Transfer from ASHANTI LODGE to Marangu Gate together with our own guides and porters. Within half an hour the National Park formalities are over. Hiking for MANDARA HUT (9000ft) starts. It take 3 to 4 hours. Past the fascinating Rain forest. Upon arrival, you can walk to the MAUNDI CRATER nearby Night in the huts.

Day 2:- You leave the last glades of the Rain forest and follow the gently ascending path through the ALPINE meadow. The altitude begins to make itself felt, cautioning you to tread slowly "Pole pole" while just reach HOROMBO HUT (12000ft/4800 meters). Overnight stay in the huts.
Some climbers prefer staying here for an extra day for acclimatization, may be walk to the foot of Mawenzi Peak.

Day3:- After breakfast, the walk starts past the cactus-like giant groundsels and labella which blooms once in every 50 to 70 years. To the last water point. You move on to the lunar landscape in the saddle between 2 peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Eventually you reach Kibo HUT within 5to 6 hours. At an altitude of 1545ft. (4703meters).Dinner is served early around 5pm.so that you go to bed early.

Day4:- The final onslaught of the Kibo summit is made in the early hours of the day about 1am. For some 5 hours you climb the steepest and the most demanding part of the route to the Gilman's Point 18640ft (5685 meters ) on the crater rim. On the way, you stop at Hans Meyer Cave for a short rest. While at Gilman's point you may continue to Uhuru peak 19,340ft (5895meters) if you are still feeling strong. This takes one to 11/2 hours. All this process takes place during sunrise. The descent is for less tiring. A short rest at Kibo Hut for refreshments. There after you leave for HOROMBO HUT ( 3 to 4 hours ) for lunch and overnight.

Day 5:- Descend to MARANGU GATE. Takes 6to 7 hours with a stop at MANDARA HUT for lunch. Our car will be waiting for you here. We drive off to ASHANTI LODGE for the long awaited hot shower. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

MOUNT MERU
Mt.Meru is the 2nd highest mountain in Tanzania standing at 14,79ft (4566 meters) above sea �level. It is overshadowed by Kilimanjaro- its famous neighbor. A trek involves great hiking through the grasslands and rain forest on the mountains lower slopes. Followed by a dramatic and exhilarating ridge walk to the summit.

Day 1:- Transfer from Ashanti Lodge or your hotel in Arusha to the National park Gate in Momella. After the park formalities the hiking starts through the lush forest. An armed guide is always there to protect the hikers from wild-buffalos. You cross the Ngare-Nanyuki river to reach Miriakamba Hut(8333ft) Dinner and overnight.

Day2:- The path continues to ascend steeply through the pleasant forest glides and giant heather up to Saddle Hut (117ft). Dinner and overnight .Takes(3hours). Option to climb little Meru at noon a trip taking 11/2 hours.


Day 3:- The hiking starts in the morning from the Saddle Hut. Return to Momella Gate and transfer back to Ashanti Lodge or hotel in Arusha.