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Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest Mountain in Africa 5895m/19340 ft. is the only Mountain in the World with the perfect symmetrical crater. Is the highest free standing Mountain in the World?

Is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summits on the planet, a beacon for visitors from around the world.  As well as “all the World, Great, High and unbelievably white” was Ernest Hemingway’s description in his book ‘the Snows of Kilimanjaro’.

Lowlands and even relatively high sheltered valleys can reach temperatures as high as 30 degree centigrade by day, night time temperatures generally fall below zero and even -20 degree centigrade. 

The cloud cover over the rain forest tends to be denser. In Mt.Kilimanjaro National Park must be noted that Kilimanjaro has a typical Montane climate –unpredictable even in the ‘driest ‘season. A bright clear morning on Shira Plateau can turn to rain and Sleet in the Afternoon as the hot air rises from the lowland valleys and gathers moisture from the rainforest.  

Get prepared for high altitude sun that can burn the skin severely and for cold nights that demand four season sleeping bags and good thermal clothing.

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Today the main African Tribe to inhabit the Kilimanjaro foothill region is the Wachagga People. Most importantly they from the largest tribal group involved in the Operation of Kilimanjaro climbs. Wachagga are adapted so well and so cheerfully to the task of guiding and looking after the “Wageni” as they pour into Tanzanian their thousands to climb the big Mountain. It is clearly narrated in many Literature that the First White Man (European) –Hans Meyer to conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro in the year 1889 was led by Chagga Guide (Mr.YOHANA LAUWO) to the Top 5895m/19340ft. 

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During their time on the Mountain, climbers pass from a tropical to arctic environment in just a few 5/6/7 days. The climber can use one of these routes to climb the Mountain; These are Marangu (Coca cola), Machame ( Whisky), Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe route/trail. The Classic Tours & Safaris Ltd Professional Mountain Guides will be happy to tell you more details about these routes, at right time. The various trails first pass through lush rainforests before reaching heather and open Moorland where giant lobelia and huge cactus –like groundsel grow.

Above moorland is the almost lunar landscape of an alpine desert which stretches between the two peaks of Kibo, the flat topped dome at the centre, and Mawenzi, a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. In hospitable as this “moonscape” may seem, animals such as herds of eland thrive there. 

The highest point on Kibo and indeed the whole of Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, with its spectacular hanging glaciers and stupendous views of the African plains some 20000 feet below. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman’s Point. These are the goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for Mountaineers only. With the Help of Porters and a Guide, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without specialized Mountaineering equipment-or experience and Kilimanjaro can be conquered by any reasonably fit person. There are several different routes including Marangu (Coca cola route), the easiest climb, and therefore the most popular; Other routes Machame, Rongai, Lemosho/Londorosi Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.

The total climb normally takes five to six days and involves four or five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts/camping sites. Fees payable in US dollars include park entrance and accommodation for climbers (Tourists). Guides and Porters, food, Camping equipments, food, Transport is organized by the Classic Tours & Safaris Ltd. Climbing gears/equipments like walking sticks, boots e.t.c can be brought by the Climber/tourists or hired from us.

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Many thousands of trekkers reach Gillman’s Point or Uhuru Peak successfully each year without any real difficulty. To avoid altitude sickness and failure it is important to acclimatize by ascending slowly and steadily’ just climb and breath’ At 15000ft high the level of oxygen is estimated to be half of the low levels. 

Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year but the best time is considered to be from August to October and January to March. It is wet in the rain forest during the rains in April, May, June and November. December through to February are the warmest months. 

It is not necessary to be a climber to enjoy a visit to the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro region. Indeed visitors can ascend 12000 feet to the Shira Plateau of West Kilimanjaro by Four –Wheel drive vehicle.

Day and night game drives are taken in open Land cruisers that allow for a full view in every direction.

In its turn the rainforest ensures the fertility of the lush, lower-lying people ‘shamba’ country where the Chagga people cultivate their Coffee, maize, and bananas. 

A stroll through the plantations will provide a fascinating insight into the lives of local population. A few larger mainly Arabica Coffee farms still exist on the lower slopes. Once you visit you can taste a cup of Coffee with tantalizing pure aroma. 

One can visit local wood carvers and observe the vibrant patterns of the beadwork, necklace, and earrings. Also there are curio Shops you can get Antique pieces, souvenirs and pieces Gemstones and jewels like Tanzanite. 

Nearby, close to the road between Moshi and Taveta, is Lake Chala, an azure Crater-Lake formed from the waters that drain off Mount. Kilimanjaro.

Lake Jipe lies on the same same road. Sixteen kilometers long by five Kilometers wide, it is slightly saline and significantly large than Chala. On the Tanzania-Kenya border, It is rarely visited so exudes an atmosphere of tranquillity and Seclusion. 

After a day of gentle exercise and sight seeing Visitors can return to one of the many small Hotels in the area offering character accommodation and highly personalized Service. They are great places in which to relax and unwind – and to view the colours of the sunset reflected on the Snow capped peaks of magical Mount Kilimanjaro 

The Mountains ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse remains of early (Ancestral) Plants and Animals like the Bones of elephants died on the high altitudes of Mt.Kilimanjaro long ago. Black and white Colobus monkey, resident and migratory Birds are available. 

-Waterfalls, with clear azure blue water, some can attempt swimming

-To go for a Birdwatching and explore the diversity of Bird species in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

-Cultural Tourism-There are a number of cultural Tourism Programs around Mt. Kilimanjaro. This includes Mostly Chagga and some Maasai. You can Reveal the useful Customs& Traditions, remains of ancient pre-colonial activities like iron smith and Colonial Wars like War Caves., First Churches built by Missionaries. 

-Home and Legend of the Chagga Guide and Marangu native (African) Mr. Yohana Lauwo who was among the first  Mountain Climber guide and aided the First Whiteman (European) Dr.Hans Meyer to Conquer Mt.Kilimanjaro in 1889.

OTHER MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB in TANZANIA ARE