Mountain Climbing Safaris

TREKKING & KILIMANJARO

HIGH ALTITUDE TREKKING IN EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA IS LIMITED TO A FEW SPECIAL PLACES. Of course there are many spots where scenic trekking is possible, from the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa to the Ngorongoro Highlands in Tanzania. However, in terms of more serious altitude trekking within the countries we specialise in, there are really just four challenging options to consider. These are Mount Kilimanjaro and nearby Mount Meru in northern Tanzania, the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda and Mount Kenya in central Kenya.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO

At 5895 metres above sea level (19,340 feet) Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. Standing at Uhuru Peak, you are looking over the Kibo Crater to the interior side of the mountain, and the rapidly dwindling Kibo glacier on the exterior. It is a pretty unique scenario and a harsh, wild place to be.

The glacier falls away into the clouds – it is common for the top of Kilimanjaro to be bathed in sunlight whilst the base of the mountain is shrouded in cloud. Even on clear days you are too high to make out much definition on the landscapes below. Only Mount Meru stands proudly to the west, also rising above the clouds. Having enjoyed the moment and taken a few photos, most people then remember just how awful they feel, and start wondering how quickly they can get down off the mountain to enjoy a few well-earned comforts!

There are several routes up Kilimanjaro, and once you have decided to take on the mountain, your main decision will be which route to take.

Route	Minimum No.of Nights	Recommended No.of Nights	Accommodation
Marangu	4	5	Huts
Rongai	4	5	Camping & Huts
Machame	5	6	Camping
Lemosho Glades	6	7	Camping

MOUNT KENYA

At 5199 metres above sea level, the peak of Batian on Mount Kenya is the second highest point in Africa, a place that can only be reached by some quite rigorous and technical climbing. However, Point Lenana at 4985 metres is the ‘trekking peak’ which most walkers aim for. Although lower than Kilimanjaro by some distance, Mount Kenya is considered a prettier and more interesting climb than Kilimanjaro, with the jagged peaks being the remnants of an ancient volcanic plug.

The summit attempt include an early start and 3 to 5 hour climb in the dark to reach Point Lenana for sunrise. The final half an hour is either a rocky climb (from Sirimon and Chogoria routes) or could involve crossing a small snowfield (from Naro Moru Route). Whichever route is taken, Point Lenana represents a genuine peak where you feel right on top of the world, and the views are incredible.

As there is a wonderful summit path that circumnavigates the central peaks, it is quite common to descend the mountain via a different route to that which you used to ascend. This extends the interest of the climb and overall offers a truly stunning scenic trek.

If you would like to speak to one of our specialists about climbing Mount Kenya, please call us on +254722413502 or email us