Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It
might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of
Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't
even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo)
for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the
continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of
East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this
the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest
free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking
isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around
900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a
beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the
crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing
and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual
summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have
earned their climbing certificates and their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the
slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the
Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m
contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest,
inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered
Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still
lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded
with otherworldly giant lobelias.
Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other
than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last
vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and
snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
NOTE :- Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time
and maximise your chances of reaching the summit.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights,
preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the
beauty of the mountain.
Kilimanjaro Accommodation
MARANGU HOTEL MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Marangu Hotel still retains the charm and hospitality reminiscent of
the 1920's. It's nestled at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and offers
lovely gardens to explore as guests prepare or relax around their
climbs. Cottages are made of stone and many have a shared living
area in the centre. The dining room is large and airy, serving
hearty, home-style food.
NAKARA HOTEL MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Nakara
Hotel is located on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, around one hundred
kilometres from Kilimanjaro Airport. With the Marangu Gate only 2kms
from the hotel, it's perfectly suited to climbers. With around
twenty five en suite rooms that are clean and tidy, guests feel
quite intimate here, though there is usually a buzz of excitement in
the air! The hotel has a bar, restaurant with a good a la carte menu
and also provided buffets for larger climbing groups.
OL TUKAI AMBOSELI
NATIONAL PARK
Ol
Tukai lies at the heart of Amboseli, set at the foot of Mount
Kilimanjaro. The eighty cottage style rooms spreads out on either
side of the main lodge, around well manicured lawns and a canopy of
acacia trees. The architecture is unobtrusive with lots of wood,
slate and local stone. The lodge is well run, very comfortable and
has one of the best settings in the park.