Tag: Hiking Kilimanjaro

Explore The Roof of Africa While Hiking Kilimanjaro

Posted on by Brain Pulse
Hiking Kilimanjaro

If you love exploring nature’s wonder and if you’re seeking the ultimate hiking adventure, try hiking Kilimanjaro. One of the world’s most iconic peaks, Mt. Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of tourists including hikers and trekkers every year. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the “Roof of Africa” on a guided hiking expedition. Ice Rock Trekking is there to help you and make your hiking to different parts of Kilimanjaro smooth sailing.

Explore Mt. Kilimanjaro while hiking

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing mountain and Africa’s tallest mountain. As you climb the mountain under the guidance of local experts associated with Ice Rock Trekking, you will experience five different ecosystems. It’s one of the most empowering hiking experiences for any mountain lover.

Apart from the ecstasy of reaching the mountain peak – Uhuru, another major attraction for the hikers and trekkers on this route is the stunning landscapes and nature’s wonders. Get details of different trekking and hiking plans of Ice Rock Trekking. The guided tour and hiking in Kilimanjaro help you get the most from your tour schedule in this part of the world.

The hiking routes

There are nearly seven hiking routes you can select from while planning your trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. Some favorable trekking routes to the mountain summit are:

  • Rongai Route: This route has a tranquil feel and approaches the mountain from the northern side. This route is near to the Kenyan border. If you are planning your hike during the rainy season this route can be beneficial due to the absence of vegetation.
  • Lemosho Route: The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful routes which has pristine sight-seeing options and natural splendor.
  • Machame Route: This route too offers many scenic views and crosses all five ecological zones. However, this is a longer route.
  • Marangu Route: This last route is one of the most ideal hiking routes to Mount Kilimanjaro and offers a classic hiking experience.

Things to see on the hiking trail

It is now time to list all the scenic beauty you can experience on your trail while hiking Kilimanjaro. The following are the sightseeing experiences you can expect while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Rainforest: The hiking treks begin with the beautiful rainforests in Africa. This forest has a rich flora and fauna and offers spectacular sights to the tourists and trekkers. You can spot exotic animals like the Columbus Monkey in these forests.
  • Zebra Rock: If you select the Marangu Route, you can see the Zebra Rock which is a popular sightseeing destination. The black lava rock has white streaks made by the mineral-rich rainwater which flows over the rock to form a surface that resembles a zebra.
  • Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro Plants: The rare plants and trees in the region are yet another thing that all hikers must watch out for. They have interesting looks and features as the plants over the centuries have adapted to the changing and evolving environment in the place.
  • Shira Plateau: This plateau is on the western side of the mountain. The Shira Plateau is a caldera which is a volcanic crater that has collapsed. This landform was formed about 500,000 years before and then filled with debris from volcanic lava.
  • White-necked ravens: These are African scavengers who are found outside the huts and the campsites looking for leftover food. These animals get their name from the patch of white feathers on the lower neck and back.
  • Plane crash site: In 2008 November a small passenger plane crashed on Kilimanjaro. The wrecks are still present on the mountain.

Look for natural beauty

Apart from the specific sightseeing attractions you can also plan to witness the natural splendors of the place like the glaciers, full moon night, and Kilimanjaro sunrise. Ice Rock Trekking offers a complete package for hiking Kilimanjaro. Choose the one adjustable with your vacation and enjoy the tour.

Interesting facts you must know before you go for Kilimanjaro hiking

Posted on by Brain Pulse
Kilimanjaro hiking

Mountain trekking, climbing, and hiking are all adrenaline-pulsating activities that are popular across the world and with different age groups. Among popular mountain attractions across the planet Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is one of the most prestigious destinations. Every year thousands of trekkers and hikers plan for this destination and make a bid for Kilimanjaro hiking. With the professional support of trekking and climbing guides, experience the beauty and majestic ambiance of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Why should you trek Mount Kilimanjaro?

Here are five key points why should you trek the Roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro –

  1. Its diverse ecosystem is truly mesmerizing. Icy Summit, Alpines, and Rein Forest make it a great trekking destination.
  2. It’s a non-technical ascent, which means trekking here is challenging but achievable even to a novice trekker.
  3. You will encounter some exclusive wildlife species while trekking here like elusive leopards and giant heathers.
  4. Witness the vast African landscape from the summit.
  5. Kilimanjaro trekking and Conquering the summit will boost your confidence and a lasting sense of accomplishment.

Unique facts about the trek

There are reasons as to why Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous Mountain treks in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year from different parts of the world:

  • Mountain height and related facts:

The Mountain has a majestic eight of 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet above sea level. No wonder this tallest mountain in Africa is one of the most challenging peaks to conquer. Mt. Kilimanjaro is not a part of any mountain range. The mountain has three peaks – Kibo (the summit) and the cones of Shira and Mawenzi. All three cones are volcanoes out of which Kibo is a dormant volcano. However, the other two are extinct volcanoes. You can hike up to the Ash pit in Kibo summit which is a hike of two hours from the crater floor. You can smell the odors of sulfurous gases coming from the earth’s crust.

  • Glacier facts:

Scientists estimate that the glaciers present on the Kilimanjaro summit are about 11,700 years old. Between 1912 and 2011 nearly 85% of the glacier ice melted. In 1912 the glaciers had an area of 11.4 square kilometres and in 2011 the number reduced to 1.76 square kilometres. If global warming continues at this rate no glacier will remain by 2060. Still, you can find glaciers while Kilimanjaro trekking.

  • Seven summits:

Every continent has its highest mountain peak. All the seven tallest mountain peaks from the seven continents make the seven summits. Mount Kilimanjaro being the tallest mountain on the African Continent is a member of this prestigious league along with Mount Everest from Asia, Mount Aconcagua from South America, Mount McKinley from North America, Mount Elbrus from Europe, Mount Vinson from Antarctica Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. In this list, Kilimanjaro is in the fourth place. Obviously, trekking to Mt. Kilimanjaro is always rewarding and memorable.

  • The Mountain history:

Till the early 19th century British scientists and geographers did not agree and could not imagine that Africa could have a snow-peaked mountain. In 1844 William Desborough wrote about the mountain peak and referred to Kilimanjaro as Kirimanjara. However, in 1848 German Missionary Johannes Rebmann wrote about the mountain’s existence and its glaciers.

  • First Woman to Conquer the Summit:

In 1927 on 27t September Sheila McDonald first conquered the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as the first lady mountaineer. She pushed on even though her other companions abandoned their attempt.

Conclusion

The Kilimanjaro hiking is an exhilarating experience. However, the hiking experience can be safer and more comfortable if you are accompanied by professional travel and tour operators like Ice Rock Trekking. Hire support services from some of the best tour and travel operators who can arrange for a safe and comfortable Mount Kilimanjaro trek for you. These experts can arrange for a solo trek and also a hike for a group. You can get ready to buy trekking packages and can also customize your personalized plan.

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