Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, trekking, nature, geology, trekking and expeditions.

For Planning and Booking Tanzania Safari tours, visit website:-

http://www.kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

or Email us: info@kili-tanzanitesafaris.com 

The national park and forest reserve occupy the whole of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding Montana forests. Mt Kilimanjaro and the surrounding forests were declared a game reserve by the German colonial government in the early part of this century, and this area was further gazette as a forest reserve in 1921. This designation has been confirmed by the legislation of subsequent administrations. Part of the area was reclassified as a national park in 1973 by Government Notice 50. inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1989.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro is a volcanic massif (last showing signs of major activity in the Pleistocene) which is not only the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4,877m above the surrounding plains to 5,895m, but also one of the largest volcanoes in the world, covering an area of some 388,500ha. There are three main volcanic peaks of varying ages lying on an east-south-east axis, and a number of smaller parasitic cones. To the west, the oldest peak (Shira) rises to 3,962m, though only the western and southern rims remain. The remains of the northern and eastern flanks are covered by later material from Kibo, which has led to the formation of a relatively flat upland plateau covering some 6,200ha between the two peaks. The rugged erosion-shattered peak of Mawenzi lies to the east (rising to 5,149m). Its western face is fairly steep at the top with many crags and pinnacles. However the topography on its eastern side is precipitous for over 1000m with a complex of gullies and rock faces, and rising above two deep gorges, the Great Barranco and the Lesser Barranco. Kibo, which is the most recent in origin and still shows signs of minor femoral activity in the centre, consists of two concentric craters with an ash pit in the middle. The highest point on the mountain is on the southern rim of the outer crater, the opposite sides of which are some 2km apart. Between Kibo and Mawenzi there is a plateau of some 3600ha, known as the Saddle, which forms the largest area of high altitude tundra in tropical Africa. The predominant rock types on both Shira and Mawenzi are trachybasalts, while the later lava flows on Kibo show a gradual change from trachyandesite to nephelinite. Structure of the material varied with time and different flows have produced a variety of different rock types. There are also a number of intrusions, such as the radial dyke-swarms of Mawenzi or the Shira Ridge. Parasitic cones, chiefly formed from ash and cinder, occur in groups or zones. Kibo still retains permanent ice and snow (although the area covered has been diminishing for some years), and one glacier extends down to 4,500m. Mawenzi also has patches of semi-permanent ice, and substantial accumulations of seasonal snow and ice. Evidence of past glaciation is present on all three peaks, with morainic debris found as low as 3,600m.

CLIMATE There are two wet seasons, November to December and March to May, and the driest months are August to October. Rainfall decreases rapidly with increase in altitude; mean precipitation is 2300mm in the forest belt (1,830m), 1300mm at Mandara hut on the upper edge of the forest (2,740m), 525mm at Horombo hut in the moorland (3,718m), and less than 200mm at Kibo hut (4,630m), producing desert-like conditions. Winds are predominantly from the southeast, and the north slopes receive far less rainfall. Diurnal temperature range is considerable at higher altitudes. Mist frequently envelopes much of the massif.

VEGETATION The major vegetation types represented on Mount Kilimanjaro could loosely be termed montane forest, moorland, upland moor, alpine bogs, and alpine desert (Greenway, 1965), although not all of the montane forest zone is currently within the national park. There is no bamboo zone, nor a Hagenia-Hypericum zone. Above about 4,600m, very few plants are able to survive the severe conditions, although specimens of Helichrysum newii have been recorded as high as 5,760m (close to a fumarole), and mosses and lichens are found right up to the summit.

FAUNA A number of mammal species have been recorded above the tree line (Child, 1965), although it is likely that many of these also use the lower montane forest habitat. Apart from rodents, especially at times of population explosion, the most frequently encountered mammals above the tree line are grey duiker Sylvicapra grimmia and eland Taurotragus oryx, which occur in the moorland, with bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus and red duiker Cephalophus natalensis being found above the treeline in places, and buffalo Syncerus caffer occasionally moves ut of the forest into the moorland and grassland. An estimated 220 elephants Loxodonta africana (V) are distributed between the Namwai and the Tarakia Rivers (Tanzania National Parks, 1993). Several species of rodent and insectivore occur above the tree line, although golden moles (Chrysochloridae) are absent. Bird species of the upper zones are also few in number, although they include occasional lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus (mainly on the Shira ridge), hill chat Cercomela sordida, Hunter's cisticola Cisticola hunteri, and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird Nectarinia johnstoni. Raven Corvus albicollis is the most conspicuous bird species at higher altitude. Three species of primate are found within the montane forests, blue monkey Cercopithecus mitis, western black and white colobus Colobus polykomos abyssinicus, and bushbaby Galago sp.. Other species of mammal include leopard Panthera pardus, black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis (E) (probably now extinct in this area), mountain reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula and Kilimanjaro tree hyrax Dendrohyrax validus, as well as those species listed above. Abbot's duiker Cephalophus spadix is restricted to Kilimanjaro and some neighbouring mountains. The forest has several notable bird species including Abbot's starling Cinnyricinclus femoralis, which has a very restricted distribution. The butterfly Papilio sjoestedti (R), sometimes known as the

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Kilimanjaro swallowtail, is restricted to Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain, and the highest free standing peak in the world, rising to 5895 meters from a semi-arid plain. Lying just 3 degrees south of the equator, early European explorers were astounded to see snow on a mountain in the tropics and the veracity of their claims was doubted for many years within Europe. In modern times it is one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations, with about 25,000 people a year attempting the climb to the summit. But Kilimanjaro is more than a destination for the mountain climbers of the world. What most people do not know about the mountain is that it is one of the most productive agricultural areas in Africa. Over a million people live on its lower slopes, taking advantage of its rich volcanic soil and abundant rainfall. Over the centuries the Wachagga people, who live on its slopes, have evolved a unique multi-storied farming system, growing a variety of food crops and hardwood trees on the same plot of land, combining plants, such as coffee, which need shade and wind protection, with banana and over story trees that protect the coffee and reduce vulnerability from crop failure by offering alternate food and livelihood sources. Since colonial times, a cleverly constructed irrigation furrow system has served to deliver water to the smallholders who live on the mountain.

The mountain is important, not only to the tourists who visit and the farmers who live on the slopes, but to many downstream users. Runoff from Kilimanjaro supplies the Pangani River, which flows over 200 miles to empty into the Indian Ocean. Water from the Pangani is an important and widely competed-for commodity in this rain-poor region. Usage of the river water by smallholders, large scale farmers, high-usage rice farmers, and domestic users along its length decreases river flow.

Mount Kilimanjaro Recovery Club ( MOKIREC) contributed to reforestation efforts on Mt. Kilimanjaro, because of its vital importance to the ecology of the surrounding region. natural trees are being planted by people around their farms and homes for ecosystem protection and livelihood improvement. Fast growing fuel wood trees are helping women conserve time and energy. Food, medicine and lumber producing species are protecting families from spending money on these domestic products.  Valuable commercial trees that have been over harvested are being replaced. We are also supporting efforts to provide fuel efficient stoves that reduce the use of firewood.

Mount Kilimanjaro Recovery Club(MOKIREC)is a voluntary organization for Conservation of natural resources around mount Kilimanjaro.

Volunteers, and donors are welcome to contribute here.

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Email: mokirec2000@yahoo.co.uk

There students are being taught that conservation of biodiversity, control of pollutants, and sustainable use of natural resources affect a larger group of people than merely their own family and neighbors. They are being made aware that they are caretakers of one of the nation's most fruitful ecological treasures. Through Mount Kilimanjaro Recovery Club ( MOKIREC)    funded tree nurseries, thousands of Kilimanjaro volunteers, both youth and adult, are learning horticultural skills and taking direct action by replanting and widely distributing species that will help solve multiple problems in the life-sustaining watershed. They are organizing field days to plant large numbers of trees along stream banks that have been denuded to protect them from excessive runoff, and in burned out and overcut areas to stabilize soil and prevent further erosion. One special project in 1996 was the planting of 15,000 trees along Mweka route, one of Mt. Kilimanjaro's most popular mountain climbing routes, which has suffered from excessive tree cutting because of the large numbers of hikers that use it. All of these efforts are contributing as well to the international movement to plant trees for carbon sequestration in order to offset the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. By June of 2004, Kilimanjaro area groups had planted 1,000,000 trees on and around the mountain.. 

Today we experience the increasing Global Warming, the melting of Ice and Snow.

Example, here in Tanzania we experience the melting of Mt. Kilimanjaro Snow. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the Highest Peak in Africa with 5895m (19000+ft) i.e.  Kibo Peak attracting many people (Tourists) about 800,000 from around the World to climb it. It is exciting and rewarding Trip.

  Educated Tanzanians and Environmentalists.

Have established Mount Kilimanjaro Recovery Club (MOKIREC). The aim is to Campaign, encourage and facilitate the Tree climbing in Kilimanjaro Region and adjacent Regions. The aim is to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide from the Air as well the Protection of this Eco Tourism Giant in Africa for Aesthetic and Intrinsic value of All Human being around the Globe.

We need Your Help, As a Donation (any amount is highly appreciated). Secondly please forward this message to some Organizations/ Companies who can help us Protect nature.

Also your advice is also needed. Some people wishing to come here to Volunteer are Welcomed!

We have a group of Professional Guides and Tour organizers. We are permitted by Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park Authority to organize Picnic Trips for the Tourists.

The Income we get is used to prepare Nursery for Tree seedling and Other Greening activities.

Now, We Invite those People who wish to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to use our Professional guides to Reach THE PEAK (5895M).

Kilimanjaro trekking is usually carried out through these routes. MAchame, Rongai, MArangu, Shira, LOndrosi and Umbwe. Machame, ROngai and Marangu takes 6 days for successful climb to kilimanjaro summit. Londrosi, shira takes 7 days for successful Mountain climbing.

After kilimanjaro trekking most tourists are interested for wildlife viewing tours in Tanzania National PArks and Game Reserves. These wildlife viewing tours are called safaris. Safari to Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ruaha, Mikumi, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous and game reserves.

Safari vacation adventure holidays also involves tours to beach areas for relaxation like zanzibar and Mafia island.

We have some 4 x4 - Four wheeled Drive Fleet of Cars, Open Roofed for Photographic and Wildlife Safaris. With Professional Guides we go to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and other exciting Tour destinations across East Africa.

Below are Famous Travel links for Safaris in Tanzania.

http://traveltipsam.blogspot.com

http://southerncircuitsafaritz.blogspot.com

Africa

African Continent is one of 7 continents that form the Earth Surface.

Atlantic Ocean is west of Africa and Indian Ocean on Eastern side of Africa.

There are also Islands on these Oceans.

North Africa there is Mediterranean Sea, some countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt is close Israel and Jordan, before Suez Canal was formed people could cross by land in either directions. Also Yemen is very close to Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Although Morocco and Algeria are far from Portuguese and Italy people cross either direction by Boats or Ship, just imagine!

Explorers like Vasco Da Gama e.t.c visited Africa and people like Rebmann and Hans Meyers discovered the Highest Mountain in Africa.

Details about Formation, Volcanic Geology, Nature,Flora, Fauna and Kilimanjaro trekking/, climbing go to this web page.

http://www.kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

Planning and booking Tanzania safari tours email us: info@kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

Also many Missionaries traveled across Africa, and discovered much. They also introduced Food and cash crops like Fruits, Coffee, Tea, Cotton e.t.c.

Portuguese, Arabic countries, British Empire, Germans, Italy, Belgium, France e.t.c all had colonies in many parts of Africa.

Netherlands (DUTCH)-Boers dominated southern African Republic and some of them still exist there. People assimilated the Religion beliefs (Christianity and Muslim/ISLAMIC) and imitated the cultural behaviour from their respective rulers.

But still there are some tribes that maintain their cultures like Maasai from Tanzania, Kenya, some tribes from Nigeria, Egypt e.t.c

These Rulers Constructed roads, rails and Buildings which are still preserved for HISTORY EXHIBITIONS.

Africa is very Rich in Natural Resources including Minerals like Gold, Diamond, rare Tanzanite e.t.c, those are non renewable. Renewable Resources are Wildlife (Wild animals and plants) which live in Special protected areas (National Parks, Game Reserves, Forests and Bushes).

Since the discovery of African Continent, people from other Continents like Americans, Europe, and Asian visit to Africa for Tourism or even Investment. 

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Tourists choose Countries to visit depends on various criteria’s.

Here I will write some points why somebody should choose Tanzania and not any other country in Africa. What is Unique in Africa?

v     Virgin, unspoiled Wild lands with many beautiful wonderful animals, less visited for Honeymoon privacy safaris.

v     Welcome, generous, friendly people of Tanzania.

v     Enchanting Cultural heritage of Tanzania, with mix of multi tribal- ethnicity diversity.

v     Great, Exotic unspoiled white sand coral beaches ideal for swimming, sun burn, scuba diving, snorkeling, tour excursions , sport fishing e.t.c.

v     The Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro 5895m a.s.l; Ngorongoro Crater- one of few multiple land use pioneer conservation area in the World, Eighth Wonder of the Natural World, Man and Biosphere Reserve; Selous Game Reserve –the Largest Game Reserve in Africa.

v     The only gemstone/jewel found only in one place in Tanzania, the TANZANITE.

And much more can be viewed from below websites and most are just to be discovered by your eye witness.

Of course other countries have things attractive example Pyramids of Egypt e.t.c

Travelers can think logically and outweigh which place to visit first and which next!

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http://www.tanzania.go.tz

http://www.ngorongoro-crater-africa.org

http://www.tanzaniaparks.com

 http://www.kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

“Information is power, add value to Life”

 Virgin and Undiscovered Spot Tourist Destination

Katavi National Park

With Large herds of Buffaloes

With Herds of Lions

White Girraffes 

With safari to selous game reserve, ruaha, mikumi and you tour in Katavi National Parks