African Safari: The world's tallest mammal

If you have been following this series on the African wildlife Experience and what to expect in your Kenya safari then here is some more great stuff for you. Our nature series this season was features on an informative yet interesting coverage on the Leopard, but a Cranston, a photographer whose love for nature is unending, had a wonderful time in Lake Nakuru and Amboseli national parks heightened us differently.

Right now as I speak, I am in Kenya, a country that is perceived as; a wonderland of treasures, the cradle of mankind and the land of contrasts. The greatest wonder of the world is now on as I had told you earlier in the migration update and many visitors from all over the world are streaming to Maasai Mara to have the first-hand glimpse. Am talking about, the wildebeest migration.

I know you might be wondering why I have to say all this stuff instead of going directly to my point. Well! If I were a psychiatrist, I would have told you "……… this is important as well" of which it is. But my main point here is to prepare you on what to expect when in a safari.
If your expectation of seeing the big five or monster lizard or even some specific species of birds are met, there is always more to see and to learn. Kenya as I said offers a diversity of attractions. That’s what this series is about, so that you can know what Kenya and its diversity has to offer.

This time we will talk about what's interesting about the world's tallest living mammal encountered a lot on Safari in Kenya.
The giraffe is the world’s tallest terrestrial animal. It's one of the most amazing animals especially because of the long neck that makes it sometimes cumbersome and prone to a couple of problems that we shall see as we proceed.

These African ruminant mammals, Giraffa Camelopardalis, live in open savannahs south of the Sahara and have only one family member, the Okapi. The reticulated giraffes are handsomely patterned in golden browns, with a coarsely netted (reticulated) pattern mainly quadrangular in shape. Males and females have stiff manes along their necks and both sexes have horn-like structures called ossicones on top of their heads between their ears. These ossicones are present at birth in the form of small knobs of cartilage covered with skin and hair which becomes bony nodules with age, and fuse to the skull with time.

Giraffes are widely spread in Africa and Kenya in particular. As Cranston witnessed, it's easy to spot the three species of giraffes in this part of the world.
It amazes to know that giraffes despite being the tallest mammal have seven vertebrae in their neck, the same with man and most other mammals. Only that the vertebrae are much bigger. The tail measures up to one yard with a terminal tuft of stiff, black hair.
They have long tongues that measure 18-21 inches long. The inner part of the tongue is pink in color, and then changes to a purplish-black color for the last 6 inches that are commonly visible. ……… I wish you see them browse on the acacias.

A quick look at the adaptations of the Giraffe
Giraffes have long legs and neck, long, tough, prehensile tongue, and leathery mouth for food gathering. Their coloration is protective. They are tall with good eyesight for watchfulness. Giraffes have high blood pressure (240/160) for pumping blood to the brain. Herds are small and loosely constructed of 5-15 individuals, consisting of one bull with females and young. Other bulls are solitary or in pairs.

Another interesting thing about the giraffe is that they usually sleep standing up for only 1-12 minutes. Going for a month without water is also possible as an adaptation to long drought periods in their native areas.
Giraffe is browsing ruminant that eats regularly throughout the day, they prefer young leaves and shoots at tops of acacia trees which sometimes ends up shaping the regularly visited trees. They prefer to drink regularly, but can go without water for several days and can run up to 35 mph. Predators are leopards (prey on young), lions, and man. Giraffes kick with their hooves and slam with their heads.

Off springs.....
Giraffes are non-seasonal breeders, usually producing one calf after a gestation period of 14-15 months. Newborn giraffe calves begin their lives by falling up to about 6 feet to the ground, and weight 87-107 lbs. They become sexually mature between 3 and 4 years of age and have a life span of about 25 years and up to 30 in captivity. Full body size is not reached until five years of age.

It is interesting to note that...
The carotid artery that carries blood from the heart to the head is thick, muscular and elastic, ballooning when the giraffe stoops to absorb increase in pressure. When the giraffe raises its head, a series of check valves in the inch-wide jugular vein prevents a sudden back flow from the head, emptying the brain. They are most vulnerable to predators when drinking or lying down. They may see red-orange, yellow-green, purple, green and blue as colors. Their scientific name means "camel-leopard-like one who walks swiftly." Their spot patterns are as individual as fingerprints. They are among the very few mammals that cannot swim at all.
Head/shoulder length is approximately 13' for the male. Shoulder height is 8-12', overall height 15-19' and Weight is 1,100-2,800 lbs.

Giraffe’s have a variety of sounds but they are rarely heard. They may grunt of snort when alarmed, females may whistle to call their young, and calves can bleat
There are more to learn and see in the giraffe especially the walking style but, I won't tell you now until you make arrangements to see them. Almost every large park and reserve in Kenya has at least one species. But for you, I would recommend you take a safari to Samburu and see the most beautiful of the three and then proceed to Lake Nakuru and see the largest of the three yet the most endangered. From there you can voyage to Amboseli or Mara and take pleasure in the look of the Kenyan named Maasai giraffe. An extension to the coastal beaches of Kenya is fare as well…….

Next time we look on the leopard, probably the most beautiful cat ………… Join me then!!



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The magical Zanzibar…

There are many islands in Indian Ocean on the tropics of east Africa but there is one that is more mystical and awe-inspiring – The Zanzibar Island. It is an island with alluring history rich in dramatic olden episodes that none of its neighbors can fail to notice and adore. 

The beaches of Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean tides.

The East Coast of Zanzibar is among the best places on Zanzibar. The part boasts endless palm tree-lined beaches, fringed by one of the best and untouched reef systems in the world. You can also visit small fishing villages and enjoy a tranquil, friendly atmosphere away from the mainstream and large tourist-type resorts. 

The area is haven for those looking for a place to relax and who want to experience a local, cultural experience. For the vacationers, Zanzibar invokes sights, sounds and smells of ancient days. Though part of the modern world, Zanzibar is still one of the few “get-away” places available for the astute voyager. Enjoy relaxing at the sultry, spick and span-white beaches while the turquoise-crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean lap at your feet. Or if you are more adventuresome, step back in time as you explore the diverse cultures of Zanzibar and enjoy what Zanzibar has to offer. It makes the perfect end to your safari and expeditions on the mainland.

People say, you have never been to Zanzibar until you explore the exotic & historic Stone Town, visit the famous spice gardens and Boat trip to the famous yet controversial Prison Island. You will need also to visit the East Coast which was founded to promote Eco-tourism. The area economically benefits local communities and is sensitive to the natural environment

You can spice up your vacation by visiting the northern tip of Zanzibar called Nungwi which is accessible by road lined with banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar Island, so it is a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work.

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Uganda – A must visit Top 10 attractions

Uganda – A must visit Top 10 attractions

It is almost a month now since our Nature series team launched its wide strides to Uganda. The first write-up on gorilla tracking has been a great welcome to a diverse community in the travel and tourism world. This time round, we have been chasing after a fortune of identifying Uganda’s top ten attractions and we found an incredible list of our fortune here!!

1.Kidepo Valley National Park

The Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It is 1,442 square kilometres and harbor scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in rugged horizon. The vegetation can most excellent be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest. The flora and fauna of the park are more typical of Kenya than the rest of Uganda. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions. The Kidepo Valley National Park was established in the 1960s. Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1436 km² national park in Karamoja region in northwest Uganda. Kidepo is rugged savannah, dominated by the 2750 m Mount Morungole and transected by the Rivers Kidepo and Narus. Perennial water makes River Kidepo an oasis in the semi-desert which hosts over 86 mammal species including lion, cheetah, leopard, bat-eared fox, giraffe – as well as almost 500 bird species.

2.Sipi falls

Sipi Falls is supposedly one of Uganda’s most beautiful sights. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Uganda and is about 15 km from Kapchorwa.Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls and lie near Kapchorwa, north of Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, near Mount Elgon on the Kenyan border.

3.Mt Elgon National Park, Uganda

Mt. Elgon National park is located near Mbale in the Eastern part of Uganda. The park covers 1,145 sq km. It is named after Mt Elgon (4,321m), an extinct Volcanic Mountain that lies on Uganda’s border with Kenya. In the prehistoric times this mountain stood taller than Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in East Africa. Though the Mountain is shared by Uganda and Kenya its highest point Wagagai peak (4321m) lies in Uganda. The mountain has got three other major peaks which are Kiongo (4303m), Mubiyi (4210m) and Jackson’s summit (4165m). Mt. Elgon is known locally as Mt. Masaba. Masaba is the name of the founding ancestor of the Bagisu who is said to have emerged from a cave on the slopes several centuries ago. The Park can be accessed by road. The journey takes around 3-4 hours from Kampala along a good tarmac road. Hiking is the major tourism activity. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not so much challenging and therefore can attract both medium climbers and the experienced climbers. From here, you can visit the exquisite Sipi Falls for scenic viewing, Nature walks from Budadiri trailhead. Community visits and participation in Imbalu dances.

4.Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi are regarded as the major spiritual centre for the Buganda people, the largest Ugandan ethnic group. They constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural success in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site’s main undertone lies, however, in its indefinable values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity. Guides at Kasubi lead visitors around the area and into the building, explaining the history of the Baganda and the cultural traditions associated with the tombs.

5.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley. It comprises 331 square kilometres of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot. Many species of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla. Bwindi is also an incredible preserve home to some of Africa’s most endangered animals. It is a haven for gorilla tracking.

6.Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.

7.Mpanga National Reserve

This is a government nature reserve 453 hectares in size. Gazette around 50 years ago, the 45km2 Mpanga forest reserve near the small town of Mpigi, lies 37kms west of Kampala on the road to Masaka. It is a compact forest offering a cathedral like atmosphere in which to enjoy fabulous bird watching. The main forest center in 500 m from the main high way and marked by a decorative sign. Visitors are welcome to picnic or camp at the forest center and follow any of the well marked trails to the south of the river. The reserve protects an extensive patch of medium -altitude rainforest, characteristic of the vegetation that once extended over much of the northern lake Victoria Hinterland, but has largely been cleared over the past century due to human activity. Wide footpaths (initially made by researchers) crisscross the forest where Celtis mildbraedii and Bosquieia phoberos form the dominant tree species. The forest is now is now open to public.

8.Mabira Forest reserve

Mabira forest lies along the main highway running from Jinja to Kampala. Its actual location is 54 km from kampala and 20 km from Jinja. The forest centre is on the edge of Najjembe village approximately 500m north of the main road. If you are coming from Kampala, it is signposted to your left before you reach the roadside market at Najjembe. The Mabira forest project was established with help from the European Union. There are 10 forest trails catering for people of all time schedules and abilities with options of both guided and unguided trails. If you are not rushing to the west of Uganda or needing to get to Kampala in a hurry, then consider Mabira Forest – a pleasant backwater and stop over.

9.Lake Victoria, Uganda

While the communities living around the lake have many stories to tell in addition to the lake being a source of living for them, no need to add to what Wikipedia says;

“Lake Victoria or Victoria Nyanza (also known as Ukerewe and Nalubaale) is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. Lake victoria is 3rd biggest lake in the world covering 68,800 square kilometres (26,560 mi²) in size – making it the continent’s largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second largest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area (third largest if one considers Lake Michigan-Huron as a single lake). Being relatively shallow for its size, with a maximum depth of 84 m (276 ft) and a mean depth of 40 m (131 ft), Lake Victoria ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake by volume, containing 2,750 cubic kilometres (2.2 million acre-feet) of water. It is the source of the longest branch of the Nile River, the White Nile, and has a water catchment area of 184,000 square kilometres (71,040 mi²). It is a biological hotspot with great biodiversity. The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is subject to territorial administration by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The lake has a shoreline of 3,440 km (2138 miles), and has more than 3,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. These include the Ssese Islands in Uganda, a large group of islands in the northwest of the Lake that are becoming a popular destination for tourists”

10.The people of Uganda the cultural diversity

The Uganda culture is made up of a dissimilar array of cultural groups.It includes a number of religious groups like Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. People speak in 40 languages out of which Luganda is the most common. Swahili is also used while English is the official language. Literature of Uganda is very rich as well.Many of the regions like Buganda, Bunyoro and Toro had kingdoms of their own. Lake Kyoga forms the northern periphery for the Bantu-speaking peoples, who dominate much of east, central and southern Africa. In Uganda they include the Baganda and several other tribes. In the north live the Lango and the Acholi, who speak Nilotic languages. Iteso and Karamojong who speak a Nilotic language, occupy the east parts of Uganda and few Pygmies live isolated in the rainforests of western Uganda. Each of the tribe is very respectful to their tradition and the culture of Uganda can be best described as a melting pot of diverse cultural practices. The Uganda people are quite hospitable.

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Mt. Elgon National park – Secluded splendor.

On the western boarder of Kenya and Uganda lies a magnificent land form of extinct shield volcacano whose undulations and peaks give a shear feeling of untamed wilderness and secluded splendor. Its slopes support rich variety of vegetation from mount forest to high open moorland studded with the giant lobelia and groundsel plants all dictated by change of altitude. This is Mount Elgon National park!

The park boasts one of the most unique botanical diversity ranging from low attitude podocarpus and the Elgon Olive trees to the high attitude broad-leaf montane forest whose notable Ranunculus keniensis (previously thought endemic to Mount Kenya) occurs.

At the Endebess Bluff, there are panoramic view of the areas' escarpments, gorges, mesas, and rivers. The highest peak of Mt. Elgon on the Kenya side, Koitoboss, measures 13,852 ft (4,155 m), and is easily reached by hikers in about two hours from the road's end. Activities include; hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitoboss Peak, Primate and bird watching, Cave explorations, Camping photography to mention but a few.

For bird lovers, you will be treated with a share of over 300 birds’ species including the endangered Lammergeier, African Goshawk and Baglafecht weaver. The Maathai Longleg an endangered dragonfly was discovered here in the year 2000 and named after Nobel Prize winner Wangari Mathaai. 

Together with the fauna and flora, the park has a variety of scenery such as cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, mesas, calderas, hot springs, and the mountain peaks. The most popular areas are the four explore-able, vast caves where frequent night visitors such as elephants and buffaloes come to lick the natural salt found on the cave walls. Kitum cave, with overhanging crystalline walls, enters 200m into the side of Mt. Elgon.

Recent studies have shown that elephants and other mammals are major contributors to the development of these unique caves. The animals frequently visit the caves at night to 'mine' the natural salt by licking it from the cave walls. The caves are mapped and Kitum, Chepnyali, and Mackingeny can be explored by visitors to the park

From a cultural and ancient sustainable utilization and exploration, the park is popular for the setting of parts of Richard Preston's book ‘The Hot Zone’ with Kitum being the most popular part in setting of the book. Undoubtedly, Henry Rider Haggard's well-known novel 'King Solomon's Mines' may have also been inspired by the panoramic caves of Mt Elgon.

Other attractions include ancient cave paintings near the trailhead at Budadiri, and hot springs in the former volcano's crater which bubble at temperatures of up to 48°C

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The history of Tanzania – Tale of uncharted territory

The history of Tanzania is filled with stories of struggle and triumph, victory and peace. This rich history can be traced as far as; from the beginning of human settlement and Tribal Habitation to the beginnings of trade and merchant states along the Swahili Coast. Rich traces also include the arrival of colonialism and the advent of independence while political details and the modern Tanzania are not to be ignored.

Tanzania has a long history of human habitation – some of the earliest hominoid fossils in the world were discovered in Olduvai Gorge and show records of hominoid habitation in the region going back at least 3 million years. It is thought that early hunter-gatherer communities inhabited the northern highlands as far back as 10,000 years ago and remained largely isolated until the arrival of Cushitic-speaking tribes from the north, who brought basic agricultural technologies to the area between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago.

More recent migrations of Bantu-speaking tribes from western Africa began around 1000 BC, and with their assimilation came advances in iron and steel production. Ancestors of the Maasai arrived more recently, beginning their migration around the 15th century and continuing to arrive from the area around southern Sudan for another three hundred years. Battles over grazing and agricultural land began as ethnic groups consolidated and appropriated loose borders and tribal regions.

Trade routes that led from the heart of the continent to the East African coast gradually gave rise to Swahili culture – a blend of Arab, Indian and Bantu influences that created one of the most developed trade networks in the Indian Ocean.

Although archaeological evidence shows the area was used as a trading port for Greek and Persian ships as early as 400 BC, permanent coastal settlements only developed around 800 AD, when civilizations around the Indian Ocean were wealthy enough to support annual voyages and a high volume of trade.
With large caravans laden with gold, spices, ivory, and slaves departing from Zanzibar, Kilwa, and other less prominent East African ports, Swahili civilization grew and flourished until the 15th century, when trade became more confined to Mombasa and Zanzibar.

Portuguese traders dominated the East African coast from 1525 until the early 18th century, when Omani Arabs once again regained control of the slave trade. The first missionaries journeyed to the mainland in the early 19th century and settlements, mission stations, and trading posts were built as far inland as Lake Tanganyika.

In the late 19th century, the German East African Company gained control of large portions of the Tanzanian mainland, although the British held a sphere of influence over the Omani sultans ruling the Zanzibar Archipelago. By 1891, most of mainland Tanzania was under the colonial administration of German East Africa.
At the end of World War I, the Germans relinquished control over the area and handed it over to British administration that governed by a system of indirect rule.
A fledgling national movement in opposition to colonial economic policies was founded in the 1930’s and by the early 1950’s; the movement came into its own. In 1954, an internal constitution was drawn up and resistance unified under the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) with Julius Nyerere elected as its president.

After further elections in 1959, Britain established an internal self-government within the country and by 1962 the independent Republic of Tanganyika was formed with Nyerere as president.
Meanwhile, a popular revolution on the island of Zanzibar ousted the Omani sultan and in 1963, the archipelago gained its independence from British influence and Arab rule. One year later, leaders Nyerere and Karume, the first president of Zanzibar, signed an act of union to create the United Republic of Tanzania, which includes the Republic of Tanganyika and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Today, Tanzania is a sovereign state under the ruler- ship of His Excellency president Jakaya Kikwete

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Hiking the Ruwenzori – Superb reward, magnificent scenery

The enchanted Ruwenzori mountain ranges lie in the Western Uganda along the Congolese boarder with a height of 5,100m above sea level. These unique snow - covered equatorial peaks of Ruwenzori rank among the highest ranges in Africa. Its lower slopes are mantled in moorland and rich mountain forest covering about 100 km in length and about 50 km in width.

 

Ruwenzori Mountains National Park protects the eastern slopes and glacial peaks of the 120km-long Ruwenzori Mountains a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination. Most of the park is accessible only to hikers although the magnificent scenery and 19 Albertine Rift endemics would be ample reward for Birders. 

 

The Ruwenzori’s are referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ simply because the Roman Geographer Ptolemy Circa (AD 150) believed them to be the Lunae Montes predicted by the ancient Greeks to be the source of The Nile River. 

 

The mountain peaks thereof have been named after early explorers to Uganda. Some of those in the centre of the range have snow cover. These include Mount Stanley (5,110m), Speke (4,889m), Baker (4,843m), Gessi (4,797m), Emin (4,791m) and Luigi di Savoia (4,626m). On Mt. Stanley are the twin summits of Alexandra (5,044m) and Margherita (5,110m).

These beautiful, often mist-shrouded mountains are non-volcanic and offer mountaineers and walkers splendid country and wonderful views.  With their geographical nature, the Ruwenzori’s’ can boast of their challenging hiking and climbing possibilities notwithstanding the diverse flora and fauna on different altitude zone each with its own micro-climate. 

 

The real adventure commence from Entebbe International Airport or the Uganda’s capital Kampala, from whence you will head to Western Uganda. After a night of acclimatization, you are now ready to boldly rough the Ruwenzori.

Its now the second day of the hike, when you advance to Nyakalengija (1,615m) – the beautiful trail meander off Fort Portal road as you strive to access Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m) through thick tropical vegetation. 

 

Nyakalengija is 10 km before Nyabitaba Hut, passing first through cultivation then through forest arriving Nyabitaba Hut in the evening. If you have your own or rental car, don’t worry! There is a campsite and safe parking near the Nyahalengija office.

The third day is usually characterized by the longest; perhaps the most hectic stretch of the hike. After early breakfast, depending on the two Bigo Bogs, which are often knee-deep in mud, it may take you up to five hours before accessing the Bujuku Hut. En route you will be able to view Lake Bujuku that has a splendid setting between mounts Speke and Stanley Baker. Bujuku Hut will enable you to easily access Mt. Speke and this may mean spending an extra night here.  

 

In case you intend to climb the highest point in the range - Margherita Peak on Mt. Stanley(5,109m) you will need to start from Elena Hut(4,541m)- 2 km off the loop trail and about four hours’ walk from either Bujuku or Kitandara Huts.

The fourth and fifth day entail an effortful ascend to Scott Elliot Pass – the highest point in the loop trail, (4,372m) to access Kitandara lakes. Overnight is mainly on Katandara Hut which is on the second lake a journey that will take over four hours of remarkable trek.

 

The fifth day is typically the most interesting; early in the morning, you will ascend a steep slope to Freshfield Pass (4,282m) and then descend to Bujongolo Cave (3,720m).  En route the trail to Kabamba Cave(3,450m) there is a magnificent waterfall and a rock shelter where you can stay overnight as an alternative to Guy Yeoman Hut.

Very early in the morning you will move through gorgeous scenery of Savoia and Elena glaciers as you ascend through the Scott Elliot pass and go through the snow to Elena Hut. After an early breakfast ascend the snow-covered Alexander peak (5,092m) and proceed to the Supreme peak (5,109m). Here you will be rewarded by enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of world around you, then descend to Kitandara Hut for overnight right at the shores of Lake Kitandara.

 

The descend trek takes 2 to 3 days through Guy Yeoman and to Kasese via Nyabitaba and Lake Mahoma. You may choose to stay overnight at Nyabitaba Hut or proceed to Margarita Hotel to a comfortable rest from the long strenuous exercise. 

 

Hiking Rwenzoris is truly an incredible world class hiking experience

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Mountain Climbing in Tanzania – the ‘rooftop of Africa’

Tanzania’s numerous parks and reserves offer many climbing options for the devoted explorer. The most frequent expeditions are obviously to Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, but there are other destinations such as the Crater Highlands. Trekking companies will happily put together an itinerary that suits your preferences and will help make sure that you are adequately prepared.

 

Although Mt. Kilimanjaro tops the list as Africa’s most famous — and highest — mountain, Tanzania boasts many other mountain ranges and attractive peaks. Most of the country’s mountains and volcanoes are located in the north and east of the country. They vary from the dramatic crater of Mt. Meru and the active volcano of Ol Donyo Lengai to tamer options like the Usambara Mountains and comparatively gentle slopes of the Crater Highlands.

 

Hiking trips and mountain climbing in Tanzania is becoming a popular option for visitors not content to observe the country from the back of a game viewing vehicle. Instead, adventurous types are taking advantage of the many trails and peaks Tanzania has to offer.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the best part of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur, the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai grassland, that belongs to Kilimanjaro.

 

Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ — the highest point on the continent at 5896 metres — is the adventure of a lifetime, especially because, if paced well, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak.

Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower altitudes and breaks into alpine meadows once the air begins to thin. Near the peak, the landscape is harsh and barren, with rocks and ices the predominant features above a breathtaking African view.

Scaling the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak and most famous mountain in Africa) is a heavy challenge, more from the rigours of altitude than the actual difficulty of the hike itself. The climb, which takes on average five days, takes hikers through thick forests and alpine grasslands, desolate rock-face and brilliant white glaciers.

 Views of Kenya and the Masaai prairie, the Crater Highlands, and the Eastern Arc Mountain Range expand from the summit, and unlike other comparable peaks, you don’t need ropes or climbing equipment to make it to the top. As long as you pace yourself and take it easy at high altitudes, you have every reason to think you can reach the summit.

Climbing Mt. Meru is usually skipped in favour of its bigger neighbour Mt. Kilimanjaro to the west, but the sheer beauty and challenge of this three-day climb makes it a must-do for obliging itineraries. While Kilimanjaro offers the chance to scale to the ‘roof of Africa,’ its slightly smaller neighbour is certainly not lacking in adventure.

 

The early parts of the trail pass through lush rainforests of fig trees and Columbus monkeys high in the canopy. As you climb higher, the cloud forest clears in the late afternoon to reveal striking vistas of Kilimanjaro and the volcano chain on the edge of the Rift Valley. The last distance before the summit passes over the crater ridge – an enlivening experience, and not one for the faint-hearted. Located west of Dar es Salaam, the Udzungwa Mountains rise up from the western edge of the famous Selous Game Reserve. Views from the peaks of the mountains, towards the Selous Game Reserve and the distant Indian Ocean coast, are incredible and well worth the effort.

The Mountains offer you the opportunity to view several species of primates and endangered birds in a beautiful African rain forest. Five distinct trails cover the forests and mountain peaks within the park, and offer varying levels of difficulty for everyone from novices to experienced trekkers. Better yet, there are no roads through the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, so hikers have the area all to themselves.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Crater Highlands offers hikers the chance to experience an extended piece of the country on foot and up-close. Longer hikes start around Ngorongoro Crater and pass through smaller craters and summits on the way, finishing at Lake Natron with a hike to the crater of the active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai.

 The trip can be divided into smaller sections, but the full experience of walking through the highlands is really not to be missed.
Rising up from the floors of the Rift Valley, the Crater Highlands form a lush chain of mountains and volcanoes that includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the surrounding Masaai tribal lands. Hiking safaris take you from Ngorongoro Crater to the foot of Ol Donyo Lengai and offer you a chance to see some of the most spectacular and stunning scenery in Tanzania.

Exploring this little-visited wilderness is well worth putting in the list of ‘to do’.

 

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