East African Mountains | East Africa Mountain Guide

Tanzania is a travelers paradise. Within a limited time, you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro, go on a safari in Tanzania, into the Serengeti plain - home to some of the largest concentrations of animals anywhere on the planet -, and finally end your time relaxing on the beaches of the exotic spice island of Zanzibar. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa - and one of the most climbed mountains in the world. Anyone who is reasonably fit can climb Kilimanjaro and trek for one week up to see the actual fabled snows of Kilimanjaro, which sits just south of the Equator.

East Africa's Highest Mountains
East Africa: Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya, Rwenzori, Mt Meru, Mt Elgon etc.

Spectacular mountains rise above snow line in the equatorial region of East Africa. Included among these are Africa's highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m or 19,340 ft) in Tanzania; Mt. Kenya (5199 m or 17,058 ft) just 200 miles to the north in Kenya; and the Ruwenzori range (with peaks above 5000m or 16,000 ft)--the fabled Mountains of the Moon--along the Uganda-Zaire border.

From 4000m to snowline at about 5000 m, is the Afro-alpine Zone (similar in many respects to the paramos of the northern Andes of South America),dominated by tussock sedges (Carex spp.) and rushes, proteas, red-hot pokers (Kniphofia), and--most distinctively--giant lobelias (Lobelia spp.) and tree groundsels (Senecio spp.). The lobelias--familiar North American forms of the genus are small herbaceous plants-- may be 7 to 8 feet tall, while the arborescent groundsels may stand 30 feet high.

A Montane Zone exists from 1300-1500 m to 4000 m. It has two or three distinct subzones. At the lowest elevations is the montane forest. On wetter slopes this will be broadleaf and evergreen, but composed of species not found in the lowland forest. On drier slopes a coniferous forest of junipers and podocarps occurs. At the upper margins of the montane forest, bamboos may occur in patches or as a nearly continuous belt. The uppermost belt of the Montane Zone is composed of giant heaths (Ericaceae) up to 60 ft tall and draped with lichens.

The regional vegetation of the lowlands (broadleaf evergreen forest west of the Ruwenzori and tropical savanna to the east, as shown here) extends up to elevations of about 1300 m.
All photographs were taken on Mt. Kenya

Endemism
There is a high degree of endemism among the plant species of the Afro-alpine zone, which have been isolated on individual peaks since the late Pleistocene.

Mount Kenya
Access to the mountain
Tarmac roads lead to towns at the starts of the three principal routes up the mountain; see road map. Dirt roads lead to the park gates and on up to the roadheads; in wet weather these may be impassable, even to 4WD vehicles. National Park fees are payable in Kenyan Shillings at the three main park gates (about $10 per day in 1991).

Walking routes to the peak area
Chogoria Route: From roadhead the fastest and most spectacular route to approach Point Lenana. Driving from Embu two turn-offs are sign-posted "Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge"; the second is better; dirt roads for 9km. to the Forest Gate (1700m.). Now a track for 22km. (high clearance 4WD advised even when dry) through beautiful rain forest, bamboo then parkland to the Park Gate and Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge (3017m., 9 h. on foot). Campsite at 2700m., water in valley to south. There are fine walks in the "Parklands" near the Park Gate. Now two options: 1. Via Urumandi Hut. 5 mm. from the Park Gate turn left and follow an overgrown track to the Kinithi stream, campsite, then on to hut (3063m., 1 h.). Path over natural bridge then through heather moorlands to roadhead, campsites, fine watertall (3300m., 1 h.). 2. Follow the main track, cross the Kinithi stream, pass special campsite, and ignore turn-off right to Lake Ellis and Mugi Hill (2 h.). Dry ridge with views over Gorges Valley to Hall Tarns and Minto's Hut (4297 m., 5 h.); campsite and viewpoint over Lake Michaelson - Guided tours on the Chogoria Route.
 

Naro Moru Route: The most popular and quickest route to the south side of the mountain. Good access to Naro Moru from Nairobi; from there limited public transport goes part way to the park gate or it is possible to use Naro Moru River Lodge transport to the Met. Station ($35 per person one way). Just past Naro Moru, turn right and follow signs for the National Park; the dirt road leads in 17km. through farmlands then plantations to the park gate (2450m.). Now forests to the Met. Station (3050m.) and roadhead (3½ h.). Easy forest path then very boggy moorlands to the Picnic Rocks (3750m., 3 h.). (It is important not to get lost in the lower half of the "Vertical Bog" during descent - if in doubt keep right). More soggy moorlands then a ridge lead to good viewpoint over Teleki Valley (4000m., 1 h.). The path slants to a stream crossing, then gently up valley (several campsites) to Mackinder's Camp (4200m., 1½ h.). (Fine groundsel forests on a southern, weller variant). 10 mm. beyond Mackinder's Camp and 80m. above the MCK hut is the Ranger Station.

Sirimon Route: This offers some of the best forest walking on Mt. Kenya. Bantu Lodge provides a vehicle service to the roadhead. The track, 13km. from Nanyuki towards Isiolo, is well signposted and leads through farmland for 10km. to the park gate (2650m.). Forest track to Judmeier Camp (3400m., 4 h.). Campsite on edge of moorland by stream 500m. before Judmeier Camp. Now two options: 1. Eastern Variant. The track deteriorates to a boggy path. Traverse then descend into the marshy Liki North Valley; hut and pleasant campsites (3993m., 3½ h.). Climb over a ridge and descend into Mackinder Valley; follow this to Shipton's Cave and slightly higher Shipton's Camp (4236m., 3 h.), good campsites. 2. Western Variant This involves fewer ups and downs but is wetter.

Walking round the Peaks
Hall Tarns to Top Hut, Kami Tarn and Shipton's Camp. Easy path to scree slopes (40 mm.). Path divides: 1. Left steeply to Square Tarn, cross ridge then traverse to Top Hut (4790m., 2 h.). 2. flight to head of valley then up steep screes to Simba Tarn (4560m., 40 mm.). From here: either west up screes, traverse base of North Ridge of Pt. Lenana, descend a moraine ridge and traverse again to reach Kami Tarn (4439m., 1½ h.); or over Simba Col to Shipton's Camp (40 min.).

Kami Tarn to Hut Tarn. Steep screes lead to Hausberg Col (4591m., 30 min.). Down scree to a boulderfield and Hausberg Tarn; between this and Oblong Tarn bear off south-west up scree to a col beside the Western Terminal (1 h. 15 mm.); drop down, contour left across rock ledges (avoid descending to Emerald Tarn'), then up slightly to Nanyuki Tarn and Hut Tarn (4480m., 1 h.).

Hut Tarn to Top Hut. From the tarn either descend directly to American Camp, then join the Naro Moru route up the screes; or traverse left, then descend slightly to Tyndall Tarn, continue below Midget Peak to a flat outwash plain below Pt. John and Lewis Tarn. From here either join the Naro Moru route to Pt. Lenana or head for the south-west tip of the Lewis Glacier and climb this till level with Top Hut; either traverse to the hut or continue to Pt. Lenana. Ice axe useful.

Point Lenana. From Top Hut the ascent is straightforward but an ice axe or ski stick is useful (1 h.). From Harris Tarn the North Ridge provides an exposed scramble (grade 1+); the North Face, to the left of the ridge, involves a left to right scramble and is slightly easier (1 h.). In icy conditions these northern routes require proficient use of ice axe and crampons. Harris Tarn can be reached in 40 min. from Simba Tarn or 1½ h. from Kami Hut.

 

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania Safari
Mount Kilimanjaro the highest point in Africa is also one of the highest mountains in the world accessible to walkers. It lies in Tanzania just south of the Kenyan border and the area above 2750m. is a National Park. The park headquarters are located by the Marangu Park Gate, 5km. above Marangu. Park fees are payable through an officially approved agent like ourselves(hotel or tour operator), most of whom offer a full package Kilimanjaro climb.

Porters and Guides
Guides are compulsory and are available at the Park Gate. It is best to make arrangements one day before the planned ascent. Porters are selected by the head Guide. Guides and porters are self-sufficient.

Access Routes
MARANGU (NORMAL) ROUTE
The tourist route, an easy walk as far as the Kibo Hut. The lower sections provide fine forest and moorland walking. The lunar landscape of the Saddle leads to the Kibo Hut; above this tedious scree leads to the crater rim. All huts on the route are manned and in radio contact with the Park Headquarters at Marangu. Just above the Park Gate the western route through the forest provides a longer, more difficult but beautiful walk along narrow paths beside streams. There is often no water at Kibo Hut and it either has to be carried from last water or melted from snow or ice if this is available. During peak periods the huts are sometimes overfull because of groups altering itineraries or for other reasons. At these times all facilities will be severely overstrained.

Note: The path in the forest is often realigned on account of erosion. Above Mandara hut the main path has been realigned and now passes closer to Maundi Crater - a worthwhile viewpoint.

MARANGU ROUTE (above KIBO HUT)
Easy walking up steep, tedious scree slopes to Gillman's Point then along the broad crater rim with good views over the caldera and of Mawenzi. A very early departure to arrive at sunrise at Gillman’s Point is recommended. The final section undulates and is occasionally snowy. No special equipment is required. Grade l.

MWEKA ROUTE
A very direct and fast way down the mountain providing limited views across the Southern Glaciers. The track in the forest is often impassable even to 4WD vehicles. Beyond the roadhead the path is steep and slippery in parts. Above the Mweka Huts water must be carried. Sometimes a long walk is required at the Barafu Hut to find snow or ice for water.

UMBWE ROUTE Kilimanjaro climbing trip
A very strenuous walk up steep, slippery paths with many fallen trees to negotiate. The middle section follows a narrow spectacular ridge with magnificent views of the Great Barranco and Southern Icefields.

MACHAME ROUTE Kilimanjaro climbing trip
Machame village is served by a tarmac road. There is a park checkpoint at the start of the route. The walking is strenuous, initially up narrow, slippery paths through beautiful forest. It provides good access to the South Western Glaciers and the Western Breach.

SHIRA ROUTE Kilimanjaro climbing trip
Depending on its condition and the weather, this track provides an access route for 4WD vehicles to within 1 hour of the Shira Hut. The Shira Plateau is very beautiful with good views of the Western Glaciers. There are several fine minor summits to be climbed; the Shira Needle can be gained by a scramble and provides a nice viewpoint.

LEMOSHO GLADES ROUTE
This magnificent variation to the Shira Route is as yet unspoilt and little used. It takes paths through forests rich in game south of the Shira Route. On day 3 the Machame Route is rejoined.

RONGAI (OLOITOKITOK) ROUTE
This used to be the route used by the Outward Bound Mountain School at Oloitokitok in Kenya. The border is open during daylight hours but all park fees and arrangements must be made (via an agent) at the Marangu Gate before starting on the route. It is possible to arrange transport from Marangu to Naremoru / Rongai. Only a limited number of groups are allowed on the route at any time and it may not be used in descent. There are several big caves along the route, these are used by porters and tents should be carried. The "Outward Bound School" Hut is privately owned, no water or firewood in the vicinity. Allow 5 days for the traverse.

Walking on and around Kibo
SOUTH CIRCUIT
A superb traverse offering fine panoramas of the southern icefields and visiting some of the mountains most beautiful locations. The journey from Shira Hut to Horombo Hut or vice versa takes at least two days and is best broken at the Barranco Hut or at Karanga Valley. The section just east of the Great Barranco involves a short easy scramble.
 

NORTH CIRCUIT
A very remote and rather tedious walk over endless screes. Fine panoramas northwards to Mount Kenya. Allow 3 hours from the Shira Hut to the Moir Hut. The next section to the Kibo, Mawenzi or Horombo Huts is best done in two days. Very limited water en-route.

REUSCH CRATER AND ASH PIT
Easily reached from the East. Sulphur deposits and fumaroles are found inside this crater. To look into the Ash Pit it is best to go down into the crater. Descending into the Ash Pit involves scrambling over steep scree and poor rock.

NORTHERN AND EASTERN ICEFIELDS
Though far from the main routes there is some magnificent ice scenery is to be seen here - well worth the effort and time.

 

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