Category: Mount Kilimanjaro

When hiking in Tanzania, where you stay plays a crucial role in many things, logistically like nearness to important facilities like banks, and restaurants, shopping and even hiring hiking equipment. Tucked away in the heart of Eastern Africa, Tanzania beckons adventurers with its rich tapestry of natural wonders. From the awe-inspiring summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to the vast, untamed plains of the Serengeti, this country is a paradise for those who love to hike. However, choosing the right base for your Tanzanian adventures can make all the difference in your experience. Moshi is an amazing town to stay for hiking not just because it is home to the highest mountain in Africa but also the nearness to many hiking landforms but after much consideration, we picked Arusha as the ultimate winner. Let's dive into why Arusha stands as the quintessential hub for hikers and explorers alike, and where you should consider staying to make the most of your journey. Arusha, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and a stone's throw from the world-famous Kilimanjaro, has become the de facto base camp for those embarking on Tanzania's numerous outdoor escapades. I've spent two adventurous months here, and from my experience, there's no better place to set up your temporary home. The city is vibrant yet manageable, with a mix of local and international flavours that cater to every palate and pocket. Why Arusha? Firstly, Arusha’s strategic location is unbeatable. It's not just about being close to Kilimanjaro; Arusha is also the gateway to some of Tanzania's most renowned national parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater. After a day or week of hiking, you can easily transition into a safari experience, making Arusha the perfect logistical hub. The city itself is a blend of the traditional and modern,

When Sir Chris Bonington, the legendary British mountaineer turned 90, on Tuesday, August 6th, he marked the occasion with a promise to fulfil a vow made to his late friend and climbing partner, Doug Scott. No longer able to scale the world's highest peaks, Bonington has committed to supporting a project dear to Doug's heart—the restoration of the Sherpa Heritage House in Nepal, which suffered significant damage in an earthquake nine years ago. He is currently in his 90s and has been climbing for more than 70 years. He has led some of Britain's most famous expeditions to the Himalayas and around the world's great mountain ranges, bringing together a cast of some of the most colorful figures in British climbing over the past 50 years. He has also completed numerous first ascents in the Alps and beyond. Like many British climbers, Sir Chris got his start in mountaineering on Snowdon when he was sixteen years old. He and his schoolmate Anton hitched a ride up to Wales, where they discovered the country's tallest mountain covered in winter snow. They followed two men with ice axes up the Pyg Track despite their lack of equipment and experience since they appeared to know what they were doing. All four were almost avalanched halfway up, and Chris and Anton followed suit when the two leads turned around and started to descend. They didn't even know rock climbing existed until they heard some people discussing it back at their hotel that night. For Chris, it was the most fun thing he had ever done in his life, but Anton had had enough and hitched home the next day, never to step foot on a mountain again. At Harrison Rocks, a sandstone crag in the countryside close to London, he joined a rock climbing

Doug Scott breathed his last exactly 4 years ago, on December 7, 2020, and this is a tribute to one of the most accomplished British climbers who sadly, p[assed away at the age of 79. His notable achievements and records include ascending Everest in 1975 (new route), Kangchenjunga (new route), Nuptse (new route) in 1979, and Shisha Pangma (new route) in 1982, and scaling Broad Peak in 1983. Among his many feats, he participated in the first ascents of Changabang (6864 m) in 1974 and Baintha Brakk ("Ogre," 7285 m) in 1977. In the year 1995, he completed the Carstensz-version of the Seven Summits. Doug Scott was an iconic figure in the world of mountaineering, known not only for his extraordinary climbing achievements but also for his profound humanitarian work, particularly in Nepal. Born on May 29, 1941, in Nottingham, England, Scott's life was an adventure that spanned from British classrooms to the highest peaks of the world. He was the first Briton to summit Everest via its challenging South-West Face in 1975, a feat accomplished without the aid of supplemental oxygen, showcasing his commitment to climbing in its purest form, known as Alpine style. His climbing career included 45 expeditions to Asia's high mountains, achieving the summit of 40 peaks, with many first ascents. Beyond climbing, Doug dedicated much of his life to charity, particularly in Nepal, where he founded Community Action Nepal (CAN) to improve the lives of mountain communities. His life was also marked by a deep spiritual journey, influenced by Buddhism, which shaped his approach to both climbing and charity work. Who was Doug Scott? Doug Scott was a legendary mountaineer and author from England. He gained fame for his role in the first successful ascent of Everest's South-West Face in 1975. His career involved numerous

Sanje Waterfalls is by right, the longest waterfall in the whole of East Africa. With waters falling at an impressive 550-foot-long stretch vertically this is without a doubt, Tanzania's largest waterfall with a rough measurement of 170 meters in height. The hike to the waterfalls is kind of strenuous but the tracks are well-maintained. You also get the chance to see its endemic wildlife like the Iringa Red Colobus monkey. Udzungwa Mountains National Park, or "Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Milima ya Udzungwa" in Swahili, is located in the Kilolo District of Iringa Region and the Kilombero District of Morogoro Region in Tanzania. Spanning 1,990 square kilometres, the park is primarily set in Kilolo District and features a diverse range of habitats from tropical rainforests to miombo woodlands, grasslands, and steppes. Elevations range from 250 to 2,576 meters, culminating at the peak of Luhomero, which is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, boasting over 400 bird species, 2,500 plant species, and 6 primate species, making it Africa's second most biodiverse national park. Sanje Waterfall, stands out as one of the tallest waterfalls in the national park system of Tanzania, with a total height of approximately 270 meters. This waterfall is not just a scenic attraction but a fascinating natural phenomenon divided into three distinctive stages: First Stage: This is the most prominent section at 170 meters. Second Stage: A smaller drop of 30 meters. Third Stage: The final 70 meters, located about 3.2 kilometres towards the peak. A Natural Oasis for Visitors: Sanje Waterfall offers a serene and rejuvenating environment for visitors. After a challenging hike, tourists are greeted by the sight of cascading water, which collects into small natural pools ideal for swimming, relaxation, and play. This waterfall essentially serves as a

Kwa Mambori Waterfall is located in the lush, verdant landscape of Komakya, roughly ten kilometres north of the bustling Moshi town. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, dense forests, and fertile valleys, all fed by the water sources originating from Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The waterfall itself is a spectacle of nature, where water cascades down a rugged cliff face into a series of natural pools, creating a misty, ethereal environment that captivates all who visit. See also: Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjano, the Kwa Mambori Waterfalls stand as one of Tanzania's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. With a dramatic drop of 80 meters, these falls are not just a scenic marvel but also a historical and cultural touchstone for the local communities of Old Moshi in the Moshi Rural district. This blog post delves deep into the allure of Kwa Mambori, exploring its natural beauty, historical significance, and the vibrant cultural tapestry that surrounds it. History of Old Moshi's Kwa Mambori The region around Kwa Mambori has a rich historical tapestry woven from colonial times. Old Moshi, where the falls reside, was established by German settlers in the early 1890s. This area was once part of the German East Africa colony, and its history is marked by the resistance of local leaders like Chief Meli (Mangi Meli), who famously opposed German rule. His execution in 1900 is remembered through various historical sites near the falls, including the tree where he was hanged, now a sombre landmark. Cultural Significance in Old Moshi The foundation of Old Moshi cultural tourism is Old Moshi, which is in the Kilimanjaro region and is home to the renowned Chagga Chiefs, the Mangi Meli-one, who dominated the area both before and during colonial times.