East African Mountains Climbing Safaris

Mount Kenya

At 5, 199 meters (17,058 feet) the highest mountain in Kenya is also Africa’s second highest mountain. Mt. Kenya, from where the country takes its name, stands at the center of the Central Highlands, and is often visible from Nairobi some 130km to the south. Of all East Africa’s mountains this is where you get nearest to equatorial icecaps: Formed as a result of the volcanic actions associated with the Rift Valley, it’s much older than Kilimanjaro and geologist believe it once stretched at least 1500m above it current height of 5199m (17,057ft). Climbing it is no `push-over’’ but it represents a greater challenge than Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow and ice.
Time to Visit – It’s best to avoid the rainy seasons from March to June and October to December

Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro stands on featureless part of the East African plateau, on the Tanzanian side of the Kenya border near Moshi, side by side with the smaller Mount Meru. These mountains are extinct volcanoes, with Kilimanjaro actually being the agglomeration of three distinct volcanoes, Kibo (5896m/ 19,340 ft), Mwenzi (5,149 / 16,896 ft) and Shira (3,962m / 13,000 ft). whose violent creation is geologically associated with the creation of the Great Rift Valley, 100km to the West.

December to late March, late June to October are the best time to climb, however It can be climbed anytime of the year, but expect a lot of rains during April, May and November.

What you need to bring

• Waterproof rucksack with day pack
• Sleeping bag rated -15 to – 25 degrees Celsius
• Roll mats and insulation pads
• Comfortable hiking boots, light walking trainers thongs (flip – flops)
• Gaiters (useful when encountering snow),
• Wooden walking stick / ski pole,
• Sunglasses or snow goggles, sun hat, balaclava or woolen hat, Warm scarf, gloves, mittens and thermal underwear
• Sweaters / jumpers, anorak / raincoat, water and windproof pants, jackets, t-shirt, several pairs of socks
• Long sleeved shirt with collar, small towel, toiletries and toilet paper
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Flash light (head mounted preferable) and spare batteries
• Water bottle
• Camera with spare film and batteries
• First aid kit
• Sun protection
• Enough money for tips.

Advance Planning Checklist

• Plan and execute training programme for fitness and stamina.
• Consult medical doctor about your proposed trip
• Suitable Travel insurance.
• A strong waterproof kit bag or rucksack.
• Trial packing and check the target weight of 15kg (Normal for the porter)
• Prepare a day pack to carry your essentials.

Mount Meru
Mount Meru is Mount Kilimanjaro little sister, standing at 4,566m compared to 5,895m, but is still an impressive freestanding volcano, which makes a superb four day climb to the top. It last erupted in 1910 therefore can be classified as an active volcano. The first Mount Meru ascent was made by Dr. Fritz Jaeger, 1904. The town of Arusha lies at the base of Mount Meru Trekking, loads of trek companies do this trek. Wild animals are frequently found on this mountain therefore an armed ranger usually accompanies the trekkers.