Climate
& Clothing
Walking in East Africa brings astonishing temperature ranges: four
seasons in one day infact. Although we encourage you to go in the
dry seasons, you may occasionally find wet stormy weather for a
few hours, normally in the afternoon. Climbing the peaks of
Meru and Kibo it will be cold to below freezing overnight,
but a short time after sunrise you will already be
baked by the african sun.
The key to dressing in the mountains is to use the removable layer
principle, removing or adding layers as the temperature changes.
Weather
in mountain areas is unpredictable; it can rain or snow heavily
even in the driest seasons. The nights are very cold above 3000m.
Good clothing and mountain equipment are essential for a safe and
enjoyable trip.
Visas for British nationals:
For
Tanzania British citizens need a visa bought before departure from
the Tanzanian Embassy for approx. £40. Details in Pre departure
information other nationalities should check for their
requirements.
The
complex geology of East Africa is a result of the great Rift Valley that
stretches from The Gulf Of Aquaba in the Red Sea to Mozambique. The fault
is gradually splitting the eastern side of the continent in a way that Madagascar
was historically wrenched from the mainland.Some of the most
outstanding features of this tectonic activity are concentrated in Kenya, Tanzania and
Uganda: Great blue soda lakes, volcanoes, mountains and great fertile
plains have formed the basis of the famous national parks. Of these
perhaps the most famous is Mount Kilimanjaro (5891m), famously seen
in the brochures from the Ambroseli plains, with elephants roaming
in the foreground. It is hard to believe that this peak was only
first climbed little more than a hundred years ago!
Today the mountain is more famous for its
associations with 'charity trekkers,' the great plum pudding like summit (Kibo)
being the easiest of the 'Seven Summits': the highest peaks in each of the
continents. It therefore draws quite a crowd.
At Sherpa we have joined forces with our parent company World Expeditions
to offer a more extensive range of trips in this fascinating part of the
world. You can climb Kilimanjaro, not only by the more interesting and picturesque routes, but
also you won't be within the massed ranks of a huge tour group. People
with more time and slightly more money are encouraged to opt
for our Tanzania On Foot trip that combines Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro with
a safari. From the steep
crater rim of Meru (4566m) not only do you get fantastic views of
Kilimanjaro, but the walk up will give you additional acclimatization to
put you in good stead to climb Kilimanjaro.
Thus Tanzania makes a fantastic
target for
strong walkers and a chance to reach the highest point on the continent
under your own steam.
Exclusive Departures
Our tours in Tanzania are offered as group departures or as exclusive
departures that combine serious mountain
terrain, with the freedom and flexibility. On exclusive departures you
can travel any day you wish, with a minimum of 2 people, and have your own
personal guide.
The
complex geology of East Africa is a result of the great Rift Valley that
stretches from The Gulf Of Aquaba in the Red Sea to Mozambique. The fault
is gradually splitting the eastern side of the continent in a way that Madagascar
was historically wrenched from the mainland. Some of the most
outstanding features of this tectonic activity are concentrated in Kenya, Tanzania and
Uganda: Great blue soda lakes, volcanoes, mountains and great fertile
plains have formed the basis of the famous national parks. Of these
perhaps the most famous is Mount Kilimanjaro (5891m), famously seen
in the brochures from the Ambroseli plains, with elephants roaming
in the foreground. It is hard to believe that this peak was only
first climbed little more than a hundred years ago!