Uncategorized

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Known as the “Roof of Africa,” it is a dormant stratovolcano with three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kilimanjaro is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests at its base to arctic ice fields at its summit. THE BEST TIMES TO CLIMB Understanding the mountain’s conditions is crucial for trip planning, and Kilimanjaro’s seasons add another layer to consider. The mountain experiences four seasons, albeit not in the traditional sense: a short rainy season (November), a long rainy season (late March to early June), a short dry season (January and February), and a long dry season (July to October). Optimal climbing times are during the dry seasons, which are typically busier but offer a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere at camp, providing a much-needed morale boost. Indeed, there’s strength in numbers, as the saying goes. Understanding Acute Mountain Sickness While it’s uncertain whether AMS will be a part of your journey, over 75% of climbers may encounter symptoms above 9,000 feet (2,700 meters). AMS typically presents with nausea, headaches, regardless of a climber’s fitness level. Additionally, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping may occur with prolonged high-altitude exposure. In severe cases, AMS can lead to life-threatening cerebral and pulmonary edema. However, Pumba Safari is well-equipped to mitigate altitude sickness with comprehensive strategies outlined in their high-altitude climbing handbook. Climbing Kilimanjaro involves choosing from several routes, each offering a unique experience and varying levels of difficulty. Here are the main routes: 1. Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route) 2. Machame Route (Whiskey Route) 3. Lemosho Route 4. Rongai Route 5. Northern Circuit Route 6. Shira Route 7. Umbwe Route 8. Mweka Route Each route offers a unique combination of challenges, scenic beauty, and acclimatization profiles. Climbers must choose based on their fitness level, experience, and preference for duration and scenery. Regardless of the route, climbing Kilimanjaro is a test of endurance and a rewarding adventure that offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

One of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the Great Migration is the ever-moving circular migration of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The constant movement of columns of wildebeest, joined by a host of companions, follows an age-old route in search of grazing and water. After calving in the southern part of Tanzania’s Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Ndutu Area, the animals journey through the Serengeti up and around in a clockwise direction towards the Masai Mara in Kenya, before returning once again near the end of the year. Along the way, high drama is always present, as thousands of animals are taken by predators and thousands more are born, replenishing the numbers and sustaining the circle of life. Wildebeest Wildebeest form the bulk of the migration, being very numerous. They prefer short grasses but will eat tall grasses, especially after they have been “trimmed” by zebras and buffalo. They thrive on the new shoots of grasses. The Great Migration Seasons The Great Migration seasons in Tanzania offer stunning wildlife spectacles as millions of animals traverse the Serengeti and Masai Mara. While historic migration patterns can help predict where the herds will be at a particular time, these are wild animals, and the annual rainfall they rely on for grass growth is becoming more unpredictable. Mirable Safaris operates along the entire migration route, providing our guests with the best opportunity to witness the migration up close while on safari. Explore the Great Migration seasons in Tanzania with us. Month by Month: The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration