Introduction
Tanzania, a country in Africa, where the most beautiful savannahs in the world are found. Where the landscape changes from urban to wild and untouched nature, without forgetting the majestic mountains of the north, border of its neighbor, Kenya. The idea of climbing Kilimanjaro came up in conversation with a childhood friend. He, who had spent his younger years in Lesotho, was up for returning to Africa and accompanying me on this challenge.
Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam is the capital of Tanzania. Mandatory passage for international airliners. It is the main port on the Indian Ocean. The city has 4 million inhabitants (in 2006). Nevertheless, Tanzania’s administrative capital remains Dodoma, located 440km further west.
Arusha
Arusha is located 620km from the capital, Dar es Salaam. It is the largest city in the region with a population of over 400,000 citizens. It is very close to major tourist points of interest, such as Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
The Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It is located southeast of the Serengeti Park and measures over 22km in diameter. After the Serengeti, visiting the crater is the most popular safari for tourists. The place is simply magical.
Inside, over 25,000 animals are observable throughout the year. The density of lions is the highest in Africa. Hippos, zebras, macaques, giraffes, as well as flamingos and many other kinds of birds can be seen.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro rises to 5895m in altitude. It is the highest mountain on the African continent. Its summit has been named “Uhuru Peak”. It takes 4 to 5 days to climb it. Only the summit is still covered with snow.
Flowers on the way to the top
The summit
On the last day of the trek, snow fell heavily during the day before the final climb. However, with relief, the start was still given around midnight. The snowfall had stopped and the sky gradually cleared to give way to a multitude of stars. In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight on the fresh snow gave way to a grandiose landscape.
