Specialist Break - Kilimanjaro
It really bugs me that weather plays such a huge role when I plan my holidays. If one feels like a break then one should be able to just pack and go. Oh well, life does not work like that so if you are looking for a destination that is good for holidays all year round, consider Tanzania, on the east coast of Africa.
The weather is great all year round for game watching and although the two rainy seasons (April to June and November to December) does not affected game watching; you will probably see more game during the dry periods because the animals gather around the water holes. If you want to witness the migration between Serengeti and the Masai Mara (one of the highlights that is a must see if you can), then you should plan your visit either from April to June or October to December (although migration does take place year round), because that’s when the Great Migration takes place.
If you are looking to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak) it is best to visit from August to October or January to March.
Mount Kilimanjaro is based in Kilimanjaro which is one of 26 regions in Tanzania.
Moshi is the capital of this region and other nearby national parks for you to visit (besides Serengeti) are Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Mount Kilimanjaro, which is basically a giant inactive volcano, has been attracting global attention lately not because of any volcanic activity but because the snow cap that has covered the mountain for nearly 12,000 years has dropped by more than 80% in the last century. In March 2005, the peak had almost no snow at all. This loss of ice on Kilimanjaro actually affects the local population because they depend on the water from the ice fields during the dry seasons.
Did you know that Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest point in the world to be covered by a GSM mobile phone network (Vodacom)?
Did you know that because of the equatorial location and huge height, people climbing Kilimanjaro can experience almost every climate type on earth during their journey to the top?
Did you know that Tanzania has vast amounts of natural resources like gold deposits which they have not really tapped into?
Now that you have all this lovely information, you can pack your bags and go. Before you leave, check with the health services as to what vaccinations you need. I am aware of the Yellow fever vaccination and naturally malaria needs to be on the top of your list as well. Have fun!
Want more information? Whats missing?
Add your comments to the Indigo Guide forum
by Doreen B
Add comment April 4th, 2006