The climb to the Mount Kilimanjaro summit via the Rongai Route is among the most rewarding, life-affirming challenges a climber can undertake. This somewhat gentler route to the highest peak in Africa is less traveled than others, allowing hikers a more gradual ascent along a quieter trail. In addition, Rongai route, unlike the more popular Machame route and Marangu route, affords views of both the northern and southern faces of Mount Kilimanjaro. Popular itineraries allow for five or six days of climbing.
The Rongai route presently begins just south of Tanzania’s border with Kenya. The route, still named for its original starting point in the border village of Rongai, now begins in Nalemoru near Loitokitok. Thus, climbers should note that the Rongai route to the Kilimanjaro summit is sometimes referred to as the Nalemoru or Loitokitok route too.
The trek to the Kilimanjaro summit begins with a hike through tranquil farmlands, fragrant cypress plantations, and patches of mountain forest. Colobus monkeys call from the trees, and bird watchers will appreciate spotting the rare olive ibis, the bold moorland chat, and countless other alpine bird species. Porters may choose to set up camp on the edge of the moorland after several hours of hiking; hikers will benefit from the opportunity to acclimatize.
The following day, the Rongai route up Mount Kilimanjaro continues through an expansive heather forest broken by occasional stretches of rocky terrain. The hiking activities conclude by sunset when porters and climbers make camp in a Kikelewa cave.
The next morning, while climbing Kilimanjaro, climbers will spot the glaciers of Kibo as they move toward “the saddle”, a mountain desert slung between the range’s of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. At this height, little vegetation can survive. The Rongai route becomes quite rocky, and scenery consists mainly of impressive boulders set against rolling white clouds. Looking downward, porters and climbers may see only a blanket of fog.
By the fourth day, moving ever close to the Kilimanjaro summit, hikers will be well aware of the diminished oxygen. Fortunately, the landscape will remain the same – windswept but gently sloping. By nightfall, as they approach the Kibo Huts end of Rongai route, they will see their final challenge: the Mount Kilimanjaro summit.
Reaching the summit is of course the highlight of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Still, some climbers choose not to ascend to the uppermost point, Uhuru Peak; the thin atmosphere and chilled air leave little time for adventure at the highest heights. Thus, regardless of how far one ascends, all hikers receive a certificate from park authorities at a point near the peak. Then, turning onto a downhill trail, hikers breathe in a welcome supply of oxygen as they embark on their triumphant return.
The pristine beaches and unspoiled beauty of Zanzibar’s eastern coast has long been recognized as a hidden jewel amongst the more popular tourist destinations. With its exotic beauty and crystal clear waters which are perfect for diving, the hospitality of Zanzibar matches the opulence of this natural setting.
This lost paradise is becoming a favorite destination for newlyweds seeking an exotic retreat for a honeymoon that’s far off the beaten path, but which still offers world class service and amenities for a perfect holiday. With a variety of remote and tranquil resorts, there are plenty of properties from which to choose, and world class diving is always nearby.
Breezes Beach Club and Spa in Zanzibar has established itself as the epitome of romantic honeymoon getaways. Located on the southeast coast, this resort caters mostly to upper class European travelers, though word is spreading and many other tourists are now visiting this resort. With world class service and amenities, every possible detail has been lovingly attended to and the result is a vacation that surpasses every expectation. Offering such romantic treats as beach bonfires, secluded garden nooks, plush rooms and couples spa treatments, this resort has left nothing out. Of all the resorts in Zanzibar, Breezes offers more services and facilities than most of the others, including fitness equipment, tennis, bars and restaurants, as well as a plethora of water activities including diving expeditions.
Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, the Mapenzi Beach Club is a short 45 kilometers from Zanzibar airport but seems a world away. This smaller, more exclusive resort is nestled into a tropical garden filled with palms and bougainvilleas, and has a long stretch of white sandy beach for resort guests. Offering an all-inclusive package, this resort is popular for honeymoons and those who are looking for an exotic holiday but on a more intimate level. With a variety of activities from which to choose including diving packages, this resort offers the best of two worlds, doing something or nothing at all.
A brand new property, the Matemwe Retreat, is located on a private tract of land just north of the already well established Matemwe Resort in Zanzibar. This retreat however, offers exemplary personalized service, from breakfast served on your private balcony, to daily consultations with the chef to personalize your remaining meals. Each villa in the retreat is equipped with elegantly appointed furnishings, and a large oversize tub overlooks the Indian Ocean and is perfect for two. Complete with its own private beach in front of each villa, there is also a plunge pool on the private terrace. With no detail overlooked, this truly is the epitome of service and romance and the best of what Zanzibar has to offer for those looking for a truly remarkable honeymoon or holiday.
Few people have heard of Ruaha National Park, but it’s a spectacular safari park in Iringa, Tanzania. Located near the center of Tanzania in East Africa, the park is huge, about 32,000 square miles, with the great Ruaha river rushing through it. Spectacular walking tours give visitors an “up close and personal” experience. The Ruaha National Park is located about 2 driving hours from Iringa, Tanzania, the largest city near the park. The drive is well worth the effort because once at the park, visitors will be amazed by the sights.
Since the Ruaha river flows through the park, this is an excellent place to see a tremendous assortment of animals. There are large herds of zebras, wildebeest, giraffe, and buffalo that can be viewed in their natural habitat. There is also large numbers of natural predators that go along with these animals. There are lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Ruaha National Park is the home to over 10,000 elephants and it is estimated that the park has over 400 species of birds.
As the great Ruaha River travels through the park, there is plenty of species of fish to see. There are hippos basking in the sun, crocodiles lying on the river banks, and fish eagles diving in search of food. The fishing on the river is excellent. At night, the sounds of frogs croaking can be heard throughout the park. A walking safari along the great Ruaha River will leave the tourist with memories that will last a lifetime. The Ruaha safari will reveal pristine ecosystems that aren’t available to be seen anywhere else. The vegetation is just as spectacular. There are over 1600 varieties of flora that make the scenery simply breathtaking.
The Ruaha National Park lies on a plateau with an elevation of 4,000 feet that offers spectacular views. With rolling hills and valleys, a walking safari through the brush leads to exhilarating sights of the park. The skilled guides make the walking safari perfectly safe. For the nature lover, this is a dream come true. Adding to the experience is the remoteness of the Ruaha National Park. A lot of areas have never been explored so the area is largely untouched. The area is not developed to a great extent and there are large regions that are generally inaccessible. The lack of tourists is one of the pleasures of the park.
Flying into Iringa, Tanzania, visitors will see an amazing city. With unusual architecture, a colorful and unique population, visitors may be tempted to stay in the city. However, the moment that they reach Ruaha National Park with the Ruaha River rushing through it, they will see nature and wildlife that they couldn’t have imagined.
Venture to the Selous Safari Park for a perfect African holiday. This safari park is located in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, Africa – which is home to a wide variety of environments – plains, forests, mountains and lakes. It is Africa’s largest game reserve and one of Tanzania’s three World Heritage sites.
There are many Selous lodges to choose from including Beho Beho, Lake Manze Camp and the Selous Safari Park. Hunting is organized on the Southern end of the game reserve, which is known for its thick bush hiding animals. The Selous camp has a great variety of safari lodging from simple, rustic camps to more complex, luxurious camps.
One of the more popular activities is the “fly-camp” – walking and driving tours out into the African bush. After a day of journeying, the “fly-camp” welcomes guests with a warm fire and shower. Mosquito netting protects tourists from insects, while armed guards protect tourists from animals.
Selous Safari Park is in a lightly wooded area on Lake Nzerakela. A large tented shop welcomes tourists. The rooms are located on a high stilt platform above the tree tops. The spacious open air private rooms have fans and double beds.
The Selous camp is located close to the water edge, which allows for viewing of animals (hadeda ibis, buffalo and elephant) quenching their thirst. Well-versed and experienced guides lead 4WD motor vehicle safaris and river tours. The morning and afternoon tours attempt to avoid the afternoon heat.
International chefs prepare enticing food for the safari participants. Typical breakfast fare includes fruit, cereals and eggs. Basic lunches include salads, breads and a dessert. Dinner offers meats, mashed potatoes and green beans. Tea and coffee are included. A bar is also available.
Children over six are welcome; African family traditions call for children being closely supervised by parents. Children must be over sixteen to walk on safari or “fly-camp”. No more than three children at a time are allowed in the camp. The camp is open, without artificial modifications, like fences. Security guards are available 24 hours a day; whistles are located in rooms for emergency use.
Adjacent to the Selous Safari Park is a more exclusive private camp, with four to six tents, that can be specially reserved for groups or families. It offers large sofas and wooden armchairs, with dining around the pool.
The Selous Safari Park can be reached by Dar es Salaam through the air (half hour airplane flight with a five-minute drive) or road (six hour drive depending on weather and road conditions). The nearest international airport to Selous game reserve is Dar es Salaam.
Take an African holiday at the beautiful nature game reserve of Selous Safari Park. Experience this perfect African safari destination for yourself.
