Mount Kilimanjaro: One of The Most Coveted Destinations of trekkers

Posted on January 5, 2024February 8, 2024 by Brain Pulse

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa which is located in Tanzania, i.e., at the border area of Kenya. It is about 5, 895 meter i.e., 19, 341 feet above the sea level. This mountain is known for its snow-capped peaks and is full of scenic beauty. In the year 1889, an Austrian mountaineer named Ludwig Purtscheller and a German geographer named Hans Meyer reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for the first time. Thereafter, it becomes a popular hiking spot for both the local people and tourists. Thousands of people from almost every part of the world visit this mind-blowing mountain and adjoining national park called Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania.

Why trekking to Mt. Kilimanjaro is fun and adventure?

It is a challenge and thrilling adventure to trek to the highest peak of Africa i.e., the mountain of Kilimanjaro. In this journey, the trekker needs to travel through diverse ecosystems starting from lush and dense rain forest to alpine deserts. The route to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro provides a unique sensory experience and breathtaking panoramic views to the trekkers. The trekker will experience the ultimate sunrise at Uhuru Peak which will encapsulate the sense of achievement and wonder. The journey to the peak of the mountain provides a unique sensory experience for the trekker and each step the trekker takes brings them closer to the summit which is a rewarding perseverance.

This adventurous journey to the peak of the mountain is not only a mere physical but also a mental and emotional odyssey for the trekker. This mountain and the national park are full of majestic allure and it is a thrill to climb to the mountain for the trekker. Hence, this mountain stands as evidence of the unconquerable spirit of exploration and the joy that is found by the trekker while conquering the grandeur of nature. As the trekker reaches the peak of the mountain they experience an unparalleled sense of accomplishment since they ascend through varying climates and panoramic views that enhance their joy of expedition.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Different routes to Kilimanjaro

There are many routes to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Ice Rock Trekking is one of the most popular travel and tourism agencies in Tanzania and Kenya offering pocket-friendly and customizable tours to different parts of Tanzania and Kenya including trekking to this mesmerizing mountain. You can take different routes to Mt. Kilimanjaro but it’s feasible to take advantage of different facilities and professional support of Ice Rock Trekking. Some of the popular routes are listed as follows:

Machame route: This route is also called as Whiskey route and is known for its panoramic views and diverse landscapes. This route provides a gradual climb for the trekker due to which they get better acclimatization.
Marangu route:This route is popularly called as Coco-Cola route. Among all other routes, this route is the most popular and is relatively easy to climb. In this route, there are features huts for accommodation in place of tents for the trekkers.
Lemosho route:This route requires more time to climb but it provides a different range of ecosystems and stunning scenic beauty.
Rongai route:In this route, you can approach the mountain from the north. This route is known for its quiet trails and is less crowded as compared to other routes.
Northern Circuit route: This is the longest route and it provides excellent acclimatization.
Umbwe route:This route is known for its steep ascent and thus it is meant only for the experienced trekkers.

Visit Mount Kilimanjaro for its scenic beauty, one-of-a-kind ecosystem, and thrill of conquering one of the most popular summits in the world. Ice Rock Trekking offers professional support and the best facilities to the trekkers.

5 Days Marangu Route to Mt. Kilimanjaro

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Brain Pulse

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. This gorgeous mountain that attracts thousands of trekkers and tourists every year is about 19,340 feet above sea level. Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania near the border with Kenya. In Mt. Kilimanjaro, there are three peaks which are named Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Among all these three cones, Kibo is the tallest volcanic formation while Mawenzi and Shira are extinct. As per record, nearly 35,000 to 40,000 trekkers around the globe come to trek the mountain every year. Many of these tourists avail of the 5 day Marangu route to the much-coveted summit at Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hence, adventurers from all over the world seek the thrill of this highest point of Africa to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.

Some key features of trekking to Mt. Kilimanjaro

Over the centuries, Mt. Kilimanjaro has been attracting trekkers, nature lovers, and tourists. Its landscape is mind-blowing. The following are some key features of trekking to Mt. Kilimanjaro:

Diverse routes: In Kilimanjaro, there are several trekking routes. In each of these routes, you will get unique challenges, and scenic landscapes that may cater to different preferences and fitness levels for the level.
Altitude gain: The trek has a particular altitude gain that provides some challenging and rewarding experience to the trekkers.
Ecological diversity: When the trekkers ascend the mountain they traverse various ecological zones and see the changes in the flora and fauna starting from lush rain forests to alpine deserts.
Cultural experience: Most of the time the trekkers interact with the local communities and they get the opportunity to get insights into Tanzanian culture and tradition at the time of their journey.
Professional guides: You can also find expert guides who will ensure your safety and provide you with valuable insights that remain in the geology, ecology, and history of the mountain.

How the itinerary is arranged through the Marangu route?

The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This Marangu route is popularly called the “Coco-Cola” route. The itinerary of this route generally spans five days allowing for proper acclimatization. The following is the complete itinerary for 5 days Marangu route:

Day 1: On day one, the trekkers have to start at Marangu gate and they need to trek through the dense rainforest to Mandara Hut.
Day 2: On day two, the trekkers need to ascend through Moorland to Horombo Hut and gradually gain altitude. Then the trekkers should rest at the Horombo Hut for the rest of the day. Everything is arranged professionally but Ice Rock Trekking also ensures a personal touch to every arrangement.
Day 3: On day three, the trekkers should trek to Kibo to enter the alpine desert, and experience the spectacular views. It will be a mind-blowing and unforgettable experience for the trekkers during their 5 days Marangu route.
Day 4: On day four, the trekker should travel from Midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak and then he should start descending to Horombo Hut and reach that hut on that day itself.
Day 5: On the fifth day, the trekker should descend to Marangu gate and once he reaches the Marangu gate the trekking is completed.

In both the Horombo hut and Marangu hut there are facilities of basic shelter for the trekkers and the Marangu route offers different landscapes starting from rain forests to glaciers. While traveling through this route the trekker experiences more scenic beauty as compared to other routes. That is the reason why most trekkers prefer to trek this mountain through this route. Ice Rock Trekking is a trusted name in the domain of African tourism. They offer unparalleled professional safety and customized itineraries for tourists and trekkers in Tanzania and Kenya.

Get to Climb the Nelion via Mackinder Route with Ice Rock Trekking

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Ice Rock Trekking is famed for organizing some of the best trek itineraries in the African region. In this article, we will talk about the standard route taken to attempt the Nelion Climb via the southern side of Mount Kenya. You can best access this trek from the Austrian hut.

Mackinder Route is the most used route on the Southern/Eastern side of Mount Kenya, where you will get abseil rings fixed. As per the Ice Rock Trekking itinerary, climbers will start from the Austrian Hut which is at 4700m in height in the morning around 4 PM. After crossing the Lewis Glacier, You will use head torches to scramble up the scree to the climb’s base.

With this, you have completed the first two pitches before first light. This stroll usually takes about 2 hours. If the sun comes out of the mountains, the climbing becomes more enjoyable. Starting from the base, the climb becomes easy with the first three scrambled pitches using a running belay.

The One O’clock Gully

While working through the pitches, climbers will pass through some famous features like the following:

One o’clock Gully
The Amphitheatre
De Graf’s Variation

These local points will present some easy as well as some challenging climbing. The halfway point of the climb is the Bailey’s Bivvy. This Bivvy is a disused hut considered a halfway point on a spectacular route.

You will reach the summit of Nelion in 6-8 hours. Howell Hut is the summit of Nelion. Here, you can stay in an overnight bivvy if your group is interested in crossing over to Batian. Climbers will cross over to Batian via the “Gates of Mist”. This involves dropping 35m off Nelion and further climbing 50m to the summit.

We estimate the time to do the Nelion crossing and return is 3-4 hours. But such a fiat is dependent on ice levels within the “Gates of Mist”. Thereafter, we would recommend a night at Howell Hut. You can begin to descend on the following morning. During the trek, you will see en route to Nelion.

Nelion Climb

Eric Shipton first ascended the summit of Mt Kenya in 1929. PW Harris, before him, was a part of a reconnaissance team on Mount Everest.

You can find more similar stories of this route which are famous and involve famous faces of the past. Your guide can also narrate such incidents to you during your unforgettable climb.

Standard Route To Nelion Climb– South Ridge to Nelion

The Nelion Summit is at a height of 5188m or 17,021 feet. The Batian is situated at a height of 5199m or 17,057 feet via the “Gates of Mist”. The Technical Grade for this trek is 4. The suitable season for this climb is December to March. The typical length of the trek is 450m, 18 pitches. Trek’s duration is around 8 hours of climbing with one night stay and three hours for the descent. The trek requires one guide to two guests ratio. For the Nelion climb, you require ice climbing equipment, such as crampons and ice axes. The whole climb is 18 pitches, which makes it easy to climb Nelion and Batian.

Climbing Batian via North Face Standard Route with Ice Rock Trekking

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Ice Rock Trekking is one of the foremost Trekking Expedition organizers of Mount Kenya. We are well-known for providing some of the best trekking experiences to people from around the world. One of our famous routes is the Batian Climb. We prefer to design the trek route from the North Face of Mount Kenya. This is the standard route to Batian attempted via the North side of the mountain, as the most direct route to Mount Kenya’s summit.

Hardness Level of the Batian Route

The Batian Climb is technically harder than the normal route. It involves some harder pitches. The Normal route climb can be broken up into several sections. The Bivvy here is often taken in the large Amphitheater before heading to the first light summit.

Details of the Batian Climb

The North Face route starts from Kami Hut in the Shipton camp. To get to the top, it will take you 7 to 8 days, which will include two days of climbing. When on North Face, you must stay overnight at the Firmin Tower by putting a tent or bivouac. For this trek, climbers don’t need crampons. In case you want to traverse the “Gates of Mist” to Nelion, then crampons are a must.

The First Ascent of the North Face to Batian was done by Arthur Firmin

In 1944, PH Hicks made a very daring attempt with two brave and internationally famous mountaineers to climb the Bation. Thereafter, the climbing duo would go on to complete several other ascents on Mount Kenya.

Batian Climb

About the Climb

The Ice Rock Trekking follows the North Face standard route from the North Side to reach the Batian summit. The Summit of the Batian is situated at 5199m or 17,057 feet in height. It has a technical grade of 4+. The best season to make the climb is July, August, and September. The length of the pitches is 600m with 24 pitches in total, and the duration of the climb is ten hours. This will include one overnight stay and 5 hour’s descent to the climb base.

Things to take care of:

Every climber is recommended to carry their supply for the trek, as these equipment are indispensable for the trek:

Harness
Climbing Boots
Crampons
Ice Axe
Warm Sleeping Bag
Bivvy Bag
Light Tent

Some of the other climbing equipment needed is friends (chuckles), the figure of eight, stoppers. The tour guide will provide you with the ropes for the trek.

Ice Rock Trekking is a premier Travel and Expeditions Company that offers trekking services to Mount Kenya as well as Mount Kilimanjaro. We arrange technical climbing guides for the main peaks of Batian. As a professional tour company, headed by Mr. Joseph Muthui Gathu, we are well-versed in dispensing our services effectively to our clients. Mr. Joseph Muthui Gathu is a well-known former member of the Mt Kenya Rescue Team. He has graduated from the American National Outdoor Leadership School, colloquially known as N.O.L.S.

Ice Rock Trekking for Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour Package

Posted on October 25, 2023October 25, 2023 by Brain Pulse

If you are on a domestic flight flying near Kenya, the pilot might announce to look out of the window to see the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. A major attraction and a popular peak in all of Africa, you can imagine someone’s obsession to covet the title of climbing the tallest mountain in Africa. But do not be fooled by the majestic presence of the summit. You must not think of the Kilimanjaro trek as a walk in the park. Touted as one of the most challenging trek in the world, Kilimanjaro must be triumphed with absolute caution and with necessary precautions.

Must-knows of the Kilimanjaro Trek Tour

Go Slow and Steady on the Trek

Trekkers are known to brain-stuff themselves with every blog before going on a trek, like altitude sickness, etc. So to save you from all that reading, the first thing that we recommend you to is to go slow. Don’t be haphazard in trying to keep up with everyone. Join the line right at the back. Your body works harder at altitude. The air gets thinner and there is less oxygen to breathe. Our quality guides will also tell you to go slowly. Walk slowly than you normally would. The favorite thing about hiking is that it is not a competitive sport, where everyone wants to succeed.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Hydration is one of the best remedies for altitude sickness. Pack a Platypus instead of a bottle for constant water accessibility while walking. This will help you when your hands are cold and you don’t want to take off your gloves to unscrew a bottle. Avoid the hassle to stop and take a bottle out of your bag every time you feel thirsty and want to take a sip.

But water alone won’t do the job. You must take hydration salts. Put at least one sachet straight into Platypus to be uber-hydrated. Also, Diarrhea is common at the upper ranges of Kilimanjaro. So adjust your body to be on peaks and carry salts like Dioralyte with you.

Make Allies with your Travel Mates

One must never climb the mountains alone. If there was ever a time that you will need other people, climbing Kilimanjaro it is. You must be with each other and look out for another. You must literally keep guard as you pee behind a rock. There are no toiletries around since you will not be in a camp.

Prepare yourself physically for the Trek

Altitude sickness strikes everyone indiscriminately. You can be an Olympian or reigning pie-eating champion, the sickness will hit you hard. So, being fit for this hike is important. For this, you must hikes up hills back home before heading over to the Kilimanjaro Peaks.

Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour package

Where to get the best Travel Guide for the Kilimanjaro Trek?

Ice Rock Trekking is one of the tour package providers for the Kilimanjaro treks in all of Africa. As a famed as well as a reputed touring company, Ice Rock Trekking provides you with the entire list of itineraries as per the suitable days and the length for the excursion you are comfortable with. We also have a pool of qualified travel guides who will take you from the safest routes, better than the smallest, from the base station to the Kilimanjaro Peaks.

As the terrain is unfamiliar, and difficult, a learned guide is necessary to make your trekking trip successful, and you bring you safe and sound back the base station. For such purposes, Ice Rock Trekking has an excellent track record. Many trust us with our services. We might not be the cheapest, but we surely are the most quality touring organizers of the region.

Kilimanjaro Shira Camp: Where Majestic Landscapes and Unforgettable Memories Await

Posted on July 19, 2023July 19, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Imagine standing beneath a sky adorned with countless glittering stars, enjoying the cold night breeze on your skin while you marvel at the immensity of Mount Kilimanjaro. This breathtaking sight awaits you at the Kilimanjaro shira camp, which is situated on the mountain’s western side. In this blog post, we will try to delve into the enchanting features that make Shira Camp a must-visit destination.

Shira Camp: A Captivating Oasis

Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau is a large, high-altitude volcanic plateau created by Mount Kilimanjaro’s volcanic activities. Kilimanjaro shira camp is surrounded by a barren, rocky terrain, resembling a lunar landscape. This rugged environment is a result of volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years.

Shira Route or Lemosho Route to reach Shira Camp

Trekking enthusiasts often find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to choosing the right route to reach Shira Camp 2. To alleviate this common confusion, let’s compare two popular trekking routes.

Characteristic	Shira Route	Lemosho Route
Starting point	Shira Gate (3,600 meters)	Londorossi Gate (1,800 meters)
Acclimatization period	Shorter	Longer
Trail difficulty	Moderate	Moderate
Scenery	It offers a variety of terrain, including moorlands and alpine deserts.	This Route is renowned for its scenic beauty, offering trekkers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.
Presence of Camp	Simba Camp	Shira camp 1
Success rate (In terms of climbers reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro)	High	High
Trek Duration	7-8 days	8 days

Exploring the Kilimanjaro shira camp

Venturing Beyond the Camp: From Shira Camp, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. To the east, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically, often covered in clouds. While to the west, the expansive plains of Tanzania stretch out, providing vast and awe-inspiring scenery. During trekking, you could spot elephants, buffalo, and other creatures as the plateau is home to a diversity of species.
Shira Cathedral: Hiking to Shira Cathedral provides an opportunity for nature lovers to relish breathtaking views. In fact, it adds a touch of geological fascination to the trekking experience.
Mesmerizing Sunsets and Sunrises: The experience of witnessing nature’s artwork unveiled during sunrise/sunset scenes viewed from the Shira Plateau is truly captivating.

Challenges and Tips for Success

Altitude sickness is a condition that occurs when you ascend to a high altitude too quickly.
To avoid that, you need to give your body time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
In addition, try to drink water, take a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and caffeine during trekking.

In conclusion, Kilimanjaro shira camp is a remarkable blend of nature’s glamour and personal triumph, resulting in an unparalleled adventure. It offers you opportunities to hike to Shira Cathedral, witness mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises, and encounter a variety of wildlife. Ice Rock Trekking is one of the most prominent names in this genre. They Organize Kilimanjaro trekking from different routes. They also provide all kinds of technical support throughout the itinerary.

How to Prepare Yourself for the Hiking Trip to Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak?

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous bucket list destinations for hikers and climbers. Uhuru Peak is located at 5,895 meters above sea level and it is considered Africa’s highest free-standing peak. Every year more than 20,000-30,00 hikers target to reach Kilimanjaro Uhuru peak. This peak is located on the Kibo which is the highest among the three peaks that make Mt. Kilimanjaro. The name of this peak was given when Tanzania got independence in 1961. The meaning of the word Uhuru is freedom.

The beauty of Kilimanjaro Uhuru peak

When the travelers reach the highest point of Africa, along with enjoying the scenic beauty, they also get a sense of accomplishment which can be described as a spiritual experience where the travelers get the chance to feel nature and the universe.

The mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks will make you mesmerized. When the sun rises, the views look just mesmerizing.

Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak allows inexperienced hikers to experience the scenic beauty of nature beautifully. Moreover, travelers get the chance to see the world from a different perspective.

Mount Kilimanjaro

How can you prepare yourself for the hiking trip to Uhuru?

Although hiking up Kilimanjaro doesn’t require any serious climbing skills, it is essential to prepare thoroughly for the trip to reach the Uhuru peak successfully.

You need to pack sensibly

While it is essential to pack the absolutely necessary things, you need to also be concerned about your comfort level. You need to pack such clothes that can be easily layered for meeting the challenge of fluctuating temperatures. Make sure that you are carrying sleeping bags and an air mattress. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle. Try to drink around 3-4 liters of water every day.

Try to build up endurance

Before the trip, you need to consider a few simple endurance as well as strength training. Walk every day with weighted packs so that it can help to stimulate the day-to-day treks required for this tour.

Do proper research regarding when to plan the trip

Although there are different tours available throughout the year, different times of year suit different travelers. However, the best time for this trip is January through early March and June through October.

Trust an experienced trekking and tour organizer

Trekking is popular worldwide. Passionate trekkers move from place to place around the world to experience trekking in different locations. Of course, Kilimanjaro is a popular choice of trekkers. You need an experienced organizer that can provide all sorts of services during trekking.

If you want to climb Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak, you can contact Ice Rock Trekking, a renowned travel and trekking organizer in Africa that offers trekking expeditions to both Mount Kilimanjaro and Kenya. To get a safe and guided tour experience, don’t forget to contact this company which provides onsite guiding and safe route descriptions. Clear all doubts, avail the best services, and proceed for the mind-blowing experience at Kilimanjaro.