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| KILIMANJARO LOCAL HISTORY |
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Although there are signs of human habitation and animal life in the area that dates back to the beginning of humankind, the history of Kilimanjaro National Park dates back to the early 1900's. In 1957 the Tanganyika National Parks Authority recieves support from local and international conservation organizations and interest groups to establish a national park surrounding and including Mt Kilimanjaro.
The park was officially opened for tourism in 1977 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. |
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Mt Kilimanjaro - most visitors come to the park to climb the highest mountain in Africa made up of 3 extinct volcanoes, Mt Kilimanjaro. There are a total of 6 trails leadng up the mountain with the most popular being the 34km long Marungu Route on the east side of the mountain. 91% of visitors use this route as it is probably the easiest way to reach the summit and is clearly marked with red paint on trees and rocks through the forest zone and small piles of stones along the trail through the moorland and to the summit. The trail has 3 hut complexes along the route providing accommodation, a dinning room and toilets. Climbers are encouraged to take 4 nights and 5 days to reach the summit and must be accompanied by guides. All climbers must have high altitude experiance and routes must be prebooked.
Shira Plateau - for those with a lack of climbing experience, the Shira Plateau is a better option. One of the most facinating and scenic areas in Kilimanjaro, because of its ridges and moorland, Shira can only be accessed by 4 wheel drive vehilcle. The drive to Shira is stunning with magnificent views of Mt Meru, Longido and the Great Rift Valley. The plateau is grassland, heath and moor and you may see game such as eland, buffalo and leopard. On the northern most edge of the plateau is a hiking trail system starting from the Londorossi Gate with toilets and 3 picnic areas. There is a short day trail that provides commanding views of Kibo Peak, Shira and Southern Kenya as well as the overnight trail system that has 2 camp sites and is recommended to take 3 days and 2 nights.
Great Rift Valley and Kilimajaro Forest - the Great Rift Valley is sometimes called the birthplace of humankind and is the site of the Leakey's research in the Olduvai Gorge where they found 1.75 million year old remins of Homo habilis. The forest was established in 1921 and includes a game reserve where you will see a huge variety of wildlife. The forest also has 6 corridors that run through it.
Arusha - located about 128km from the Marangu Route is the town of Arusha. The town is known as the safari capital of East Africa with bustling vibrant streets where tourists rub shoulders with Maasai warriors strolling down the streets in full traditional regalia. Worth visiting in Arusha are the curio markets between clock tower and India road that sell reasonably priced high quality crafts as well as the International Conference Centre that has played host to some of the most important peace treaties and international agreements in Africa such as the Rwanda war crimes tribunals. |
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Cafe Bamboo - located on Boma Road, Arusha. This is a hugely popular restaurants with locals and visitors. The interior is charming and the menu offers a good selection of Western and African dishes. Be sure to try one of their excellent breakfasts.
Springlands Hotel - located on Pembo Road, Moshi. The hotel has an indoor dinning area as well as an outdoor tropical garden. Breakfast lunch and dinner are all served with mix of local and internatuonal dishes. Lunch prices average around $8 and the dinner buffet that has both meat and vegetarian dishes is about $10.
Spices and Herbs Ethiopian Hotel and Restaurant - located at New Moshi Road. This restaurant serves authentic Ethiopian food which is one of the most unique cuisines in the world. The staple of most dishes is Injera, a soft flat bread made from teff grain harvested only in Ethiopia. Injera is usually served with various meat or vegetarian sauces and accompanied by tell (beer) or arekie (liquor).
Dolly's Patisserie - located at the bottom of Swahili Street, Arusha. Dolly's is closed in the evenings but is the best place to get delicious pies, pastries and cakes during the day. |
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Barcelona bar and Garden - located off Sokoine Road. This collection of quaint huts along the riverbed is a fantastic place for a drink.
Mountain Inn - located 20 min out of Moshi on the road to Marangu Gate. The bar is located at the poolside and is well stocked. This is a great place to meet and chat with fellow travellers at one of the tables situated under the trees on the lawn. The bar also serves great Indian food.
Marangu Hotel - located in Moshi. The well stocked bar overlooks the lovely grounds with beautiful flower beds an magnificent views of Mt Kilimanjaro. |
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