WHICH ARE BIG FIVE ANIMAL?.WHY ARE THEY CALLED SO

Which are the big five African animals and why are they called such? If you have never had answers to this question then this article is perfect for you because it has all the facts and information about these so-called Big 5 animals (also referred to as the big five games). Surprisingly, there are only 11 countries in the world that harbor all these animals and all of them are African with Uganda also slotting up on the list. Among these big 5 safari animals are the African Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard and the Cape Buffalo. These animals were named the big five because they are not only among the most poached animals, most difficult to hunt on foot but are also the most dangerous. The phrase “Big Five” was crafted by hunters to refer to these animals that are difficult to poach on foot and has since then been used regularly in talks regarding African wildlife safaris.

A lot of people ask why these animals were chosen, as mentioned above they were extremely dangerous to pursue on foot and many hunters lost their lives while trying to get that prestigious trophy – primarily because they hunt back!

WHEN SHOULD I COME FOR GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI

Serengeti wildebeest migration
The great Serengeti wildebeest migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti's wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, eland and impala. These move in an annual pattern which is fairly predictable. They migrating throughout the year, constantly seeking fresh grazing and, it's now thought, better quality water. The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year – here we explain how the broad pattern works.

This migration, month by month, is shown on the map on the right side of this page – the moving red represents the main herds. For more information on the Serengeti migration area and the wildebeest migration, see also:

Month by month: the Serengeti wildebeest migration

The short rains begin around early November. A little after this, in late November and December, the herds of the wildebeest migration arrive on the short-grass plains of the Serengeti. These are south and east of Seronera, around Ndutu and include the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dispersed across these plains, wildebeest and zebra are everywhere – feeding on the fresh, nutritious grasses. They stay here through January, February and March, with most wildebeest calves born in a short window around February. Gradually they spread west across these plains, then around April they start their great migration north.

By May the Serengeti's wildebeest all seem to be moving north, migrating to seek fresh grazing and water. The area around Moru Kopjes and west of Seronera is then hectic with a series of moving columns, often containing hundreds of thousands of animals – joined by many zebra, and a scattering of Thomson's and Grant's gazelles.

Some of the migration then head due north of Seronera, but most are usually further west. Around June the wildebeest migration is often halted on the south side of the Grumeti River, which has some channels which block or slow their migration north. The wildebeest then congregate there, in the Western Corridor, often building up to a high density before crossing the river. The river here is normally a series of pools and channels, but it's not continuous – and so whilst they always represent an annual feast for the Grumeti River's large crocodiles, these aren't usually quite as spectacular as the crossings of the Mara River, further north.

The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards during July and August, often spreading out across a broad front: some heading through Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, others north through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.

September sees the herds spread out across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River provides the migration with its most serious obstacle. This river gushes through the northern Serengeti from Kenya's adjacent Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Watching the frantic herds of the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River can be very spectacular; there are often scenes of great panic and confusion. It's common to see herds cross the Mara River north on one day, and then back south a few days later.

By October the wildebeest herds are migrating again with more accord: all are heading south, through western Loliondo and the Serengeti National Park's Lobo area, returning to the green shoots which follow the rains on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in November.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO

KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN IS THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN AFRICA.
5895METERS YOU WILL NEED TO BE PREPARED AND KNOW WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO CLIMB.BELOW ARE THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO HIKE AND ALSO THE BAD TIME


1. BEST TIME TO CLIMB
September
October

i REASON WHY IS THE BEST TIME
Cheaper Flights
Best Weather


2. GOOD TIME TO CLIMB
June
July
August

iREASON WHY IS THE GOOD TIME
Expensive Flights
Coldest Season
Less Crowded


3. BETTER TIME TO CLIMB
January
February
December

i REASON WHY IS THE BETTER TIME
Decent Weather
Lodges May Cost More
Airfare is reasonable


4. BAD TIME TO CLIMB
March
April
May
November

i. REASON WHY IS THE BAD TIME
Rainy Season
Only go if you are an skilled backpacker


FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KILIMANJARO HIKING PLEASE VISIT.www@jambokilitours.com.OR SEND AS MESSAGE TO info@jambokilitours.com

FACT ABOUT LION
The lion (Panthera leo) is a species in the family Felidae; it is a muscular, deep-chested cat with a short, rounded head, a reduced neck and round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. The lion is sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females with a typical weight range of 150 to 250 kg (330 to 550 lb) for males and 120 to 182 kg (265 to 400 lb) for females. Male lions have a prominent mane, which is the most recognisable feature of the species. A lion pride consists of a few adult males, related females and cubs. Groups of female lions typically hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. The species is an apex and keystone predator, although they scavenge when opportunities occur. Some lions have been known to hunt humans, although the species typically does not.

Typically, the lion inhabits grasslands and savannas but is absent in dense forests. It is usually more diurnal than other big cats, but when persecuted it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. In the Pleistocene, the lion ranged throughout Eurasia, Africa and North America but today it has been reduced to fragmented populations in Sub-Saharan Africa and one critically endangered population in western India. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s. Lion populations are untenable outside designated protected areas. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes for concern.

One of the most widely recognised animal symbols in human culture, the lion has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and literature. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoological gardens across the world since the late 18th century. Cultural depictions of lions were prominent in the Upper Paleolithic period; carvings and paintings from the Lascaux and Chauvet Caves in France have been dated to 17,000 years ago, and depictions have occurred in virtually all ancient and medieval cultures that coincided with the lion's former and current ranges.
Contentshe earliest fossils recognisible as lions are found at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania and dated from 1.4 to 1.2 million years ago. From East Africa, lions would spread throughout the continent and into the Holarctic and the Indian subcontinent with the expansions of open habitats.

The earliest fossil record in Europe was found near Pakefield in the United Kingdom and is about 680,000 years old. Fossil remains found in the Cromer Forest Bed suggest that it was of a gigantic size and represented a lineage that was genetically isolated and highly distinct from lions in Africa and Asia.[32] It was distributed throughout Europe, across Siberia and into western Alaska via the Beringian landmass. The gradual formation of dense forest likely caused the decline of its geographic range near the end of the Late Pleistocene. Lion bones are frequently encountered in cave deposits from Eemian times, suggesting the cave lion survived in the Balkans and Asia Minor. There was probably a continuous population extending into India. Fossil lion remains were found in Pleistocene deposits in West Bengal.

The American lion arose when a population of Beringian lions became isolated south of the North American continental ice sheet about 370,000 years ago. This lion spread throughout North America, but was absent from the northeast, perhaps due to the presence of dense boreal forests in the region.It was formerly believed to have colonised northwestern South America as part of the Great American Interchange. However, the fossil remains found in the tar pits of Talara, Peru were later identified as unusually large jaguars. On the other hand, fossils of a large felid from late Pleistocene localities in southern Patagonia traditionally identified as an extinct subspecies of jaguar, Panthera onca mesembrina, have been reported to be remains of a lion. Eurasian cave lions and American lions both became extinct at the end of the last glacial period without mitochondrial descendants on other continents.
The maximal range of lion species in the late Pleistocene: red indicates Panthera spelaea, blue P. atrox, and green P. leo

Extant lion populations appear to have descended from refugium populations in East and Southern Africa 324,000–169,000 years ago and migrated to other parts of Africa and into Asia around 100,000 years ago.[23] It seems that lions went extinct in North, West and Central Africa 40,000–18,000 years ago due increases in arid climates and when these regions became more humid 15,000–11,000 years ago, they were recolonised by refugium populations from the Middle East.[25][22]
Hybrids

MOUNT KILIMANJARO HIKING TOURS

KILIMANJARO mountais is the highest mountain in Africa with 5895meters above the sealevel Kilimanjaro mountain found in eastern Africa intanzania
from kilimanjaro hiking.with us jambokilitours one of the senior company in africa there different route that found there around seven different routes and they have got also different taste the name of those routes are
.MACHAME ROUTE/WHISKE ROUTE
.UMBWE ROUTE/WHISKE
.RONGAI ROUTE/COKACOLA ROUTE
.MARANGU ROUTE/COKACOLA
LEMOSHO ROUTE
.LONDOROSI ROUTE
.MWEKA ROUTE
as the route mentioned above they also have different taste as explained below.
MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and a favorite for us. Machame route is one of the highest summit success rates given the topography and nature of the route. This route climbers to “trek high & sleep low”, thus making it a more favorable route for acclimatization. This climb offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the south west side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes just after the Shira cave camp. The Machame route can be done in minimum 6 days, but a 7-day trek is recommended. This allows climbers to be well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.

RONGAI ROUTE


The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.Although gaining in popularity, the Rongai route has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route. It also lends itself to a more remote hike and for those climbing during the rainy season, the north receives less precipitation. The minimum number of days required for this route is six and seven is recommended. The scenery is not as varied as the western routes, but you will be passing through true wilderness areas before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is recommended for those with less backpacking experience.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route is the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic vistas from multiple sides of the mountain. Due to the ideal balance of limited trekkers, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate,this is our preferred route. You will begin with a drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, which approaches the mountain from the west. The first two days of your trek you will cross the Shira Plateau from west to east, which is a relatively flat hike. As you approach Lava Tower, this route joins the Machame route. You will traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit and will begin your summit climb from the Barafu Camp. The descent will be via the Mweka Route.

MARANGU ROUTE


The Marangu route is also known as the ‘Coca Cola” or tourist route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered communal sleeping huts and comfortable beds of sponge mattresses and pillows at every camp. As well, bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts, with men’s and women’s latrines at the last camp. The dining huts provide you the opportunity to share meals with other climbing groups, giving you the opportunity to learn from other world-wide climbers and to share your experiences.

This route can be completed in either five or six days. The six-day climb will give you a better opportunity to acclimatize by resting at Horombo Camp or climbing to Kibo’s basecamp.
UMBWE ROUTE



The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

above routes as it explained above shows the different taste but from the different routes you reach to one summit which is uhuru peak.if you need any advice or any booking do not instate to contract jambokili tours and they will advice you and also planning anda choose you a good guide who will take you to the top.
visit the website www@jambokilitours.com

MOUNT KILIMANJARO WEATHER FORECAST TODAY

Days 1-2 Mount Kilimanjaro Weather Summary:

A dusting of new snow. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -7°C on Tue morning, min -5°C on Tue morning). Wind will be generally light.



Days 3-4 Mount Kilimanjaro Weather Summary:

A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Sun night. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -7°C on Tue morning4850, min -5°C on wed afternoon 5050m). Wind will be generally light.

Days 5-6 Mount Kilimanjaro Weather Summary:

A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Thu night. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -7°C on Thu night4850m, min -5°C on fri afternoon5100m). Wind will be generally light.

WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU COME HIKING KILIMANJARO

WHAT TO PACK FOR KILIMANJARO.
You never set your alarm for 1 a.m. but this time you do it with pleasure. When the alarm goes off, you’re already awake and bubbling with anticipation. It’s cold and pitch-black outside, not warm and cozy like your tent and sleeping bag. Wind can pick up here at 15,239 feet. You suit up, slurp some hot tea, click on your headlamp, and begin a sunrise ascent, hiking Kilimanjaro to the Roof of Africa.
Today will change you. Today is summit day.
Trust me: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is unlike any experience you’ve ever had. I say that with confidence because there’s (literally) nothing like it on the planet. Kilimanjaro’s highlights are many: tallest mountain in Africa, highest freestanding mountain in the world, glacier-hemmed calderas, seven official routes through five unique ecosystems in one climb.
All of this is what you get when saying, “yes” to climbing Kilimanjaro. You get adventure. You get challenge. And with jambokilitours you get camaraderie, dancing, delicious meals, world-class sunsets, and an indelible memory that will stick with you forever.
But make no mistake. The beloved Kilimanjaro is no cakewalk. This mountain is a serious undertaking, reaching to elevations few people on Earth ever dream of going. Our team of expert guides will make your expedition as safe as possible, but here are the most essential things you can pack to be as prepared as possible for reaching that summit.
Kilimanjaro Duffle Bag
The type of Kilimanjaro duffle bag you choose is important as it will hold all of your gear, including your sleeping bag.Your Kilimanjaro duffle bag will be carried by your porter who will transport your gear from one camp to the next. Porters carry bags on their head so it is important that the bag is soft and weighs no more than 15kg when fully loaded (we jambokilitours limit the weight to 15kg fully-loaded).
Key characteristics to look for in a duffle bag:
• Greater than 80 litre capacity
• Constructed from waterproof laminate material to ensure your gear stays dry. We recommend packing your gear into separate plastic bags or packing units (see below) to provide extra waterproofing and easy access to sorted gear
• A strong zipper system that is not susceptible to breaking and can be easily locked. Take a small lock to secure your bag
• A hand and shoulder strapping system to provide extra versatility
BEST DAYPACK
The Talon is definitely a leader in the lightweight market, providing versatility, high performance and quality design in a neat multi-purpose pack. The daypack also features a special compartment to put your hydration bladder.

UNDERWEAR
Depending on the length of your trek you should bring 4-5 pairs of sports underwear. Those made by Icebreaker are excellent. Alternatively any sporting brand underwear will work
For the ladies bring two pairs of sports bras, again we recommend Icebreaker sports bras.
Recommended Insulated Pants
For the upper reaches of your Kilimanjaro trek (>4,500 meters) the temperatures can get very cold, particularly at night. Warm trekking trousers are a must.Here are the key characteristics to look out for: Water resistant, sun protective, and fleece inner material with quick-drying polyester outer for warmth.Great winter trekking trousers include Craghoppers Kiwi Winter Trousers and Regatta Lined Hiking Trousers.Alternatively, some folk prefer to use a hard shell pair of trousers, similar to ski pants or salopettes.


Recommended Warm Jackets
In terms of a good and affordable down jacket we recommend warm and less weight jacket. It retails for a great price, is super-lightweight which makes it easy to travel with and really warm.Other brands that make great winter alpine jackets include: Arc’Teryx (see the Atom), Rab (see the Microlight) and Mountain Hardwear.

Trekking socks
It is important that you bring good quality trekking socks. You should avoid cotton or cotton-blend socks as these absorb and retain moisture, keeping your feet damp and making them susceptible to blistering.
We recommend 5 x Wool trekking socks as these are the best for wicking moisture away from the foot. The best trekking sock manufacturers include Point6, Smartwool and Bridgedale. All three brands manufacture their socks from really soft merino wool which is great for comfort and performance. If you are alergic to wool we would go for an acrylic or acrylic-blend alternative like those from Wigwam.#jambokilitours.com
TREKKING SHIRTS
In terms of trekking shirts we recommend 4 x short sleeve shirts and 2 x long sleeve shirts. Ideal fabric is a breathable, lightweight and quick-drying polyester, merino or nylon. Make sure that your shirts are not cotton.
CLOTHING: THINK WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF
Multifunctional layers – On the ascent you will climb several thousand vertical feet over five ecosystems . Because of this, temperatures and canopy cover will fluctuate, so the most important things to pack are layers that breathe, wick moisture, and can be slapped on and off with ease.
RAIN AND WIND GEARS–
If you could invest in one single piece of gear for Kilimanjaro, make it a feather-down jacket or a Gortex/Wind stopper raincoat. Nothing compares to down for warmth, and cutting wind and rain is absolutely necessary for this climb. Stay dry. Stay happy.
HATS AND GLOVES –
You will use a cap, a beanie, and your gloves every single day of your trek, promise. Look out for your extremities, as heat escapes through your head and hands if the rest of your body is clothed. Again, wool, Wind stopper, and fleece are all great options.
Buff/Scarf –
This is the most underrated piece of gear I took on my Kilimanjaro trek, it was a buff. These are multipurpose head wraps and it can be used for shielding sun, added warmth around your ears, and also a handkerchief. Scarves do the trick too, and are typically warmer.
Hiking Shoes/Gaiters –
There’s a lot of reviews about footwear when approaching Kili. The first thing you mustn’t do is compromise comfort. Choose a pair you know and love. Second, that old clunky trekking boot might be overbuilt and unnecessary for this climb. ‘Jambokili” robust team of porters and guides will be carrying the bulk of your gear for you, so ankle-support is less of a concern because there won’t be fifty pounds/25kg on your back. That said, depending on the more aggressive footwear might be advisable. For the majority of the routes a modest hiking shoe will do the trick.
TECHNOLOGY: BRING BACKUPS
Headlamp
This is an essential piece of hands-free gear you’ll use a thousand different ways: getting to the loo in the middle of the night; rifling through your bag for that favorite pair of polka-dotted hiking socks; scribbling notes in your journal. Oh, and summit day starts at night! We recommend also to come with extra batter for the summit.
Sunglasses
For most of the trek, you will be above tree line and have little canopy cover to shelter your skin from the sun. At these elevations the sun is exponentially more intense and dangerous. Grab a pair (or two) of polarized shades to reduce the glare and pack sunblock and chapstick, too. Here’s one dermatologist’s experience on Kilimanjaro: (View More)
Camera
Digital, phone, film. Whatever strikes your fancy, you’re going to want to capture this experience (duh), so bring backup memory cards, batteries, and bags to keep them all dry. (Insider tip: keep electronics in your sleeping bag at night. The cold can drain batteries!)
Batteries – One thing you won’t find in Tanzania is a reliable battery. Pack extras for your headlamp and your devices (and consider a power pack for extended battery life). Also, I found lithium batteries to perform poorly in cold environment
Other Essentials:
WATER BOTTLES
With every thousand feet of elevation you gain, the air gets thinner and your body demands more water to function. Hydration is absolutely essential for a successful summit, and you’ll be asked to carry multiple liters at all times. Better to bring your own vessels. We also recommended to come with camelback for comfortability drinking while your walking can be either one bottle and camelback but make sure that not less than 3 litters.
Plastic bags –
No matter what gear you choose, if it all ends up wet then it’s no good. Make sure you arrive with your pack lined in waterproof materials. Find upscale solutions at your outdoor store. Zip lock bags and garbage bags work, too.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are all-stars, especially for the Kilimanjaro summit day. They come in handy during technical terrain, ascents, and descent, while models (like BD Z-distance) are ultralight.
Journal – Your experience up Kilimanjaro will take you to new heights, and you’ll want to capture every moment, every song, every nuance. Pack a notepad and pen; you’ll be happy you did.
brilliant synthetic sleeping bag called the Lamina. As far as synthetic bags go the Lamina provides excellent performance for an affordable price. The welded lamina construction reduces cold spots and the nylon shell repels water.There are six variations in temperature rating but we only recommend two for Kilimanjaro, the -30 or -15. See options here.


REMEMBER.
Think warm. Think dry. Plan for multipurpose and multilayered but also simple. Kilimanjaro is a nontechnical walk, but it’s also a strenuous ascent and must be taken seriously. With these dozen items, you’ll be well positioned to wake up on that alarm clock on summit day and reach up to the Roof of Africa. Now, lace up and let’s go.
JAMBOKILI TOURS supports responsible and sustainable tourism and is a proud member of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porter’s Assistance Project).

THINGS TO BRING WHEN YOU COME HIKING KILIMANJARO.

JAMBOKILI TOURS WELCOMES YOU TO KILIMANJARO THE HIGHEST MOUNTIN IN AFRICA FREE STANDING MOUNTAIN NON TECHNIQUE MOUNTAIN.

WE LOVE,WE CARE ABOUT YOU

BUT NOT YOU ALSO YOUR HEALTH COME AS CUSTOMER LEAVE AS JAMBOKILI FAMILY. FOLLOWING BELOW ARE THE LIST OF WHAT TO BRING FOR HIKING.BOOK WITH US ON info@jambokilitours.com.VISIT www@jambokilitours.com.

Things to bring for the Hiking
Day pack, for you to carry
Large duffel bag or backpack, for porters to carry
Shorts, for first and last day only
Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
Short-sleeved or t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
Long underwear
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Fleece pants
Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing plus wind)
Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
Underwear
Sport bras, for women

For cold

Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
Wool or pile hat
Balaclava or neck gaitor
Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)

Footwear

Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferrably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support – not too light and not too heavy
Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
Gaiters
Hiking socks for warmer conditions
Wool socks for colder conditions
Sock liners to wick away moisture

Sleeping

Sleeping bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended)
Sleeping pad and repair kit

Other

Water bottles and Camelback (2-3)
Water filter or iodine purification tablets
Sun hat with brim
Sunglasses
Bandana
Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
Ski or trekking poles
Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, film, tripod
Video camera, tapes
Batteries (Bring extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life)
Binoculars
Notebook, journal, pencil, and pen
Pocket knife
Electricity adapter
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides, porters, and other climbers
Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
Sewing kit
Salt, pepper, and spices for bland food
Business cards
Alarm clock
Calculator (for currency conversion)
Swim suit for hotel swimming pool

Toiletries

Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while on trail)
Small towel
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Glasses, contacts, solution (take contacts out each night to prevent blurred vision)
Comb, mirror

Documents

Passport
Yellow fever certificate
Tanzania Visa
Medical insurance
Address book
Vaccination records
Airline tickets
Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
Maps, guidebooks

REMEMBER
Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, and travellers cheques numbers.
Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate

CAN ABOVE 60S BE ABLE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
The short answer to the question: Can above 60s climb Mount Kilimanjaro? is obviously yes.
For the average person though, being able to successfully climb and summit Kilimanjaro is definitely attainable. You don’t need to be particularly fit (indeed being too fit can be detrimental) and you do not need any technical climbing skills.
Children over the age of 10 can legally have a go, as can older generations in their 60s and 70s!
All you need is determination and the will to get to the summit.
The real challenge with climbing Kilimanjaro is the altitude and the rate of ascent.
Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro is firmly classified as an extreme altitude mountain trek. At high altitudes the body is susceptible to a condition called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness.
The onset of AMS symptoms is not directly correlated to factors of age, gender, fitness level etc.
We do know though, that the rate of ascent is a major contributing factor, particularly on Kilimanjaro where the ascent profile is fast.

To increase your chances of success you should apply these four principles:
• Longer routes provide more time to properly acclimatize and therefore success rates are higher. Seven day routes are our preferred option for trekkers
• Routes that offer a climb high, sleep low acclimatisation day are preferable – the Machame and Lemosho route provides the best climb high, sleep low opportunity
• Go slowly through-out your trek. Do not over-exert yourself. Conserve energy at all times. You will hear your porters say ‘Pole Pole’, this means Slow, Slow in Swahili. Listen to them
• Drink loads of fluids (2.5-4 liters of water a day)
Follow these tips and you should be fine!

Esther and Martin Kafer summit Kilimanjaro, aged 84 and 85 respectively
In late 2012 Canadian couple Esther and Martin Kafer, aged 84 and 85 years respectively became the oldest people to summit Kilimanjaro.
The couple have been married since 1953 and have climbed mountains all over the world.

Also put this in your mind I got a lot of peoples climbed mountain Kilimanjaro with me as guide most also are young and old people above 60s, 100% of old made to the top. With me and jambokilitours we sure you than we are flexible.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www@jambokilitours.com
EMAIl info@jambokilitours.com
booking@jambokilitours.com

WHY YOU FAIL TO REACH KILIMANJARO SUMMIT

Poor Guides

We state over and over that the single most important decision you make is what operator you climb with. Guides who are inexperienced and insufficiently trained do not put you in an advantageous position to succeed simply because they do not know how to give optimal instructions to their clients. This includes knowing how to deal with elevation, food and water intake, injury prevention, handling adverse weather and pace setting.
As mentioned above, altitude sickness is the main obstacle for a successful climb. Solid, well-trained guides like Peak Planet’s staff know how to prevent and treat altitude sickness. By doing health checks and with careful monitoring of each client, our guides can act immediately if they notice a person may not be acclimatizing. The best guides on the mountain will increase your chances of summiting.


Altitude Sickness

Some of peoples failed to reach to summit due to altitude sickness but as longer as you have competent,knowledgeable guides it is not problem. What you need to do is by make sure that your obeying on what your guides advice you guides are more experienced than.you can be more experienced on other mountain but not for Kilimanjaro Please follow your guide.at high elevations, nearly everyone experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Mild levels of altitude sickness include a headache, nausea, lack of appetite, dizziness, and lethargy. This is normal. However, when symptoms worsen to moderate levels of illness, climbers should not go any higher as their bodies are not adapting to the altitude.
The best way to reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness is to simply climb a longer route. Doing so will give your body additional days to acclimatize and in turn increase your success rate. That is why Peak Planet prefers the 7 day Rongai, 7 day Machame, 8 day Lemosho and 9 day Northern Circuit route. Each of these routes adds an extra rest day which statistically increases your probability of success by about 20%.Other ways of decreasing the chances of altitude sickness are by acclimatizing climb high and sleep low this helps a lot of peoples you hike 200meters above your home camp for particular day and spend some time.
Altitude sickness can be fatal if precautions aren’t taken or symptoms are not recognized. That’s why we use only experienced, medically trained guides. Our guides from jambokili tours are well trained and ready to help you to the top healthy.


Bad attitude

Always we tell our client please think positive "if other can do why not you" this makes me to get high percent of my client reach to highest peak not only that you got enough gear neither fitness.but always be positive. When you’re positive even on the most challenged peak like the peak of Everest can be easy for you. This is my witness to you my clients I had one student from Georgia university. she had problem with pulmonary, asthma, chest problems. The first statement I gave her was “ your strong” with her pace she made to the highest point healthily. build your phycology positive.With jambokilitours is our duties to create positiveness.


Not Eating or Drinking Enough

By being at high elevations, your body is working hard just to function normally. That means it is using a lot of calories and water in the process. It is very important that one continues to eat and drink in good amounts to replenish your body. What usually occurs is that people are OK in the first few days, even when not eating and drinking enough. However, as the oxygen levels begin to deplete, the culmination of the calorie and water deficiency and perhaps lack of sleep begin to take their toll. A climber can become more and more tired as each day passes which in turn also affects their ability to continue acclimatizing.
Your guides will always remind you to drink and eat as much as possible, even if you do not feel hungry. We also believe that bringing an electrolyte powder mix is very helpful for recovery after long days.
Not having enough gears
Please just put in your mind your coming to climb Kilimanjaro the Africa highest mountain most of peoples are coming from cold or coldest country even though you’re from that country please come with your gears as recommended it bad for someone failed to get to the top because he was feeling too cold Kilimanjaro reach up to -20degree sometime -25 with too much wind for As part of your Kilimanjaro preparations, you should acquire or rent all the necessary gear. Follow our detailed gear list or my you tube videos and you will be well suited for any kind of weather.
The top of Kilimanjaro is in an ecological zone known as the arctic zone. In other words, it can be very, very cold. The bottom of Kilimanjaro resides in the rainforest, where precipitation is expected. So warm hats, jackets, pants, and gloves, along with waterproof gear is imperative.
Some company provide Tents that leak or do not vent properly can make your nights very uncomfortable. And if you do not get good sleep, your recovery is negatively affected. That’s why we provide high-quality Gore-Tex tents and sleeping pads and rent warm wat sleeping bags. It helps our clients succeed on the mountain.


Injuries and Other Illnesses

This among of reason but not often happening but we have got first aid kit for small injury but we can do nothing for big one. During the course of hiking over many days, it is not unusual for some injuries to pop up. A twisted ankle, blisters or swollen joints can end your Kilimanjaro climb if hiking becomes too painful. If you have known physical challenges, it is prudent to take actions to counteract them. For instance, bringing sock liners, extra socks, and a blister kit to stop blisters from forming or getting worse. Using trekking poles to ease the impact on problematic joints. Wearing high boots for better ankle support.
It is also important to maintain good hygiene on the mountain. Always wash your hands (we provide soap and water) or use hand sanitizer after using the toilet or before eating to prevent getting germs.


THREE BIG THING TO PUT ON YOUR MIND
THINK POSITIVE
EATING/DRINKING
POLEPOLE
KILIMNJARO IS EASY AS LONGER AS YOU MAKE IT EASY

THE BEUTIFULLY OF RAIN FOREST ON MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO.

thiS IS AMONG OF THE MOUNTAIN THAT HAVE GOT BEAUTIFULLY ENVIROMENT . KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN RAIN FOREST ARE AMONG OF THE RAIN FOREST THAT FOUND IN A TROPICAL COUNTRY LIKE TANZANIA.THIS MOUNTAIN HAVE GOT A LOT OF FLORA AND FAUNA THIS INCLUDE ONE OF THE BEAUTIFULLY ANIMAL LIKE BLACK AND WHITE COLOBUS MONKEY.ONE OF THE BEAUTIFULLY MONKEY THAT YOU CAN VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE TREES WHILE YOU ARE WORKING IN THE FORES YOU CAN SEE THEM DIVING FROM ONE TREE TO ANOTHER TREE AND MOVE WITH THEIR FAMILY ICLUDE UP TO 40 GROUP OF TROOP THEY SPENT MOST OF THEIR TIME ON THE TOP OF THE TREES.

AFRICA THE WILD AND BEYOND.www.africathewildandbeyond.com

BOOK TRIP WITH US AND PASS THROUGH THE NICE RAIN FOREST AND SEE UNIQUE FAUNA.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MALARIA

Many of tourists travelling to African countries are afraid of two exotic diseases: yellow fever and malaria. And if you can providently do a vaccination against the first one, but it seems impossible to avoid the meeting with the second one. What is the guarantee that the bit of the local mosquito will not bring any consequences except a short itch? But on the other hand, how do the locals survive in such conditions?


Malaria in Tanzania: myths and truth

As in any similar area with warm humid climate, there are really some cases of malaria infection in Tanzania. But it doesn’t mean that this insidious disease is waiting for you in every corner of the country.



There are four kinds of malarial plasmodium disease infected insects which parasitize on Anopheles - mosquitoes. These bloodsucking mosquitoes do not live everywhere: they are closely linked to standing water and do not fly away further than 8 km. Therefore, the risk to be bitten by a malarial mosquito is high only in places of their permanent habitat: in tropical forests, slopes, marshes, the drying water area and so on.



For example, in the dry savannah and Northern Tanzania where there are cool nights and mountain climate, you almost cannot meet Anopheles. They live in tropical forests, marshes and isles, but only if the air temperature will be comfortable for reproduction of plasmodium (above 20°C) and there will be no wind.



To catch malaria, the following conditions shall be met:

The environment should be favorable for activities of control the disease vector (standing water, high humidity, boggy or forest terrain).
When it gets dark (Anopheles -mosquitoes bite only in the dark time!), you go out without any repellents and with minimal clothes. Or you go to bed without fumigator and insecticide-treated bednet.
Mosquito needs to drink some blood of infected man 4-10 days before to meet you.
You have a weakened immune system by any long illness and you cannot resist an infection.


How to protect yourself from malaria?

On the advices of doctors and seasoned travelers, there are two ways to cope with the potential disease:



Take drugs for the prevention

The course of special medicines is recommended, to prepare your body to the possible meeting with the malarial mosquito. The most popular are Lariam, Doxycycline, Malarone (or Malanil).

It is advisable to start the prevention before the departure and continue it during all the journey and 2-4 weeks after leaving the country.



But you should note that all these drugs are not harmless for your health because they have a lot of contraindications which could have a negative impact on your body. Liver, intestinal tract, the organs of vision and nervous systems could be affected because of such prevention. Therefore, we advise you to discuss it with your doctor before taking these medicines.



To be careful

If you do not want to share your journey with all possible side effects, so take repellents, long sleeves clothes and choose a good place to sleep. Hotels are equipped with mosquito nets with insecticide. Air-conditioners help well because mosquitoes are afraid of coolness and plasmodium does not develop at temperatures below +20 °C.


Symptoms of malaria and its treatment

Be careful! Pay attention on following symptoms:

1. weakness, drowsiness, headache
2. increase in body temperature
3. muscle and joint pain


Other characteristics (attacks of chills and fever, sweating, vomit, dizziness, yellowing of eyes) appear in 10-40 days after infection. A preventive intake of drugs does not guarantee hundred-percent reliability of the potential infection. In case of suspicious symptoms, it is necessary to address to any clinic make malaria rapid diagnostic test. Upon detection of the infection you have to take a course of special medicines (Koartem proved itself perfectly, it has an effect on all species of plasmodium and relieve symptoms of disease in a day after the first intake).



And finally, Tanzania has a high level of health care, therefore there are not severe forms of malaria here. With the timely address to doctors, this disease is treated as easy as influenza.

So, do not give up an unforgettable journey because of mosquitoes

here is our experienced and senior guide/operator/leader/driver/ the owner of africawild and beyond

by doing with him and his company we guarantee you 100 percent.getting service more than what you expected book or contract with them for more detail.

MTI WENYE UMRI MREFU ZAIDI DUNIANI WAGUNDULIKA KILIMANJARO TANZANIA

Siku chache baada ya wanasayansi kubaini mti mrefu zaidi barani Afrika katika Mlima wa Kilimanjaro nchini Tanzania sasa wataalam hao wamefanya ugunduzi mwengine kuhusu mti huo.

Wataalam hao kutoka chuo kikuu cha Beyreuth Ujerumani sasa wamegundua kwamba mti huo ndio ulio na miaka mingi zaidi duniani.

Kulingana na gazeti la Mwananchi nchini Tanzania, Mtafiti wa viumbe hai na mazingira kutoka Chuo hicho Dk Andrew Hemp ameelezea sifa za mti huo ujulikanao kama Mkukusu kuwa unaweza kuishi kati ya miaka 200 hadi 300, lakini ulioonekana nchini una miaka 600.

Mti huo unapatikana katika Kijiji cha Tema wilayani Moshi, na upo katika eneo lililopo kwenye Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Mlima Kilimanjaro (kinapa).

Dk Andrew amesema kwa mujibu wa utafiti mti huo una uwezo wa kuishi miaka hiyo kwa kutunzwa na kuhifadhiwa.


Kulingana na gazeti hilo la mwananchi ,Amesema kwamba katika utafiti walioufanya barani Afrika waligundua miti mirefu 31, lakini Mkukusu wa Moshi ndiyo mrefu kuliko yote na una umri wa miaka 600 hivi sasa ukiwa umevuka kiwango cha juu cha maisha ya miti ya aina hiyo.

Tayari Serikali imeiagiza Kinapa kuboresha miundombinu ya barabara ili kuweza kuufikia mti huo iwapo watalii watataka kwenda kuuona.

Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Kilimanjaro, Said Meck Sadiki amesema mti huo utasaidia kuongeza mapato kwa kasi kwa kuwa ni kivutio kipya cha utalii ndani ya mkoa huu.

Mhifadhi Mkuu wa Kinapa, Betrita Loibok amesema agizo hilo litazingatiwa kwa kushirikiana na Mamlaka ya Hifadhi za Taifa (Tanapa) ili mti huo uweze kuwa kivutio ndani na nje ya chini

ya nchi.

TUMBLI APATIKANA AKIFANYA MAPENZI NA PAA


Tumbili mmoja kutoka Japan amerekodiwa katika kanda ya video akijaribu kufanya mapenzi na paa.

Watafiti walimuona mnyama huyo akijaribu kufanya mapenzi na paa wawili mnamo mwezi Novemba 2015 wakati wa msimu wa uzalishaji wa tumbili.

Tumbili hao wamekuwa wakionekana wakijaribu kuwapandia paa hao katika mchezo.

Tabia hiyo imeorodhshwa katika utafiti uliochapishwa katika jarida kuhusu nyani.

Tumbili huyo wa kiume asiye na hamu ya kufanya mapenzi na tumbili wenzake na amekuwa akiwafukuza tumbili wengine waume ambao wamekuwa wakimkaribia.

Mwanzilishi mwenza wa utafiti huo Alexandre Bonnefoy alisema: Tumbili huyo alimpanda paa huyo na kuonyesha tabia za kujamiana zilizoshirikisha tabia 15 tofauti za kufanya tendo la ngono katika kipindi cha sekunde 10 kabla ya kufanya mapenzi.

Sio mfano wa kwanza kwa wanyama tofauti kutekeleza tendo hilo.

Mwaka 2014, ripoti ya Seal kujamiana na Penguin iligonga vichwa vya habari.

SAADANI NATIONAL PARK

sadani is "Where the Bush meets the Beach" Saadani is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the Indian Ocean. Gazetted in 2005, it encompasses a well-preserved ecosystem including the former Saadani game reserve, the former Mkwaja ranch area, the Wami River as well as the Zaraninge Forest. Many villages are dotted around the boundaries of the park. Saadani village itself once was an important harbor-town and slave-trading centre in East Africa. Nowadays it is a small Swahili village of about 800 inhabitants whose livelihood is mostly fishing. Bird watchers will be treated to not-often-seen migratory birds that love the shore. The coastal vegetation zones range from seashore full of palm trees, through the tidal mangrove forest that form a buffer between ocean and land, to the Wami River shore where the huge sycamore fig is found. Its semi open woodlands closely resembles the Selous game reserve, while the vast grassy area close to the tourism office is named ‘Serengeti Ndogo’ (Small Serengeti) and lives up to the expectations.Saadani is a one of a kind paradise where beach life meets wilderness. This gives you not only the opportunity to plunge into the Indian Ocean straight after your safari, but also to be submerged in a unique display of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a naturally fascinating setting.
Location:Sadaani National Park is on the north coast roughly 100kms northwest of Dar-es- salaam and a similar distance Southwest of the port of Tanga.
Weather condition: • Dry season: July – September • Wet season: November – May • Less rainy in December – February • Best time to visit: June – September. Getting to Saadani • The park is accessible by road or air. By road: 1. Dar es Salaam – Chalinze – village of Mandera (good tarmac road, 160 km. About 2-3 hours drive) then from Mandera village drive to Mvave Gate – Saadani National Park tourism office (rough road,65 km about 2 hours drive). 2. From Tanga town via Pangani to Mkwaja Gate (earth road 120 km, about 3-5
hours drive). 3. From Dar es Salaam drive north to Saadani via Bagamoyo
By air: Charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar or Tanga or Arusha and other majortowns.
Accommodation Inside the park: There are park owned guest houses known as bandas, rest house, tents and campsites. Booking for bandas, rest house, tents and campsites please contact the Park. Currently there is one private owned lodge known as Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge. Outside the park: There are several lodges and camps that are privately owned.
What to do
•Game drives
•Boat trips to wami river
•Guided walking
•Bird watching
•Sun bathing on the Saadani beach
•Visiting the Saadani fishing village which used to be a buzzing trading centre.

Attractions.
Saadani is where crabs meets elephant and the roar of a lion might interrupt your tanning. This is one of the few breeding sites for green turtles. To the southern part experience salt harvesting processes (salt pans) in the hands of the locals. All the usual suspects, such as zebra, buffalo, elephant, warthog, giraffe, wildebeest and waterbuck are present. But you also stand a high chance of capturing different types of hartebeest, the big-eyed Rondo Galago and the elusive sable antelope on camera during your game drive or wilderness walks. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena might be harder to find, but this makes a sighting an even greater joy. Remember The vast grassy area is named ‘Serengeti Ndogo’ (Small Serengeti) and lives up to the expectations. Taking a boat on the Wami River will definitely add to the fun; here you are as close as one likes to get to hippo, crocodile and flamingo. Bird watchers will also be treated to not-often-seen migratory birds that love the shore, such as different kinds of sandpiper, Eurasian oystercatcher and the common greenshank. On the beach you get to enjoy even more special sightings: breeding green turtles – Saadani’s beaches are one of Tanzania’s best breeding sites – with dolphins and humpback whales putting on their show in the Indian Ocean beyond. Brief history and climatic conditions • Saadani started as a Game Reserve in 1962, it became the 13th national park of Tanzania in 2005. • The park ecosystem covers 1,100 km2 (around 15 km shoreline). From south to north it stretches 69 km. • Height: the majority of the park is at sea level. Although the highest point is 350 m, most elevations don’t go beyond 40 m. • Tides: spring tides of up to 1.5 m can flow inland. • The park has a tropical, hot climate with an average temperature of 25-27°C all year round (30 °C daytime, 20-24 °C night-time).

GOMBE NATIONAL PARK

Gombe National Park

Gombe, designated as a game reserve in 1943, was upgraded into a national park status in 1968. The park is located 16 km north of Kigoma town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. It covers an area of 56 square kilometers and is a fragile habitat for chimpanzee. Gombe gained its popularity after the research of Dr Jane Goodall which is believed to be the longest running study of primates in the world.
How to get there
By boat: Board public boat (up to four hours) or motor boat (two hours). The motor boat can be booked through or directly at the park information center located in Kigoma town.
TO GET TO KIGOMA:
By air: scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Mwanza cities or from Arusha by chartered flights.By rail: from Dar es Salaam or by ferry from Mpulungu in Zambia.By road: from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Mwanza.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Chimpanzee can be trekked throughout the year. However, for plants/insects and better chimpanzee spotting, the best time is during wet season (November to mid May) and for the best photo taking (May to October).
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING– This activity is conducted from 0630 – 1830 hrs. WALKING SAFARI –Short walks along the shores of Lake Tanganyika or to HIKING TO JANE’S PEAK VIEW POINT • This view point offers a spectacular view of the park and Lake Tanganyika. While at the view point one can hear chimpanzee calling and screaming. The hike takes about two hours from kasekela.

BIRDING
Over 200 birds species fly around, varying from the African crowned eagle that hunts monkeys, to the iconic fish eagle, three kinds of kingfisher and the bright Peters twins pots. Another remarkable character is the palm-nut vulture; a near-vegetarian common to Lake Tanganyika that prefers fruits over carcasses.
FILMING: Hugo van Lawick in 1988 filmed people of the forest – the chimps of Gombe.
.MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS CHIMPANZEE The Chimpanzee are Sharing more than 98% of our genes, it’s a look of recognition from our closest animal relative. COLOBUS, RED-TAILED AND BLUE MONKEYS THE MAJORITY OF THE PARK’S MAMMALS ARE PRIMATES, most of them forest species. Likely to be seen, in addition to the famous chimpanzees, are the colorful red-tailed and blue monkeys. KAKOMBE AND MKENKE WATERFALL LAKE TANGANYIKA The longest and deepest lake in Africa which harbors about 350 species of fish, most of them endemic. The lake shore offers sun bathing and sunset viewing opportunities.
ACCOMMODATION:
Inside the park: Rest house and one luxury tented camp. Outside the park: In Kigoma town

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara NP is a small park at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Its groundwater forest offers a nice change of scenery from the more savannah dominated parks. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, big cats aren't that easily seen. Elephants are very prolific and are the main attraction. Size:(330 km²) or( 130 mi²) Altitude:(953-1445 m) or( 3127-4741 ft) Pros and Cons • Very relaxed elephants to view at close quarters • Stunning scenery • Superb birding and seasonal flamingo flocks • Close to Arusha and on route to Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti • Has species less common or more difficult to see in other northern parks • Rarely visited in the morning • Gets crowded in the afternoons during peak season (June and July and October to April)
WILDLIFE This park is known for its large elephant population. The big cats are present, but not seen that easily. The forest patch is home to habituated troops of olive baboon and blue monkey. Buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species are easily encountered on a drive. More about Manyara's wildlife Sc
enery (surrounding)
Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake at the base of the Western Rift Valley escarpment. The park entrance leads to a beautiful groundwater forest. Other habitats include the grassy floodplain, rocky escarpment and acacia woodland, all of which can be covered in a half-day visit Getting there By road, charter or scheduled flight from Arusha, en route to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
What to do
Game drives, night game drives, canoeing when the water levels is sufficiently high. Cultural tours, picnicking, bush lunch/dinner, mountain bike tours, abseiling and forest walks on the escarpment outside the park.
When to go
Dry season (July-October) for large mammals; Wet season (November-June) for bird watching, the waterfalls and canoeing.
Accommodation
One luxury tree-house-style camp, public bandas and campsites inside the park. One luxury tented camp and three lodges perched on the Rift Wall outside the park overlooking the lake. Several guesthouses and campsites in nearby Mto wa Mbu.

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK. About Arusha National Park Though very accessible, Arusha NP isn't on many safari itineraries. This is mainly because it doesn't offer a chance of seeing the Big Five. The park is at the base of Mount Meru, which is good for climbing. It has a range of habitats including forest - home to black-and-white colobus monkeys - and is excellent for birding. Size: help(552 km²) or( 212 mi²)Altitude:(1340-1839 m / )or(4396-6033 ft) Pros and Cons • Very scenic with different habitats, including forest • Views of Mount Kilimanjaro • Excellent birding with about 400 species, including forest birds • Close to Arusha and accessible for a day trip • Canoeing safari is offered • Off the beaten track and not crowded • Most of the major safari animals aren't present or aren't easily seen Wildlife Game viewing in Arusha NP is more low-key than in the other parks in Northern Tanzania. Animals that are easily seen include buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species. More exciting are the black-and-white colobus monkeys that live in the forest, and the large number of bird species. Several lakes often host flocks of flamingos. Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one a different hue of green or blue. Their shallows sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, the lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon More about Arusha NP's wildlife Scenery (surrounding) The park's appeal is mainly its scenery. The habitat diversity spans from montane rainforest to moist savannah to alpine moorland. The most prominent landmark is Mount Meru. Other highlights are a massive extinct volcano and several scenic lakes, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background on a clear day. Getting there an easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari. What to do Forest walks, numerous picnic sites; three- or four-day Mt Meru climb - good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro. When to go To climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in November. Best views of Kilimanjaro December-February. Accommodation Two lodges, two rest houses, camp sites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at Usa River outside the park and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town.