BARAFU TOURS & SAFARIS Brochure!

 

       

We are a small Tanzanian local company that offers a wide range of safaris including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro,cultural tourism, wildlife adventure safaris, bike tours and beach holidays. We provide highest quality service and products that are within your budget. We have strong experience and a great team of people that guarantee the highest quality of service and co-ordination.

Up Mt. Kilimanjaro Camping at the Barafu Hut with BARAFU TOURS & SAFARIS!

Being the last Hut on Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, At 4600m this is a rather bleak but majestic spot. At night a cold wind often blows. If you arrive from Barranco you will be here in the mid afternoon at earliest. If you have just come from Karanga you can make it for lunch, so now you have a good few hours to "rest" before getting up in the middle of the night for the final ascent "Summit".

Our Community Involvement as BARAFU TOURS & SAFARIS!!

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We give 5% (five percent) of our earnings to various community causes. click here  see some of causes we help support around our community.

Schools, Charities and orphanages are just the few and most areas we donate our earnings.

7 Days Mt.Kilimanjaro Climbing - The Machame Route Itinerary.

Barafu Tours & Safaris

 Cell : (+255) 718 238 477

 Email : barafutours@gmail.com

7 DAYS KILIMANJARO-MACHAME ROUTE

ITINERARY

Day One:

Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters, 3,935 feet
Distance: 9 kilometers

At 9am, leave Moshi for Machame Gate, where you will meet the our porters and cooks that will spend the next seven days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Once you arrive, you will have a chance to wait at the gate while the staff registers your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations.
Your first day's destination is Machame Camp. Each day, porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival. On the first day, hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. The forest will thin at the end of the hike and vegetation will change to include heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, view the surrounding area and your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak.

Day Two:

Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters, 2,760 feet
Distance: 7 kilometers

Although considered to be the easiest day on the Machame Route, today's trek includes several uphill sections. Carry plenty of drinking water, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above.
As you gain altitude, notice the change in vegetation. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro's famous high altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii. After eating lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo's lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Day Three:

Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 690 meters, 2,264 feet
Distance: 10 kilometers

Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.
Barranco Camp, set among stands of Senecio kilimanjari, is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route.

Day Four:

Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 2,120 feet
Distance: 13 Kilometers

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you will have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley. We will stop fro lunch at Karanga camp on the ridge above the valley for over night.

Day five:

After breakfast begins the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo's glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

.Day Six:

Barafu  Camp (4600m to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Distance: 18 kilometers

After reaching to uhuru and crater, then descend to mweka. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Day Seven:

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
Distance: 10 kilometers

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

At Mweka Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!! 

                                      W     E     L    C    O    M    E

                                                         T O

                                               T A N Z A N I A!!

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing LEMOSHO Route Itinerary.

Barafu Tours & Safaris

 Cell : (+255) 718 238 477

 Email : barafutours@gmail.com

MOUNT KILIMANJARO-LEMOSHO ROUTE

7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS

ITINERARY

Lemosho Route is the longest of the standard routes and is without doubt the most beautiful. Expect some of the most extraordinary scenery anywhere in Africa, with well-preserved forests, sweeping moorland, heather forests and high desert. Lemosho Route also offers easy walking days and plenty of opportunity for altitude adjustment…
The route approaches the summit from the west via the Londorossi Gate and one of the most remote quarters of the region. The trailhead is little more difficult to reach, so Lemosho can sometimes be more expensive options

Day 1: - Londorossi Gate to MtiMkumbwa(2,650 m/8,692 ft)
Hike time: 3hrs
Elevation Change: + 650 M/+2,132
Estimation distance: 10 km
Final Elevation: 2,650 m/8,694 ft
After a 1 1/2 hour drive from Moshi check in is at the Londorossi Gate. Day 1 is fairly easy with a 3/4 hour climb to MitiMkubwa Camp.

Day 2: - MtiMkubwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft) to Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.)
Hike time: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation change: + 950 M/+3116
Estimation distance: 12 km
Final Elevation: 3609 m/11,841 ft
A few hours walk will see the end of the forest and the beginning of a climb through heather forest to the edge of the Shira Caldera. Destination is the scenic Shira One Camp

Day 3: - Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.) to Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.)
Hike time: 5 - 6 hrs
Elevation change: + 240 M/+787 ft
Elevation distance: 5 km
Final elevation: 3849 m/12,628 ft.
Today is spent on a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau with possible side trips to Shira Cathedral. Camp is at the first high camp of Shira Two.

NOTE: From Shira Two Camp the trail links with Machame Route.                       

Day 4: - Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.) to Barranco Hut (3,948 m/12,956 ft.)
Hike time: 5 hrs
Elevation change: +100 M/+328 ft
Estimated distance: 6 km
Final elevation: 3948 m/12,956 ft.
The real work of climbing Kilimanjaro begins here. Today the main feature is a slow climb to Lava Camp followed by a descent to the beautiful Barranco Camp. This is the Climb-High-Sleep-Low principal of altitude adjustment.

Day: 5 - Barranco Hut (3,900 m/12,800 ft) to Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft)
Hike time: 3.5 hrs
Elevation change: +100 m/+328 ft
Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
Final elevation: 3,963 m/13,000 ft
After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall we continue around the southern ciruit train until we reach another sceneic location of Karanga Camp.

Day 6: - Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft) to Barafu Hut (4,600 m/15,091 ft)
Hike time: 3.5 hrs
Elevation change: +600 m/+1,968 ft
Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
Final elevation: 4,600 m/15,091 ft
The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a basic camp geared towards the business of reaching the summit.

Day 7:- Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091 ft) to The Summit (5,896 m/19,343 ft) and then to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft)
Summit time: 7 hrs
Elevation change: +1,300 m/+4,265 ft
Estimated distance: 5km/3.2 miles
Final elevation: 5,896 m/19,343 ft
Descent time: 5 hrs
Elevation change: -2,800 m/-9,186 ft
Estimated distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Final elevation: 3,100 m, 10,170 ft
This is a midnight ‘Alpine Summit’ to make sure we reach the summit by dawn, in time to return to Mweka Camp for the sake of improved

Day 8: - Mweka Hut (3,100 m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,828 m/6,000 ft)
Descent time: 3hrs
Elevation change: -1,250 m/-4,101 ft
Estimated distance: 10km/6.21
Final elevation: 1,828 m/6,000 ft
Today is a short walk towards Mweka Gate and pickup. It is a short day with arrival at the Gate at about 12:00 noon. Checkout and return to Moshi.

                                                             K A R I B U (welcome) 

                                                            T A N Z A N I A

The 6 Days MARANGU "Coca Cola" Route Itinerary.

Barafu Tours & Safaris

 Cell : (+255) 718 238 477

 Email : barafutours@gmail.com

6DAYS KILIMANJARO-MARANGU ROUTE

ITINERARY

The Marangu Route is also known as the "Coca Cola" or "tourist" route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route offers accommodation in huts at every point you spend your night with solar lights and comfortable beds. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts.

Day One:

Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft)
Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet
Leave Moshi at 9am for Marangu Gate. After completing gate registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one's halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort.
The A-frame Mandara Huts can accommodate up to seventy people and consist of several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of Marangu's huts have beds with mattresses.

Day Two:

Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters, 3,200 feet
After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro's forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day's hike will be through Kilimanjaro's moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at KambiyaTaabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides.

Day Three:

Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m/15,100ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters, 2,900 feet
Day three is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.

Day Four:

Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet
Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro's upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro's Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.

Day Five:

Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William's Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters).
The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

Day Six:

Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi for Hot shower and Champagne/Kilimanjaro Beer Celebrations.

   

   

Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes

Kilimanjaro Routes | Routes to the Roof of Africa

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north.

Marangu ("Coca Cola") Route

Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.

The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.

However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we do not recommend anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu route is a poor choice.

Machame ("Whiskey") Route

Known as the "Whiskey" route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its spendor.

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is ideal.

Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended.

Shira Route

The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge.

On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend their first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho and follows the southern circuit route.

Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, Lemosho is recommended over Shira due to the high altitude of Shira's starting point. It is possible that climbers will experience altitude related symptoms on the first day due to failed acclimatization. Climbers using Shira should be confident of their ability to acclimatize.

Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is widely regarded as the hardest trail, a tough vertical slog through the jungle, in places using the tree roots as makeshift rungs on a ladder. Having reached the Southern Circular Route, trekkers can continue north-west to tackle Kibo from the west and the difficult Arrow Glacier Route; or you can follow the Southern Circular Route east round to Barafu and approach the summit from there. The entire walk up and down takes a minimum of five days if going via the Barafu Campsite (though this is entirely too rapid; take six minimum, with a day at Karanga Valley); or five minimum (six is again better) if going via the Western Breach/Arrow Glacier, with more days if sleeping in the crater.

Mweka Route

This, the shortest route from a roadhead to the summit is now only used in descent. The upper section to the summit is called the Barafu (Swahili - ice) Route. It is normally descended having approached the mountain by the Lemosho, Machame, Umbwe or Shira Routes. These routes are linked to the Barafu-Mweka Route by the high-level traverse beneath the Southern Icefields, the Kibo South Circuit. This traverse is one of the more scenic walks on Kilimanjaro.

                                                      K  A   R   I   B  U (welcome) 

                                                     T     A    N    Z   A   N    I   A

BARAFU TEAM celebrating & Singing on Mount Kilimanjaro after the Summit of Uhuru Peak 5895m.

Just outside Barafu Hut, descending down there is the Millennium Hut that's where the BARAFU TEAM was singing & celebrating after achieving a successful climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak 5895 meters. What a lifetime adventure.....

I wake up each day to see the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro and my dream is that someday the whole world will get to experience this lifetime adventure through Barafu Tours & Safaris.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to experience the best trekking and safari tours adventure of a lifetime! 

Your adventure starts with us. 

Important GEARS to bring for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

 EQUIPMENT & PACKING FOR MOUNTAIN:

1. Sun hat & warm hat (or balaclava) that cover the ears                   
2. Trainers/slippers for relaxing
3. Thermal underwear
4. Warm long-sleeved shirt
5. Waterproof outer trouser
6. Walking socks (several pairs)
7. Walking shorts
8. Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
9. Waterproof walking boots
10. Gaiters(to protect scree and snow to get in the shoes)
11. Waterproof thing-length jacket ( Gore-tex or similar )
12. Warm walking trousers (not jeans!)
13. Gloves ( waterproof warm outers + thin liners) especially for summit day
14. T-shirt (synthetic material are best as cotton retains moisture)
15. Warm sleeping bag (3/4 –seasons)
16. Sleeping bag liner
17. Sleeping  mattress 
18. Trekking pole(s) - 
19. Head-torch, pocket touch + spare batteries
20. Water carrier(s) –bottles or bladders (minimum 3-litres capacity)
21. Glacier glasses (or good quality sunglasses – preferably with side shields)
22. High factor sunscreen(SPF 30 for your face ) & lip-salve ( SPF 33 for your lip)
23. Personal first aid kit + essential medication**
24. Water purification tablets or drops
25. Small towel
26. Wet wipes
27. High energy snacks, dried fruit, nuts, throat sweets, etc
28. A small bottle of cordial or squash concentrate(to lived up the ‘flat’ taste of boiled water)
29. Notebook and pen, playing cards or book
30. Light and rugged camera; remember spare batteries and film/memory card

31. Toilet paper: take your favorite from home and keep in a plastic bag-in your day    sac

32. Tips for the crew.

BAGGAGE:

• Rucksack/Soft trek bag- large enough for all you need on the mountain, which will be carried on a porter’s head. Pack light-max 15kg.
• A large daypack (to carry warm clothing, at least 3 water-bottles, camera etc. in comfortable)-we recommend minimum 25-35 litres capacity.
• Waterproof cover (or pack clothes in plastic bags to ensure they stay dry).

MEDICAL KIT CHECK LIST:

1. Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen in the USA)-for pain or fever
2. Loperamide or diphenoxylate-blockers for diarrhea
3. Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide-for nausea and vomiting
4. Antihistamine-for allergies, eg, hay fever, to ease the itch from insect bites or stings; and to prevent motion sickness
5. Cold and flu tables, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant
6. Antibiotics-consider including these if you’re traveling well off the beaten track; see your doctor, as they may prescribed, and carry the prescription with you.
7. Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops
8. Antiseptic (such as povidone-iodine) –for cuts and grazes
9. Bandages, Band-Aids ( plasters) and other wound dressings
10. Water purification tablets or iodine
11. Scissors and tweezers
12. Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera-to ease irritation from sun-burn and insect bites or stings
13. Rehydration  mixture- to prevent dehydration, which may occur, for example, during bouts of diarrhea
14. Diamox (acetazolamide)-thought to be helpful for prevention of HACE and HAPE, prevention and treatment of symptoms of  AMS
15. Malaria medication
16. Wet wipes and/ or antibacterial gel

            *** Some of the equipments are hired locally at Moshi in a very reasonable price incase you don’t be able to get from there.

                                                YOU ARE MOST WELCOME.

The annual wildebeest migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park

The annual Wildebeest migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth'.
PHOTO : The great migration by Nicole Cambré ‪#‎northserengeti‬‪#‎tanzania‬

Cheetah Cubs

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world and can reach speeds of over 60 mph. Often mistaken for leopards because of their spotted coats, cheetahs are also known for their long legs and graceful bodies. Most of what is known about baby cheetahs is based on observations of these reclusive and endangered animals in the wild.

Baby cheetahs are called cubs and are usually born in litters of three to five. They are blind at birth and are covered with a thick coat of fur, called a mantle, which helps to protect them from predators. In the wild, cheetah cubs have a high mortality rate, approximately 90 percent, and it is estimated that 50 to 75 percent of cheetah cubs die before they reach three months of age.

Serengeti National Park

From the mightiest beasts in the jungle to the tiniest microorganisms swimming in our pond water, Earth is home to some amazing life-forms.
Michael Nick Nichols won the grand prize at londons natural history museums 2014 wildlife photographer of the year competition with this black and white photo of snoozing lions in ‪#‎Tanzanians‬ ‪#‎Serengeti‬national park.
‪#‎ProudAfrican‬ 
‪#‎ProudBarafutours‬
Barafu Tours & Safaris
www.barafutours.com

Ngorongoro Crater

DID YOU KNOW...!!??
It is believed that Ngorongoro once rivaled Kilimanjaro in size. The lava that filled the volcano formed a solid "lid," which subsequently collapsed when the molten rock subsided, forming the caldera that we see today. 
"Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, is the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. It is a collapsed volcano that harbors a range of African wildlife that live in relatively close proximity and competition with each other. Zebras are amongst the most common animals in the crater, along with wildebeests, gazelles, hyenas, and lions. On a clear day, a 360º view of the crater rim can be seen whilst being inside."
PHOTO : Honorable Mention, Nature: “Zebras and the rim of the Crater," Zik Teo, ‪#‎NgorongoroConservationArea‬, ‪#‎Tanzania‬

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

Since its official opening in 1977, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park has become one of Tanzania’s most visited parks. Unlike the other northern parks, this isn’t for the wildlife, although it’s there. Rather, coming here is all about gazing in awe at a mountain on the equator capped with snow, and to climb to the top of Africa.
At the heart of the park is the 5896m Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s most magnificent sights. It’s also one of the highest volcanoes and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, rising from cultivated farmlands on the lower levels, through lush rainforest to alpine meadows, and finally across a barren lunar landscape to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi. (Kilimanjaro’s third volcanic cone, Shira, is on the mountain’s western side.) The lower rainforest is home to many animals, including buffaloes, elephants, leopards and monkeys, and elands are occasionally seen in the saddle area between Kibo and Mawenzi.
A trek up Kili lures around 25,000 trekkers each year, in part because it’s possible to walk to the summit without ropes or technical climbing experience. But don't be fooled by the number of people who climb Kilimanjaro – this is a serious undertaking. While many thousands of trekkers reach Uhuru Peak without major difficulty, many more don’t make it because they suffer altitude sickness or simply aren’t in good enough shape. Come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing, and most importantly, allow yourself enough time. If you’re interested in reaching the top, seriously consider adding at least one extra day onto the ‘standard’ climb itineraries: accepted medical advice is to increase sleeping altitude by only 300m per day once above 3000m – which is about one-third of the daily altitude gains above 3000m on the standard Kili climb-routes offered by most operators.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tanzania/mount-kilimanjaro…

Mt.Kilimanjaro Climbing (www.barafutours.com)

Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).

Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. 
And their memories.

But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. 
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.

Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.

Getting there
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha. 
About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.

What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. 
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. 
Trout fishing. 
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.

When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.

Accommodation
Huts and campsites on the mountain. 
Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi.

NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatization time and maximize your chances of reaching the summit. 
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.