Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions

13/03/2024

🌟 Discover the Majesty of Tanzania's Masai Ostrich: The Red-Necked Beauty 🌟

In the heart of Tanzania's vast plains, amidst the iconic wildlife that roams freely, one creature stands out for its elegance and unique features—the Masai Ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus). Also known as the East African Ostrich, this remarkable bird captivates with its striking red-necked appearance and fascinating behaviors.

Join us on a virtual journey to explore the beauty of the Masai Ostrich! Learn about its habitat, behavior, and conservation status, and discover why it's a symbol of resilience and natural splendor in Tanzania's wilderness.

🦩 🦩 Everyone

09/03/2024

06/03/2024

21/02/2024

Awsome Sunset reflection around this evening from Moshi.

14/02/2024

Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park

Pick up from Moshi and drive to Lake Manyara National Park

Morning game drive in the park

Lunch at a picnic site in the park

Afternoon game drive in the park

Dinner and overnight at a lodge/campsite near Lake Manyara

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

Early breakfast and depart for Serengeti National Park

Continue to Serengeti and enjoy game drive en route to the camp/lodge

Lunch at the camp/lodge

Afternoon game drive in the park

Dinner and overnight at a camp/lodge in Serengeti

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Full day of game drives in the Serengeti

Picnic lunch in the park

*Optional hot air balloon safari in the morning (at an additional cost)

Dinner and overnight at a camp/lodge in Ngorongoro

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

Early breakfast and depart for Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the crater for a full day game drive

Picnic lunch in the crater

Drop off at the hotel or airport in Moshi

03/02/2024

butterflies season!

27/01/2024

9 Day Northern Circuit Route
Day 0:
​Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by a Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions representative and transferred to Moshi at the hotel of your destination. A briefing will be conducted in the morning at the hotel to prepare you for the climb ahead. You will also get the chance to meet with the crew before you start the activity.

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​No hut required.

Camping accommodation available at all camps.

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DAY 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 3

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

DAY 4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

DAY 6

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave

DAY 7

Third Cave to School Hut

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 8

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Artic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

26/01/2024

Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions we are inviting climbers and solo safari travelers to come together in a shared oasis of adventure and exploration. click to join our group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/24566956402949535/

24/01/2024

glaciers route Description(9)-Heim glacier-direct (grd 6);
Heim has one of the hardest ice leads of any of the southern glacier routes, up a vertical icicle at5, 200meters.A huge buttress separates Kersten and Heim glaciers. At about 4,650m Heims toe lies several hundred meters left of the left edge of the buttress. Ascent the snow and ice fields right of the glaciers toe, reaches below a tall, broad rock wall that houses the seracs of the upper portion of Heim glacier. A climb up and right towards the gully with vertical icicle hanging down it. That's where the tough gets tougher, you'll climb up the 30 meter icicle (grd 6).Above the icicle and you'll have to work around several seracs that bar access to the upper portion of the Heim glacier. Finally the upper snow fields leads to the highest peak of Africa. Uhuru peak -5895 meters.

22/01/2024

Trekking or hiking poles are useful tools during the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro for several reasons:

Balance and Stability:

Mount Kilimanjaro has varying terrains, including rocky paths and steep slopes. Trekking poles provide additional points of contact with the ground, enhancing balance and stability. This is especially crucial when navigating uneven surfaces or during descents.
Weight Distribution:

Climbing Kilimanjaro involves carrying a backpack with necessary gear. Trekking poles help distribute the weight more evenly across your upper body, reducing strain on your legs and knees. This can be particularly beneficial during long hikes and challenging sections.
Reducing Impact on Joints:

The use of trekking poles can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your knees, ankles, and hips. This is particularly important during the descent, where the pressure on joints can be significant.
Aiding in Uphill Climbs:

When ascending steep sections of the mountain, trekking poles can provide additional support by allowing you to use your arms to help propel yourself upward. This can help conserve energy and reduce fatigue.
Enhancing Endurance:

By distributing the workload between your upper and lower body, trekking poles can contribute to improved endurance. This can be valuable during the longer trekking days on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Assistance in Tricky Sections:

In certain sections of the climb, such as scree or loose gravel, trekking poles can act as anchors and assist in maintaining traction. They offer stability on challenging surfaces, preventing slips and falls.
Adaptable Length:

Many trekking poles are adjustable, allowing you to adapt their length based on the terrain. Shorter lengths are suitable for uphill climbs, while longer lengths provide stability during descents.
Use as Tent Poles:

In some cases, trekking poles can be used as tent poles if you are camping during your Kilimanjaro trek. This can help reduce the overall weight of your gear.
Psychological Support:

Beyond their physical benefits, trekking poles can provide psychological support. Holding onto the poles can boost confidence, especially in challenging or unfamiliar terrain.

18/01/2024

route descriptions (7)
Kersten glacier-Gr 6.direct route.
This route starts just below the middle of Kersten glacier at about 4,700 meters climbing straight up a couloir that angles to the right. At the head of the couloir climb the steep ice pitch on the left then the rock wall above to a snow ledge. It moves right into a gully then climbing the steep ice then traverses further right, heading back into the main gully. Once you reach the the overhanging boulder, skirt it by heading leftwise and around it on snow. The ascent heads straight up for four pitches to a huge ice cave at approximately 5,100meters, which is used as a bivouac spot. As you head right, you'll climb the snow slopes to the crater rim-5700m then joins the normal trail to reach Kibo's Uhuru peak summit-5895m...
This routes first ascent was done for two days by Bill O'Connor, Ian Howell and John Cleare on December 1975.

17/01/2024

WARTHOGS (Phachochoerus africanus)"Ngiri"

17/01/2024

route descriptions (6) ;Kersten Glacier (Gr 4) .
This ascent require highly experienced guides that are skillful in routfinding.The trail starts at about 4,650m just below a huge rock buttress separating the Kersten and Decken glaciers. The trail then follows a jumble of seracs and ice steps up and left for several pitches until it gains the prominant icefield below the crest of the glacier. This ice field is particularly dangerous because of the serac above and sun light meltation during the day. On top of the icefield, a gully leads up leftwise passing a series of seracs. As you approach the top of the gully you'll climb up then head right through a break in the seracs which leads to easier ground. The angle lessens above, and steepens the hike leading to Kibo's Uhuru peak(5,895m) .

13/01/2024

Kilimanjaro route descriptions(5) Deckens Glacier (Original Grade 3-4)
Just below the left-hand side of Decken glacier at approximately 4650 meters,the trail starts by following the line of least resistance up to the left hand side of the glacier.
The first half consists of up to 65 degrees of snow climbing. Grade 3-4 Cruxes are encountered where the glacier has melted out forming icefalls. Rock climbing gear is required to climb several moderate rock pitches. Halfway up at about 5200meters the angle of the glacier kicks back dramatically and the trail becomes a snow walk. Care should be taken in case of crevasses. The trek proceeds towards the Kibo crater before it connects to the normal route to the summit of Kibo-Uhuru peak(5895m)

09/01/2024

MOUNT KILIMANJARO ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS-4. The southern glaciers of Kibo.
Decken Glacier-(Grade 3-4) ;
This trail skirts the tough boulder and ice walls found halfway up the Decken glacier by traversing right onto an easy ice field that leads to several pitches of steep ice climbing, then tops out at 5650meers near the wedge, a prominent roctfin that separates Decken and Kersten's glaciers. Connect to the normal Marangu route from the glacier circling around the crater rim to the Uhuru peak-5895m.

07/01/2024

WARTHOG (phahochoehoerus Africans) /Ngiri.
Savannah are amongst the most abandunt and successful African habivores. It's disc shaped noise is equiped to unearth nutrients from the grassroots.Their sensitive lips harvest high Protaine from the roots to the seeds and they also feed on fruits and tree barks. Warthhogs have two set of tusks, the upper top ones grow as long as 60cm, while the lower ones are less than 15cm long. Warthhogs mostly habitat in arrid Savannah flood plains and moist areas, occasionally they can be seen around the campsite bins in the national parks of Tanzania. The male (bull) weights between 90-107 kgkg, and females weigh between 46-60kg.After a gestation period of 24 weeks 2to4 young hogs are born. Most Canivorious particularly the lions, hyena and leopards make a delicious snack of the warthhogs, even though when alarmed the hog moves rapidly with their tails erected like an antena that signals their sense of direction!

02/01/2024

KILIMANJARO ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS-3;
Kibo southern glaciers.
On the southern side of Kibo is where the southern glaciers are best viewed,you'll also be rewarded with a 3/4 sites of the Kilimanjaro's massive best from this side. From the Western side, the Heim glacier, Kirsten, Decken and the minor Rebmans which lies East of the Decken glacier. The southern glaciers sit just above a large, wide relatively flat Rocky depression known as the southern valley that is bounded on the West by the Baranco wall and on the east by a rib that runs up Kibo next to the Baranco route. The best trail to approach Heim, Kirsten and Dickens glaciers is from Baranco huts/campsite (3900m). Follow the South circuit path up the Baranco crags to the point where the trai crests the Baranco wall, there the southern valley lies ahead of you to the east.
Follow the rocky ridge that leads off to the left(north) directly to the Heim glacier. Deckens and Kersten's are off righwise(northeast). Move on for about a kilometer, the ridge will give way to a broad gravelly slope that lies below the glaciers. The approach to all three glaciers involve hiking across those slopes to the base of each glacier.... To continue.✌
Map below;Kilimanjaro southern glaciers from trail number 4 to 10 marked.

31/12/2023

🌍✨ When you're ready to make your dream of visiting Africa a reality, we'd love to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Tanzania. Reach out whenever you're ready!

[email protected]

30/12/2023

KILIMANJARO ROUTE DESCRIPTION-2;
Barafu (hiking) :The Barafu route is essentially a continuation of the lower trail through the rain forest commonly refferd to as the Mweka route, that is mainly used for descending. From the Barafu huts-(4600m) which sits atop a prominent ridge on the eastern side of the southern valley that lies off to the left as you view the summit of Kilimanjaro from the campsite or hut. The Barafu trail is a steep hike that climbs the Rocky prow of the rib just above the camp before winding it's way up a very steep gravel trail to the crater rim. The trail then follows a far right side of Rebmanns glacier. You'll arrive at Stella point(5795m) on the crater rim after 5-6 hours of climbing. After a sunrise photo rest, you'll hike for another hour to reach Kibo's Uhuru peak summit-(5895m) .

29/12/2023

KILIMANJARO ROUTE DESCRIPTION;
The Marangu route (hiking) .
This traditionally walking route is most popular, 90% of Kilimanjaro trekkers take this trail, dubbed "Coca-Cola".Its an extension of the Marangu forest/moorland route to the Kibo summit. The trail leaves Kibo huts(4700m) at around midnight to 1:00am,heading Northerly then turns left (west) towards Kibo. The frozen path makes the climb a little less streinous. The trail follows a fairly gentle terrain up to Hans Mayer's cave-5150m, then it Steepens considerably as it switches back to Gilmans point-5680m. At Gilmans you'll view the sun rising above Mawenzi peaks as well as the summit from the crater. Unfortunately 55% of "unprepared mind" climbers turn back at this point.The trail then drops towards the crater and then follows around the crater rim. It will take another two hours from Gilmans point to reach Kibo's summit-Uhuru peak-5895m/19341ft.The first ascension on this trail was done on July, 6th1909 by M. Lange and Weigele.

24/12/2023

THE AFRICAN WILD DOGS-lycaon pictus (Mbwa mwitu) "intrepid hunter"
They live in mobs of between 10-40 strong, this wild dog is an endurance hunter, they will chase their prey until exhausted then gang up to tear them down. They consume the prey by tearing it alive, and can take down large animals such as Buffalo's, zebras ,wildebeests and Elands, even though they prefer antelopes. The African wild dog is amongst the wilderness endangered carnivores even though they are habitats of the Serengeti, Mkomazi and Selous and Ruaha parks dry Savannah, montane and moorlands up to 9000ft above sea level and grasslands. About 10-19 puppies are delivered after a gestation period of 70-75 days.
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23/12/2023

Christmas Greetings !!!!

23/12/2023

WILDEBEEST-gnu (cannochaetes taurinus)- "Nyumbu".
The white bearded gnu, Brindled gnu and the blue wildebeests are common species of wildebeests found in Tanzania. This dominant plains antelope of the Acacia Savanna is a grazer and drinker thus has to be constantly on the move in search of green pastures. In association with zebras and antelopes they form the world's largest animal spectacle. About 1.5-2 million animals migrate northerly in the Serengeti-masaai Mara ecosystem. Hundreds of carnivores like lions, cheetah, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and birds of pray trail along the migrating animals while the crocodiles wait patiently for their harvest.
Males weighs between 200-300kg and are territorial, whilst the females weighs between 140-230 kgs. A new calf is delivered after a gestation period of 8-8.5 months.

22/12/2023

SPOTTED HYENAS(cracutacracuta)-Fisi.
"The efficient predators"
Hyenas are popular plains Savannah scavengers that are highly efficient predators with a fascinated social living. The females are larger with male physical characteristics, they extraordinarily have erectile cl****is that readers the two sexes virtually indistinguishable, besides they are territorial and dominant. Hyenas run at as speed of 50-60km per hour, they can pursue their prey until it's totally exousted and a mob can easily despatch a crowd of wildebeests or Zebras. At night they'll be heard from their loud ooo..pop call that marks their presence. Lions, cheetah, leopards and wild dogs are the hyenas biggest rivals.Hyenas Peciantly hang behind waiting for the cats to do all the hard labor of catching and killing the prey, then they gang up around whilst provoking the cat with cracking vocals that irritate till he gives up the meal!Their jigsaw teeth are so contagious that a single bite can end the lions life within a week. Hyenas will consum the whole circus, bones, skin, hooves and horns are digested, it's inorganic residue makes hyenas crap look like piles of limestones. They breed year-round, 1or2cubs are delivered after a 4 month gestational period. They habitat in Savannah, grasslands, woodlands, forest edges, mountains and sub deserts.. ..