Author: TranquilKilimanjaro

Doug Scott breathed his last exactly 4 years ago, on December 7, 2020, and this is a tribute to one of the most accomplished British climbers who sadly, p[assed away at the age of 79. His notable achievements and records include ascending Everest in 1975 (new route), Kangchenjunga (new route), Nuptse (new route) in 1979, and Shisha Pangma (new route) in 1982, and scaling Broad Peak in 1983. Among his many feats, he participated in the first ascents of Changabang (6864 m) in 1974 and Baintha Brakk ("Ogre," 7285 m) in 1977. In the year 1995, he completed the Carstensz-version of the Seven Summits. Doug Scott was an iconic figure in the world of mountaineering, known not only for his extraordinary climbing achievements but also for his profound humanitarian work, particularly in Nepal. Born on May 29, 1941, in Nottingham, England, Scott's life was an adventure that spanned from British classrooms to the highest peaks of the world. He was the first Briton to summit Everest via its challenging South-West Face in 1975, a feat accomplished without the aid of supplemental oxygen, showcasing his commitment to climbing in its purest form, known as Alpine style. His climbing career included 45 expeditions to Asia's high mountains, achieving the summit of 40 peaks, with many first ascents. Beyond climbing, Doug dedicated much of his life to charity, particularly in Nepal, where he founded Community Action Nepal (CAN) to improve the lives of mountain communities. His life was also marked by a deep spiritual journey, influenced by Buddhism, which shaped his approach to both climbing and charity work. Who was Doug Scott? Doug Scott was a legendary mountaineer and author from England. He gained fame for his role in the first successful ascent of Everest's South-West Face in 1975. His career involved numerous

Sanje Waterfalls is by right, the longest waterfall in the whole of East Africa. With waters falling at an impressive 550-foot-long stretch vertically this is without a doubt, Tanzania's largest waterfall with a rough measurement of 170 meters in height. The hike to the waterfalls is kind of strenuous but the tracks are well-maintained. You also get the chance to see its endemic wildlife like the Iringa Red Colobus monkey. Udzungwa Mountains National Park, or "Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Milima ya Udzungwa" in Swahili, is located in the Kilolo District of Iringa Region and the Kilombero District of Morogoro Region in Tanzania. Spanning 1,990 square kilometres, the park is primarily set in Kilolo District and features a diverse range of habitats from tropical rainforests to miombo woodlands, grasslands, and steppes. Elevations range from 250 to 2,576 meters, culminating at the peak of Luhomero, which is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, boasting over 400 bird species, 2,500 plant species, and 6 primate species, making it Africa's second most biodiverse national park. Sanje Waterfall, stands out as one of the tallest waterfalls in the national park system of Tanzania, with a total height of approximately 270 meters. This waterfall is not just a scenic attraction but a fascinating natural phenomenon divided into three distinctive stages: First Stage: This is the most prominent section at 170 meters. Second Stage: A smaller drop of 30 meters. Third Stage: The final 70 meters, located about 3.2 kilometres towards the peak. A Natural Oasis for Visitors: Sanje Waterfall offers a serene and rejuvenating environment for visitors. After a challenging hike, tourists are greeted by the sight of cascading water, which collects into small natural pools ideal for swimming, relaxation, and play. This waterfall essentially serves as a

Kwa Mambori Waterfall is located in the lush, verdant landscape of Komakya, roughly ten kilometres north of the bustling Moshi town. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, dense forests, and fertile valleys, all fed by the water sources originating from Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The waterfall itself is a spectacle of nature, where water cascades down a rugged cliff face into a series of natural pools, creating a misty, ethereal environment that captivates all who visit. See also: Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjano, the Kwa Mambori Waterfalls stand as one of Tanzania's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. With a dramatic drop of 80 meters, these falls are not just a scenic marvel but also a historical and cultural touchstone for the local communities of Old Moshi in the Moshi Rural district. This blog post delves deep into the allure of Kwa Mambori, exploring its natural beauty, historical significance, and the vibrant cultural tapestry that surrounds it. History of Old Moshi's Kwa Mambori The region around Kwa Mambori has a rich historical tapestry woven from colonial times. Old Moshi, where the falls reside, was established by German settlers in the early 1890s. This area was once part of the German East Africa colony, and its history is marked by the resistance of local leaders like Chief Meli (Mangi Meli), who famously opposed German rule. His execution in 1900 is remembered through various historical sites near the falls, including the tree where he was hanged, now a sombre landmark. Cultural Significance in Old Moshi The foundation of Old Moshi cultural tourism is Old Moshi, which is in the Kilimanjaro region and is home to the renowned Chagga Chiefs, the Mangi Meli-one, who dominated the area both before and during colonial times.

Airbnb has become a major player in vacation rentals, with around 5.6 million listings across 220 countries. Many people, about 150 million, have the Airbnb app on their phones. In Tanzania, especially around Moshi, which is near Mount Kilimanjaro, there are lots of Airbnb listings. These are mainly clustered around tourist spots like Materuni Waterfalls. Dar es Salaam, the largest city for Airbnb in Tanzania, also has many listings, particularly near attractions and the airport. Way back, before Airbnb, there was Couchsurfing but it never lived to its prime and the former took over. Across Africa, locals are using Airbnb to rent out their homes, which helps bring more tourists into direct contact with local economies. For travellers tired of the usual hotel experience, Airbnb offers a welcome change. With hotels getting more expensive, people are turning to Airbnb for more personal and often cheaper stays. Airbnb lists rooms, apartments, and whole houses for travellers to rent. The platform has millions of listings in thousands of cities worldwide, offering different price points and the comfort of home-like settings. It's not just for vacationers; even business travellers can find suitable places with necessary amenities like Wi-Fi. For groups or families, renting a whole house on Airbnb can be more economical than booking several hotel rooms, providing more space and privacy. Travelling can be overwhelming, especially when planning activities. Airbnb isn't just for finding a place to stay; it also offers Airbnb Experiences where you can book local tours and activities. These can range from guided walks to unique local experiences, all led by local hosts. These experiences often come with high ratings and can include activities like multi-day hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring the cultural and natural sites around Moshi, including visits to hot springs like Maji Moto Hotsprings. Here

It is a great idea to bring dry bags on your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, and they are pretty cheap as you can borrow them from friends or buy them on your own. In addition to keeping the packing dry, it also gives the contents of the various bags structure and makes the packaging thinner when all the air has been removed. After that, you use freezer tape to mark the bags with the contents, and you hike blindly along with them. This way, you know exactly what's in each bag and you don't have to search through each one to find a hat or socks. So, plastic bags? No. Perhaps a ziplock bag, of which you can carry a handful of toilet paper and personal hygiene items. Since plastic bags were banned in Kenya and Tanzania, the best alternative would be ziplocks. When you're gearing up for an adventure like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Rwenzori, Ol Doinyo lengai or Mount Meru, the last thing you want to worry about is your gear getting ruined by the elements. Kilimanjaro isn't just a walk in the park; it's a journey through various climates, from lush rainforests to icy alpine deserts. Here's where dry bags become not just useful, but essential. The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear Recommendations Checklist At Tranquil Kilimanjaro, we often get asked which is the better option for carrying gear on trails: stuff sacks or dry bags? The truth is, it's largely a matter of personal choice. For items like clothing and quilts, we lean towards stuff sacks. They compress better within your pack because, unlike dry bags, they don't trap air but there's logic behind choosing dry bags too, especially for items that you absolutely must keep dry like electronics or toiletries. While dry bags might not compress