Author: TranquilKilimanjaro

The Heath/Moorland zone which is situated in higher than the vibrant rainforest zone of Kilimanjaro covers an area of elevations ranging from 2800 to 4000 m. It is a broad exposed undulating plateau covered with patches of rough grass tussock, isolated trees, heath and stunted vegetation. At around 3500 m, the heath and moorland begins to give way to an Afro-Alpine type of vegetation and it is at this point that the zone changes its name to the next vegetation zone type. The Heath/Moorland zone derives its main vegetation type name from the vast open expanses of tundra-like mountains of Scotland. This zone is derived solely from a climatic threshold. Below it, the climate is such that it can support large forests of both indigenous and plantation species. Above it, the climate becomes so harsh that it can only support dwarf and giant forms of vegetation. Any high-altitude tree species require a sheltered environment to establish and grow, and the harsh upland climate prevents the establishment of any seedlings. At the outset, the climate for this zone can be seen to be at the limit for trees and just before the upper Erica tree line, it is the optimum for tree growth. High moisture levels are maintained by cloud interception, rain and fog drip, and the passage of the air masses over the bimodal (always use the term bimodal) rainforest. High rainfall and its availability to the soils create the poorly drained, waterlogged oxic soils in a seasonally reducing, rankered or gleyed form. This is the main soil type for the zone, and beneath it is the better drained but still much the same way soils of the Afro-Alpine zone. More about the climatic zones of Kilimanjaro An in-depth look at the Heath/Moorland zone The lower heath zone on Kilimanjaro

Many people aspire to capture the iconic image of the Roof of Africa, with the majestic mountain serving as a breathtaking backdrop to a foreground bustling with elephants. However, only a few climbers are fortunate enough to seize this opportunity for themselves. The reason behind this scarcity is quite evident - Tanzania lacks the quintessential African landscape, the savanna adorned with acacia trees, in close proximity to the mountain. Hence, one must venture into Kenya to achieve that coveted shot. Unsurprisingly, this has always been a source of slight irritation for me. Firstly, a considerable number of individuals mistakenly believe that Kilimanjaro is located in Kenya, much to the dismay of Tanzania. Therefore, it pains me to admit that while Kilimanjaro is indeed in Tanzania, it is best admired from its northern neighbor's vantage point. See also: Is Kilimanjaro in Kenya or Tanzania? Secondly, what bothers me further is that, despite being the creator of everything else in the guide book, I was never responsible for capturing the cover photo. I took great pride in my work, yet the book's publisher, Trailblazer, insisted (and rightly so) that the book's cover should showcase the 'classic' image of Kilimanjaro. Their rationale, which I agree with wholeheartedly, was that it would significantly boost sales. Consequently, for the first four editions, we had to resort to purchasing a photograph since I had never visited Amboseli. See our 3 day Amboseli National Park, Kilimanjaro view safari 3 days Amboseli safari 3 Days Tsavo West, & Amboseli Kenya Safari 4 Days Tsavo East, Tsavo West, & Amboseli Safari 5 Days Amboseli and Masai Mara Safari So where is Amboseli, and what’s it like? The plains that border the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro are considerably drier compared to those on the southern side. In fact, the

Getting the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro is greatly influenced by nearness to the mountain and sky clarity. Towns situated at the base of Kilimanjaro such as Marangu, Moshi, and Arusha are well versed in their own unique combination of national park scenery coupled with rich cultural experiences. We explore, informative and interesting information devoted to each of these towns and detail the attractions, parks, and activities characteristic of each, giving the present-day visitor an idea of where their dollars might be spent. This information is the most enlightening for those considering a trip to Kilimanjaro or national parks who want to diversify their experience outside of the typical safari and add an enriching cultural exchange to their holiday. The best views of Kilimanjaro from Tanzania can be enjoyed from various vantage points across the region. Here are some of the top locations: View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Moshi Town Moshi is the closest town to the mountain and is the base point for the popular Marangu route. Due to its proximity with the mountain, Moshi offers great views of the mountain on a clear day. It's a medium-sized town and is both the economical and tourist center for the whole of Kilimanjaro region. For trekkers to the mountain, Moshi will be your starting point and endpoint for the journey, as all climbs use the same route to enter Kilimanjaro National Park, before branching off after the first day. This often results in trekkers spending the first and last nights of their climb in Moshi. Here you can hire any equipment you need for the climb and buy any gear that you're lacking. The town offers a range of accommodation affecting all budgets. There are several good restaurants in Moshi, a few bars, the Kilimanjaro Brewery, and even an internet

Mount Kenya is a large and remarkably symmetrical volcanic cone with an average diameter of 120 kilometres at its base. The formation of Mount Kenya, Kenya's highest mountain began between 2.6 and 3.1 million years ago as a result of successive eruptions of lava and agglomerates from a central vent in the Earth's surface. This continuous volcanic activity led to the gradual buildup of layers, forming the distinctive cone-shaped structure of Mount Kenya that we see today. The lava, resulting from a rapid outflow of liquid rock, formed the base of the cone, while the agglomerates were composed of a mixture of coarse and fine particles. These agglomerates were formed during explosive eruptions, where shattered fragments of rock were forcefully expelled from the central vent and then settled on the slopes of the cone. Over time, these particles consolidated into solid rock. A prime example of this type of geological formation can be observed along the trail of the Chogoria route. The original height of Mt. Kenya was estimated to be 7,000 feet, and it even possessed a summit crater similar to the Kibo cone of Kilimanjaro. However, due to the erosion caused by glaciers, approximately 2000 feet of the volcano's upper portion has been worn away. As a result, the mountain now showcases a rugged glacial topography, characterized by various relief features. .Aretes-Knife edged  ridges U- shaped valleys Rock basins some filled up with glacial lakes called tarns, The lower slopes of the cone display numerous streams that have carved steep-sided valleys, creating a distinct radial drainage pattern. On the north and northwestern side of the mountain, all the streams converge into the Ewaso Ngiro River, while the remaining streams flow into the Tana River, ultimately reaching the Indian Ocean. The highest peaks, Nelion and Batian, are located on

British tourist Harry Shimmin found himself thrust into the spotlight after capturing a harrowing encounter with an avalanche while trekking in the Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Shimmin, along with nine fellow Britons and an American companion, embarked on a trek through the rugged terrain of Kyrgyzstan, seeking adventure amidst its stunning landscapes. The tranquillity of their journey was abruptly shattered when they found themselves in the path of an avalanche, an experience that Shimmin caught on camera. In the aftermath, Shimmin reflected on the terrifying ordeal, emphasizing that mere moments separated them from potential disaster. He recounted that if their group had advanced just five minutes further, the consequences could have been catastrophic. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of mountain environments and served as a stark reminder of the fine line between adventure and peril. Shimmin's account resonated widely, offering a glimpse into the inherent risks faced by adventurers exploring remote and rugged landscapes like those found in Kyrgyzstan. ‘Once I dived down in that shelter it got really dark and quite hard to breathe’ The British traveller Harry Shimmin tells #BBCBreakfast about being caught up in an avalanche in Kyrgyzstan, and capturing the dramatic scenes on his phone https://t.co/5Vnvs6ixvu pic.twitter.com/oC24cHXr4u — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) July 13, 2022 Harry Shimmin had a truly harrowing and heart-stopping experience during his time spent in Kyrgyzstan when he encountered an absolutely terrifying avalanche, an event that would forever be etched into his memory. As he recounts the incident in vivid detail, Shimmin's voice trembles with a mixture of emotions ranging from overwhelming excitement to paralyzing fear. The sheer intensity of the situation left him feeling as though he had come face to face with the very essence of imminent danger itself. The avalanche that unfolded before Shimmin's eyes was a colossal