Every time I go running up the wall of the rift valley here in Mto wa Mbu I pass the school and the community centre. In addition to the AMAZING view and the great workout , what makes me really happy is that there are children playing on the Sue and Martin Parnell playground! The playground is locally built and is the only public playground around. In addition there are new homes popping up around the area.
It has been 4 years since it was built and it is in need of some TLC. Such a gift for the students at the school, and the children living in the area that have a place to play! Repairs and upgrades that we would love to get done include;
creating a shade area for the hot days/ afternoons
putting sand/ soft ground down
repairing the merry go round that had an arm fall off
replace the wooden slide with a rolling PCV pipe slide
replace the wooden seats in the teeter- totter
install new additions
we already acquired about 20 old tires that we can use to build some cool climbing/ agility structures
WANT TO HELP?
We are accepting donations for playground upgrades!
You are planning your next holiday… Africa has always been on your bucket list- but why choose Tanzania?
1.Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is truly an amazing and extraordinary experience. The spectacular views, unique flora, and achievement of trekking this mountain cannot be duplicated. For many, Kilimanjaro is a lifelong dream, for others a last minute adventure. If you decide to climb Kilimanjaro, be ready to reach deep, triumph over fears and challenges, and celebrate your climb for many years to come!
Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world! It highest point, Uhuru Peak, is 5895 metres (19341 feet) above sea level.
Kilimanjaro is an inactive strato-volcano with three different volcanic cones, Shira, Kibo/ Uhuru, and Mawenzi.
Kilimanjaro is 3 degrees (330km) south of the equator and 88 from the Great Rift Valley. It is in Northern Tanzania, near to the border of Kenya.
Many years ago, Kilimanjaro was a popular destination for different tribes of East Africa, as it is the only place one can find snow! Shifting of peoples and intermarriage led to the development of new ethnic groups. The current tribe of Kilimanjaro region, the Chagga, is actually a newer tribe, made up of the many settling people of those past years. These people live in the first region of Kilimanjaro, the cultivated zone, and you will pass their homes and villages on the way to the park gate.
2. Zanzibar
Sultry and mysterious, the island of Zanzibar is the biggest of the “Spice Islands”. Tourists flock to Zanzibar for the beautiful beaches, snorkelling, spice tours, centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance that isn’t replicated anywhere in the world. It is a perfect paradise for indulging after climbing Kilimanjaro or a bone-jarring safari on rough roads.
Stonetown was awarded status as a World Heritage Site in 2000 and is accessed by a short flight from Arusha or a two hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam.
3. Serengeti
Cheetah Photo by Jarrad Seng
World famous and indescribable, the plains of Serengeti offer the classic picture of African wildlife. Here is where you are likely to see lions on the hunt for zebra, or the colossal migration of a million wildebeest. Serengeti is a designated world heritage site, as one the largest wildlife refuges worldwide, covering 14763 square km.
4. Tribes
Maasai Custom by Jarrad Seng
The Maasai are a semi nomadic pastoralist tribe, living in windowless smoky mud huts. A visit to their Boma reveals their everlasting traditional lifestyle, large polygamous families living and raising cattle for sustenance of life. Scattered throughout Kenya and Tanzania, the Maasai are known for their rites of circumcision, warrior status, and resonating chanting. Including a stopover to a Boma on your safari will be an evocative and unforgettable experience.
Hadazabe Bushman photo by Andrew Knapp
The Hadzabe are one of the last nomadic hunter-gatherer societies that traditionally subsist on roots and fruits gathered by the women, and the meat hunted by the men. Their most common prey is baboon, and the second, zebra! Visiting the Hadzabe at the shores of Lake Eyasi gives you the opportunity to glance into their lifestyle, by seeing their grass huts and communities or by participating in hunting, gathering, jewellery making and more.
5. Glamping
The tented camps in Tanzania are just stunning. Accommodation ranges from regular tent camping (with a private chef and tent crew) to the definition of “glamping”. These camps offer five star cuisine and gorgeous design, and are set amongst the diverse ecological backgrounds of Tanzania. Imagine sipping a glass of wine or cup of coffee in the middle of the Savannah as you watch herds of elephants or zebras walk right past your tent.
Stars & Palms, Lake Eyasi. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaAcacia Rainbow. Tarangire National Park. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaLake Eyasi. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaNgorongoro Crater. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaStrong roots, parasite tree. Udzungwa. Boma AfricaLake Natron. Photo by Leesha Mafuru. Boma AfricaMt. Meru. Boma AfricaThe Boma, Ngorongoro Highlands. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaCrater Highlands Rift Valley Wall. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaWaterfalls Trekking. Lake Natron. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaView from Oldoinyo Lengai Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaBoma Africa at Oldoinyo Lengai. Photo by Inno Mafuru.
Leesha and Lau coordinated an incredible experience for me and my friend to work a local hospital in karatu. We worked in the labor and delivery ward and greatly enhanced our skill set as birth doulas. It was the kind of experience that I would never have been able to coordinate on my own. True local insider access. They also kindly coordinated a safari on our last day with their awesome staff Patrick and Ossman. It felt like we were kickin it with good friends all day. Patrick was our driver and we spent a lot of time with him- he is now one of my dear dear friends. I’m so grateful for him and the love he has for his country. I always felt safe and well taken care of! We stayed across the street from Leesha’s at Mama’s house which was comfortable and hospitible with a beautiful family. I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. And I didn’t feel like I tourist which I greatly appreciated! I highly recommend organizing your travels in Tanzania through Boma.
There are 6 routes on Kilimanjaro and the length of climbs ranges from 5 days to 9. Some include camping at the crater rim, some have huts for sleeping, and some have a higher successful summit rate than others. Click here to read more about the Kilimanjaro routes.
Choose your outfitter (Boma Africa, obviously!)
There are many travel agents that sell the tours to a second hand outfitter “on the ground” in Tanzania or Kenya. It’s worth confirming who will be executing your climb so that you can have all the information on their safety standards and services provided. www.bomaafrica.com
Training
Being in good health and fitness is an asset when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. Cardiovascular training, along with some climbing/ mountainous hiking can help to prepare you. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness you can spend some time at higher altitude before your climb. You can do this by doing some hiking at home, or in and around Arusha. Read more about preparing for your climb here!
Break in your boots
A good pair of boots is a must on Kilimanjaro. They should have good ankle support, water proof, and warm, and of course, be comfortable! IF you are buying new boots for this epic adventure, make sure you break them in before you come. Nothing is worse than finishing off day 1 with a giant blister!
Practice your day pack
Same as above- if you are getting a new day pack, break it in! Practice putting in all the items you will be carrying for the day to make sure everything fits and you will be comfortable. Typically you would carry rain gear, 3L of water, your lunch box, sunscreen, a hat, lipsyl, your camera, and extra layers of clothing, that either get peeled off or get put on as the day goes by. What to expect on the mountain is explained in more detail here.
Think about Medication
You may want to discuss with your physician to see if taking medication to help prevent altitude sickness is a good option for you. Also ask about other medications or vaccinations you might need for travel to Tanzania.
Bring an SPF lipsyl
Make sure you bring a lipsyl with SPF!
Remember “Pole Pole”- walk slowly!
Walking slowly will increase your chances of submitting successfully! Conserve your energy and give your body time to adjust to changes in altitude. This will be on the of the first Swahili words you will learn from your guides, Pole, pole- Slowly!
Drink a sip of water every 10 minutes
Hydration is important in any physical endeavour, and dehydration can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Taking frequent small sips throughout your climb keeps you well hydrated and fit to climb to Uhuru peak! To see your packing list, click here.
Turn back if reccommended
Your guides are trained to recognize the signs of altitude sickness and fatigue. If they have concerns regarding your health they will recommend beginning to descend. While this can be very disappointing, it’s important to take their advice seriously. Kilimanjaro is a friendly mountain, climbed by thousands, young and old, from around the world every year, but needs also to be taken seriously as altitude sickness can be a very serious health hazard. More on safety here.
The annual Kilimanjaro marathon is coming up in just over 2 months! Not sure I can train up to a half marathon that quickly, but might sign up as a 21 km run/ walk for myself.
The marathon was founded in 2002 and attracts almost 9000 runners including locals and athletes from around the world. The route heads up the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through forest, plantations, villages, and the town of Moshi. Winners claim prizes up to 4 million TSH.
Our most memorable Kilimanjaro Marathon was Kili Quest 95.2 in 2013. Lawrence and Martin Parnell of Canada planned to run the marathon, then attempt to climb Kilimanjaro in just 24h! It was amazing- they summited Kilimanjaro- but not quite in the 24 hours they had hoped! This was a successful fundraiser for the organization Right to Play.
The only marathon I’ve ever done was the Kilimanjaro Marathon- and I only did half! It was hard, but such a fun day! Everyone is in such high spirits and the locals of the sleepy villages come out to cheer you on or join up with you for a few kilometres. Many folks from around the world, and from Tanzania are there for a fun day- mixed with elite athletes training for the Olympics!
If you are looking for a race to add to your itinerary and a chance to go on a world class safari, or to climb Kilimanjaro, get in touch!
Asante Sana Wilson Family for your donation- Katie is excelling at the Mwalimu Anna school thanks to your scholarship.
Katie has been sponsored since pre school (originally by Mr. Jeremy) and has been fortunate to attend the awesome Mwalimu Anna school in Mto wa Mbu village. She loves school, and gets A’s. Her grandpa gets up at 5 every day to get her ready for school. The school bus picks her up at 6 am and drops her off at home at 5 pm. It’s a long day but she thrives. This is an english medium school where most instruction happens in English.
Sultry and mysterious, the island of Zanzibar is the biggest of the “Spice Islands”. Tourists flock to Zanzibar for the beautiful beaches, snorkelling, spice tours, centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance that isn’t replicated anywhere in the world. It is a perfect paradise for indulging after climbing Kilimanjaro or a bone-jarring safari on rough roads.
thisisafricasafari.com 