Mikumi is only about four hours drive from Dar Es Salaam but the interior of the Selous and Ruaha are less accessible than the better known northern Parks. However it is only in the Selous that game drives, boat and walking safaris can be arranged together. It also gives any fit person the unusual opportunity of walking to the top of a 19,340 ft. summit. Ascending too fast and therefore suffering from altitude sickness is the only thing that is likely to prevent an energetic person from reaching the top. Several alternative routes are now available for those prepared to camp in addition to the old route march between the permanent accommodation.
Guides are obligatory and porters and equipment can be arranged.
The walk provides an extraordinary experience of ascending from tropical bush through alpine zones with unique flora such as giant heather, groundsel and lobelia to the frozen wastes of the summit. The standard route is three days up and two down but by taking a couple of extra days to acclimatise you will double your chances of avoiding altitude sickness. Return to Main Index Return to Page Index Zanzibar and the Islands Zanzibar is a different world from the mainland. It was ruled by Persians, Arabs and Europeans as well as by Africans and eventually in the nineteenth century, the Sultan of Muscat moved his capital here from Arabia until he was evicted after Independence in the nineteen fifties. The Arab character is still strong both in the people and the buildings of the old Stone Town.