Northern Tanzania: Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar (Bradt Travel Guides) by Philip Briggs

Author:Philip Briggs [Briggs, Philip]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
ISBN: 9781784774028
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
Published: 2017-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

MOUNT HANANG

Tanzania’s fourth-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro, Meru and Lolmalasin (in the Crater Highlands), volcanic Mount Hanang is a product of the same geological upheavals that sculpted the Great Rift, and it is the only one of these mountains to actually rise from the valley floor. The dormant caldera towers to an elevation of 3,418m above the low-lying plains, and is visible from hundreds of kilometres away on a clear day. Not surprisingly, this imposing free-standing mountain is revered by the Barabaig who inhabit its lower slopes, and it features prominently in their myths. Hanang supports its own distinct microclimate and forms an important local watershed. Most of the rain falls on the northern and eastern slopes, where extensive forests still support elusive populations of bushbuck, duiker and various monkeys, as well as a wide range of forest birds.

Seldom visited by tourists, Hanang lies outside the national park system and forms a very affordable alternative montane hike to Kilimanjaro or Meru. The slopes support the usual range of montane forest and grassland habitats, and offer excellent views over a stretch of the Rift Valley studded with smaller volcanic cones and shallow lakes. The attractions of the Hanang area are not restricted to the mountain. On the contrary, the primal scenery of the surrounding plains is enhanced by the colourful presence of traditional pastoralists such as the Barabaig, people who have consciously retained their traditional way of life. Several substantial lakes also lie in the vicinity of Katesh, including the shallow and highly saline Lake Balangida, which is set at the base of the Rift Valley scarp immediately north of Mount Hanang.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY Most aspirant hikers place themselves in the experienced hands of Kahembe Trekking (Click here), who will take care of all aspects of the climb including transport from Babati. The springboard for independent climbs is Katesh, which lies at the mountain’s southern base 75km southwest of Babati. In a private vehicle, the drive from Arusha to Katesh will take less than 5 hours, and from Babati about 90 minutes. For those dependent on public transport, buses run between Babati and Singida via Katesh throughout the day, taking 2–3 hours in either direction between Babati and Katesh. Several buses travel between Arusha and Singida via Katesh; the thrice-daily service operated by Mtei Express Coaches is recommended.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT If you need to overnight in Katesh, the Summit Hotel (m 0787 242424; $) near the municipal offices charges around US$10 for a good en-suite single/double. The Pick ’n Pay Guest House (m 0784 467001; $) opposite the bus station is marginally scruffier and cheaper. Mama Kabwogi’s Hoteli has long been the pick of a few unexceptional eateries.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Climbing Mount Hanang Several ascent routes exist, but only two are suited to first-time climbers. The marginally easier Jorodom (or Katesh) Route starts at the eponymous village on the southern slopes 2km from Katesh, offering the best choice for those making their own arrangements. The Giting Route starts

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.