A Comparison of East Africa's Four Volcanoes
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Mera, and Mt. Elgon
Aug 18, 2009
One of the most interesting things about East Africa's four free-standing volcanoes is how different they all are from each other. A climber might be excused for thinking that four big volcanoes, all in the same region, all near (and in one case, actually on) the equator, would be somewhat similar. But the four peaks (Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Meru, and Elgon) each have their own character, scenery, and ecosystem. The climber who has time to tackle all of these peaks will come away with a range of very different experiences.
From tallest to smallest:
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's Highest Point
No doubt about it, to climb 19,340-foot Kilimanjaro entitles the trekker to a certain swagger. (If, that is, it's possible to swagger with sore legs and burning knees.)
The topography of the climb is fairly straightforward. Hikers work their way around and up the mountain, climbing to the crater rim, and then to Uhuru Peak, the actual highpoint. The Marangu Route is the fastest and most popular; the Machame is longer, more scenic, less crowded, and supposedly more difficult, but the slower ascent is better for preventing altitude sickness.
Kilimanjaro is the most regulated of the four climbs, also the most expensive. While hikers frequently tackle the other peaks with smaller support parties, or completely independently, a climb of Kilimanjaro usually involves a guide (required) and, for a typical party of four, one assistant guide, a cook, and a dozen porters. Climbs can be booked in advance, as part of larger travel packages, or can be arranged in Arusha or Moshi with local outfitters.
Mt. Kenya, Three Peaks Challenge Trekkers, Technical Climbers
Located on the equator, Mt. Kenya was formed by volcanic forces, then shaped by extensive glaciation, which cut its valleys and peaks, cirques and gorges. This mountain is filled with nooks and crannies: cliffs, jutting ridges, and peaks to wander in and about. It is by far the most scenically interesting of the four peaks, with waterfalls, glittering tarns, and geologic marvels everywhere one looks. A trekker can spend several days wandering around the summit cone at 14,000 feet.
Mt. Kenya has three peaks. Point Lenana, at 16,350 feet, the so-called "trekker’s peak," is the only one suitable for hikers. Nelion and Batian, at 17,017 and 17,053 respectively, are the “twin summits;” Each requires mountaineering experience and gear (gear and guides can be hired at the base).
Mt. Meru, A Warm-up for Kilimanjaro
Across the plains from Kilimanjaro is Tanzania's Mt. Meru. At 14.944 feet, it looks like a mountain blasted wide open, and its sheer-faced wall seems to dare climbers to try their luck. A subsidiary peak, Little Meru, can also be climbed in an easy day hike from the saddle.
Mt. Meru towers over Meru National Park, where trekkers hike through a landscape occupied by giraffes, zebra, gazelle, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Because of the wildlife, armed rangers escort trekkers up and down the peak. Shelter is in bunkhouses; the climb takes three days, four if the pace is leisurely. The summit walk is an exposed rock scramble on the ridge, overlooking craters and sheer drop offs. It is best to ascend at night, before the winds gain force.
Mt. Elgon, Unique Ecosystem, Remote Adventure n Kenya-Uganda Border
Situated on the border between Kenya and Uganda, Mt. Elgon, elevation 14,176 feet, is an extinct shield volcano. Black and white colobus monkeys fly through the trees on the lower slopes, bamboo forests clatter and chatter a bit higher, and then the forest gives way to an upland moor covered with health and the giant groundsel and lobelias that are the hallmarks of the Afro-Alpine zone.
This is a less well-known peak, and hikers are likely to have it all to themselves. This is the peak on which hikers are likely to get the best sense of interacting with local people; it is also rewarding for natural history buffs because of the botanical biodiversity, the bird life, and the monkeys. Porters and guides can be arranged on the spot, by phone from Mbale, or in the hamlet of Budadiri.
A word to the wise, if you do have time to tackle all four, leave Kilimanjaro till the last. This will reduce the chance of altitude sickness and increase enjoyment of the climb
For more information, East Africa Resources includes links to articles on East Africa’s major climbs as well as altitude sickness and other East Africa safari and travel opportunities.
 |
 |
 |
 |
