To mark Tanzania’s 50th independence anniversary on the 9th of December 2011, more than 200 people are expected to scale Mount Kilimanjaro peak.

The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Public Relations Officer, Mr. Geoffrey Tengeneza said in Arusha last week that TTB was working with the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) to organize the historical event expected to be flagged off by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Ezekiel Maige.

“TANAPA has agreed to waiver climbing fees to all local Tanzanians who will participate in the 50th Anniversary climb while a local tour operator is to play the role of identifying and recruiting potential climbers as well as to handle all the related logistics, including transport and accommodation,” said Mr Tengeneza.

While TTB are targeting to take 200 climbers up the mountain the massive interest being shown by people who keep knocking at the Tourist Board’s doors in Dar-es-salaam as well as those who have been applying online is reportedly overwhelming.

Kilimanjaro which is the world’s highest free standing Mountain is made up of three distinct volcanic cones, with Kibo escalating to 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet, being the highest point on the African continent. Other peaks are Mawenzi at 5,149 m (16,893 ft) and Shira 3,962 m (13,000 ft).

More than 25,000 people, mostly foreign tourists go on Kilimanjaro climbing tours every year at an average of 2000 climbs per month. Of late this Africa’s highest peak has been attracting charity expedition missions by celebrities from around the world.

By Jean,

Africa Safari & Travel News