There is an experience of a lifetime literally takes tourism to a new level. Mount Kilimanjaro tours are not for the faint of heart. In the seven to ten days it takes to make the trek, climbers will actually experience five climate zones before making it to the top.
Knowing something about the local culture is helpful. It is likely that your guide would be from the ethnic group of Chagga. This group of people have extremely diverse origins. They were immigrants with various beliefs, customs and languages. They evolved into clans that eventually formed the Chagga. Early on, the clans were open to the teachings of missionaries, and today they are predominantly Christian.
There is a wide breadth of ages that attempt the climb. Historically, the youngest adventurer was boy, only ten years old. On the other end of the spectrum, an eighty four year old man has the distinction of being the oldest person to reach the top. This is proof that the trek can be suitable for all ages.
It is wise to do your research to carefully select the tour guide you want to accompany you up and down the mountain. There are multiple websites that offer planning tips and suggest research materials. Check to see how long the company has been in business and the average success rates of their climbs. The best case scenario may be to use a guide based on the recommendations of former climbers.
Planning for your trip is key to your success. Make a checklist of the things you will need, such as passport, travelers checks, hiking gear and high altitude gear. The right footwear is essential. The last thing your feet will need is to break in a new pair of shoes. The ability to layer light weight clothing is also a necessity.
Even very healthy people can experience negative reactions to the extremely high altitude. Perhaps the most common is a malady known as acute mountain sickness-AMS. The quickest remedy is to escort the climber to a lower altitude. Careful, steady and slow climbing is the best prevention. The tour websites have a wealth of information about AMS, and it is wise to be well informed so you can recognize the symptoms.
With sudden falls in temperature, hypothermia is also a health risk. Invest in the best clothing possible. This is not a place to cut corners. The exposure to the sun as these altitudes poses certain issues that climbers should appreciate. The effects of ultraviolet light are much more intense than a day at the beach. An excellent pair of sunglasses is essential to prevent snow blindness and simply to protect your eyes.
This mountainous adventure can be the trip of a lifetime. The thrill of reaching the top with you fellow climbers will be like nothing you have experienced in the past. There is a spiritual quality about being so close to the heavens. When you finally make your way down the mountain, you just might be ready for a Serengeti safari.
Knowing something about the local culture is helpful. It is likely that your guide would be from the ethnic group of Chagga. This group of people have extremely diverse origins. They were immigrants with various beliefs, customs and languages. They evolved into clans that eventually formed the Chagga. Early on, the clans were open to the teachings of missionaries, and today they are predominantly Christian.
There is a wide breadth of ages that attempt the climb. Historically, the youngest adventurer was boy, only ten years old. On the other end of the spectrum, an eighty four year old man has the distinction of being the oldest person to reach the top. This is proof that the trek can be suitable for all ages.
It is wise to do your research to carefully select the tour guide you want to accompany you up and down the mountain. There are multiple websites that offer planning tips and suggest research materials. Check to see how long the company has been in business and the average success rates of their climbs. The best case scenario may be to use a guide based on the recommendations of former climbers.
Planning for your trip is key to your success. Make a checklist of the things you will need, such as passport, travelers checks, hiking gear and high altitude gear. The right footwear is essential. The last thing your feet will need is to break in a new pair of shoes. The ability to layer light weight clothing is also a necessity.
Even very healthy people can experience negative reactions to the extremely high altitude. Perhaps the most common is a malady known as acute mountain sickness-AMS. The quickest remedy is to escort the climber to a lower altitude. Careful, steady and slow climbing is the best prevention. The tour websites have a wealth of information about AMS, and it is wise to be well informed so you can recognize the symptoms.
With sudden falls in temperature, hypothermia is also a health risk. Invest in the best clothing possible. This is not a place to cut corners. The exposure to the sun as these altitudes poses certain issues that climbers should appreciate. The effects of ultraviolet light are much more intense than a day at the beach. An excellent pair of sunglasses is essential to prevent snow blindness and simply to protect your eyes.
This mountainous adventure can be the trip of a lifetime. The thrill of reaching the top with you fellow climbers will be like nothing you have experienced in the past. There is a spiritual quality about being so close to the heavens. When you finally make your way down the mountain, you just might be ready for a Serengeti safari.
No comments:
Post a Comment