Thursday, October 16, 2014

Put Mount Kilimanjaro Tours On Your Bucket List

By Dominique Martin


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.

People of all ages have made this mountainous journey. A ten year old boy holds the record for being the youngest. If you think you are too old to make the trek, just consider that the oldest climber was an eighty four year old man. If you are reasonably fit and healthy, you can check this achievement off your bucket list.

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.

Careful planning is necessary. There are different types of checklists. Travel documents, hiking gear, clothing are some of the categories that require thought and research. Warm layered clothing and good shoes are so important. Make sure your shoes offer good support and can stay dry. If you buy new shoes, be sure to break them in before your trip.

It is important to be informed of the health risks associated with this climb. Acute mountain sickness has been experienced by as much as seventy percent of climbers. If you are aware of the symptoms, you can react quickly to getting your body back to normal. Also preventive measures are better than the cure. This is not a race. Rather it should be a slow, steady climb. Pace yourself.

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition. The best prevention is the proper clothing. There is a wide variety of materials available that will ensure dryness and warmth, even in very cold conditions. Sun exposure can be very painful. Take every precaution to limit exposure with frequent reapplications of good sunscreen. A good hat will limit sun exposure, and professional grade sunglasses will prevent damage to your eyes. Eyes.

With careful planning and preparation, this adventure will provide climbers with beautiful and astounding memories. There is something spiritual about being so close to the sky and in reaching the summit with a cohort of like minded climbers. Tanzania is a breathtaking country to see. If your climb leaves you hungry for more adventure, you can extend your trip with a wildlife safari. Do not forget your camera. This will be a trip to remember.




About the Author:



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...