lundi 27 août 2018

Planning Tips To Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

By Pamela Anderson


Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the highest volcanic mountains in the world. It boasts with a height of 5895 meters with one peak called Uhuru. It's massive at the base with a width of about 61 kilometers. The mountain is located in the northern part of Tanzania in East Africa and near the Kenyan border. Many climbers put it in their bucket list as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is considered to be strenuous but non-technical.

Some of the adverts refer to the climb as a walk in the park or a luxury safari. Previous mountaineering experience is not needed however proper planning is required to make the climbing a success. Prior planning and preparation may be the difference between how much you enjoy your climb. There are very many climbers who are attracted to the mountain yearly. It is estimated that over 50,000 climbers attempt the climb and the number is growing by 25% per year.

The date of the climb is actually the most important thing you need to think about. January, February, August, and September are considered the best months to climb as it is the driest time on the mountain. During the other months, the weather is unpredictable. Climbing during the preferred months guarantees good weather.

The next thing to plan ahead is the route that you plan to use. There are about six routes available. If you are looking for a quiet climb there are routes that can offer that as they have fewer crowds. The most popular route is the Marangu route followed by the Machame route.

The quiet routes include Rongai, Lemosho, and Shira. Umbwe is the least attractive due to its steepness. Once you choose your preferred route, the length of the trek will be predetermined.

Selecting a climbing agency is the next very important step. You will need one since you are not allowed to climb Kilimanjaro without a registered guide. There are very many to choose from all offering different experiences. A good agency will offer you guidance during the climb, a cook, food, and water plus all the equipment needed for the climb. You may require additional equipment but all these are available on a rental basis for the climb such as sleeping bags. What you must carry are your personal things and enough warm clothing.

The cost of the hike is dependent on several factors. They include the route used, climbing agency chosen and the number of days and nights you are likely to take. Normally it takes a minimum of five days to get to the top however you can take six or seven days depending on the route and the operator. Some of the operators choose one day of the trip for acclimatization to help increase the chances of getting to the summit.

Once you settle on this, you need to ensure you get into shape. Do not be fooled by the adverts that describe the climb as a hike. You may not need mountaineering experience, but it does help to have some exposure to hiking long distances. Plan to arrive days earlier to give your body time to recover from jet lag, the strains of a long flight and adjust to the climate.




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