A Kilimanjaro Safari affords the adventurous traveler a chance to visit a destination that was world-famous decades before "Papa" Hemingway wrote his classic story. It is the tallest mountain in all Africa, and the highest altitude free-standing mountain on Earth. It goes without saying that it is Tanzania's leading tourist destination, and one of the most famed sites in the African continent. Part of Kilimanjaro's uniqueness is that despite its sheer height, its relatively gentle slope makes it accessible to trekkers.
Fortunately, almost any reasonably fit person can reach the summit of the mountain at Uhuru Point, at an altitude of 16,771 feet. Of course, it can become a challenge to become that reasonably fit person, and 41% of those who begin the walk don't make it. To the average tourist, Tanzania is pretty far from home, and there's no sense making that long a trip only to fail to reach the summit.
Unlike Mt. Everest or K2, there's no risk of freezing to death or plummeting from terrifying heights, but the high altitude presents risks all its own. The summit is more than double the altitude at which trekkers are susceptible to illnesses caused by low air density. These include AMS, or Altitude Mountain Sickness, HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and HACE, or High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Those over 55 years old are advised to get a doctor's checkup.
Of these, Altitude Mountain Sickness, or "altitude bends", is relatively mild, and could be thought of as an early alarm that the trekker should proceed no further. As he or she will likely be vomiting or bleeding from the nose, light-headed, or suffering a tingling in the extremities, proceeding further might not be much of an option. Those deciding to tough it out risk seeing their AMS progress to HACE or HAPE, either of which can be deadly.
It is impossible to predict which of us is most likely to suffer from the high, thin air. However, one can and should decide to train for two solid months before setting out for the mountain, just to give oneself the best chance. The best goal for mountain fitness is 50 miles of walking within seven days' time, all while lugging a gallon of water in a backpack.
It is vital to pack correctly for the trek, since the elements can be unpredictable and one must account for water and nourishment. Everything from shirts to socks must be able to keep one warm whether dry or wet. A spare pare of shoelaces can make a big difference if a shoelace snaps somewhere on a remote trail.
The mountain does provide variety in the degree of difficulty the hiker must face. It offers six different approaches from which to select, each presenting the trekker with a range of options in both scenery and hiking difficulty. The Machame approach is magnificently scenic but it is a challenging six or seven nights. Those less confident might consider the Marangu, which is less scenic but an easier four or five day trek.
Though its altitude is nearly that of the Andes or even the Himalayas, the "White Mountain" can be walked. It doesn't demand the grappling hooks and cleated boots of the serious mountaineer. This makes it attractive to tourists from across the world. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the dangers presented by the altitude. A little preparation goes a long way in getting the most out of a Kilimanjaro safari.
Fortunately, almost any reasonably fit person can reach the summit of the mountain at Uhuru Point, at an altitude of 16,771 feet. Of course, it can become a challenge to become that reasonably fit person, and 41% of those who begin the walk don't make it. To the average tourist, Tanzania is pretty far from home, and there's no sense making that long a trip only to fail to reach the summit.
Unlike Mt. Everest or K2, there's no risk of freezing to death or plummeting from terrifying heights, but the high altitude presents risks all its own. The summit is more than double the altitude at which trekkers are susceptible to illnesses caused by low air density. These include AMS, or Altitude Mountain Sickness, HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and HACE, or High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Those over 55 years old are advised to get a doctor's checkup.
Of these, Altitude Mountain Sickness, or "altitude bends", is relatively mild, and could be thought of as an early alarm that the trekker should proceed no further. As he or she will likely be vomiting or bleeding from the nose, light-headed, or suffering a tingling in the extremities, proceeding further might not be much of an option. Those deciding to tough it out risk seeing their AMS progress to HACE or HAPE, either of which can be deadly.
It is impossible to predict which of us is most likely to suffer from the high, thin air. However, one can and should decide to train for two solid months before setting out for the mountain, just to give oneself the best chance. The best goal for mountain fitness is 50 miles of walking within seven days' time, all while lugging a gallon of water in a backpack.
It is vital to pack correctly for the trek, since the elements can be unpredictable and one must account for water and nourishment. Everything from shirts to socks must be able to keep one warm whether dry or wet. A spare pare of shoelaces can make a big difference if a shoelace snaps somewhere on a remote trail.
The mountain does provide variety in the degree of difficulty the hiker must face. It offers six different approaches from which to select, each presenting the trekker with a range of options in both scenery and hiking difficulty. The Machame approach is magnificently scenic but it is a challenging six or seven nights. Those less confident might consider the Marangu, which is less scenic but an easier four or five day trek.
Though its altitude is nearly that of the Andes or even the Himalayas, the "White Mountain" can be walked. It doesn't demand the grappling hooks and cleated boots of the serious mountaineer. This makes it attractive to tourists from across the world. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the dangers presented by the altitude. A little preparation goes a long way in getting the most out of a Kilimanjaro safari.
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