Sunday 5 October 2014

Preparing to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Making the once in a lifetime trek up Africa's largest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is a decision not to be taken lightly, the excursion is both exhilarating and life-changing, but in order to successfully navigate the mountain, you must ensure are in good physical shape, as there is no point in beginning the journey only to turn back a couple of days later, therefore plenty of exercise related to mountain climbing is essential. If you have access to a gym, be sure to use equipment like the stair master, as it creates an inverted climbing effect much like that of a mountain trek. Many treadmills also provide a similar inverted function.
However, the best method of preparing for mounting climbing is hiking experience. After all, this is what you are going to be doing when on Kilimanjaro. What better preparation could there be? Naturally it will be impossible to find a hiking trek that approaches the intensity of Kilimanjaro, but going on day hikes across the hills of the UK is undeniably a good source of training. Many rambling companies and organisations offer hiking trail opportunities which can be beneficial to your training, as long walks are an integral part of any mountain excursion.
The bare minimum amount of time you should begin training before you undertake an excursion like climbing Kilimanjaro should be at least two months. For this preparation you should include daily walks which begin at a slow pace and then gradually increase in speed as you progress. You should also take a rucksack with you to simulate the kind of bag you will be hiking with on the mountain. For this you should start off with only small weight before gradually making the rucksack the equivalent weight of the pack you will be using.
To simply begin your training at a fast pace with a heavy rucksack will be too much for you to manage. This is not only bad for your health, but will also make you doubt your chances of successfully climbing the mountain. Furthermore, make sure that you train while wearing the same boots that you will be taking with you to Kilimanjaro. This is necessary as the walking involved in your preparation will ensure they are sufficiently 'broken in' enough to be comfortable. This is vital because you will obviously be wearing these boots for long periods in all kinds of climates.
Try to make your training as often as three times a week with each session lasting at least an hour in length. However, be sure to make your last couple of sessions before the climb less intense than the previous few, as your body will need time to recover and be in excellent shape for when you begin.

Friday 3 October 2014

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking and Tours - Your Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro

Your Tanzania safari tour will be incomplete without climbing Kilimanjaro. If you love adventures and excitements, here are some of the guidelines and tips you should consider. Without proper planning and preparation for your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, it would be almost difficult to do Kilimanjaro climb safely and successfully.
As you go through the grass land of Tanzania, you'll catch the sight of beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m). It is considered to be the highest mountain in Africa, and one of the 'Seven Summits' that elite mountaineers often seek to climb. The Kilimanjaro climb can be done by trekking alone if you're fit to do it.
Kilimanjaro climb is not something that one cannot trek, if you're physically fit, confident, and some experience of hiking, then you can make your way to the summit. Before climbing it, consult an efficient tour company or trekking guide.
Choose the Best Time:
Weather plays an important role when it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro. Your chances for reaching the summit safely increase when the weather is fine. If the climate is unfair, then you may have to face the troubles involving the effects of rain, mud, snow, and cold. And therefore, the best time for your climb is the warmest and the driest months like January, February, and September.
Choose the Convenient Route:
Each route has its own specialties and characteristic and you have to consider the one which is safe and secure. Lemosho and Shira are the recommended, followed by Machame and Rongai. You should consider the longer route because it can give you a better chance of reaching the summit due to altitude acclimatization.
Things You May Carry With You:
You should make your gear list sensibly and take those ones which are really unavoidable because stuffing unnecessary gears into your backpack can make your climbing difficult. Take with you the right clothes like shorts and t-shirts for walking in the blazing sunshine besides the other clothing items to protect you from the climatic conditions. Good quality boots are necessary to have safeguard against odd paths. Bring the essential gears with you which will be useful to you.
Get Yourself Ready Physically and Mentally!
It requires confidence, physical and mental readiness for climbing Kilimanjaro. If you've some training of hiking or trekking, then it will give you some confidence. You can also have one or two month training prior to climbing it. Strong determination along with some trekking tips and guidance will surely help you.

Thursday 11 September 2014

Typical Camping Safari Adventure in Tanzania

Imagine being right in the heart of the wilderness with a camping east africa safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Samantha Riechter and her boyfriend Thomas Beck, German tourists, agreed that a camping safari in Tanzania brings an unforgettable up-close and personal experience of the African bush.
At the break of dawn, the two trek near the Crater's rim while the shifting colors of the morning sun illuminate the acacia landscape. The savannah is bright red, then orange and finally settling to a golden hue as the grassland comes to life. They begin their day by taking a short walk just to awaken their spirits. Upon their return, a full English breakfast is served in the open under a morning breeze. Soon, they embark on a morning game drive, where they are treated to the rich tapestry of habitats teeming with wildlife and exotic birds. Samantha can not believe the immense wildlife especially the rarely seen black rhino.
They soon return to the campsite at midday for lunch under the shade of a Baobab tree. A tasty meal with fresh vegetable and tropical fruit is served. After, a siesta is as welcoming as a gaze over the seemingly endless plains sprawling for miles on end. Soon, it will be time for an exciting afternoon game drive. The game viewing is abundant with lions, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes and giraffes just beyond their wondering eyes. Under the dazzling colors of sunset, they return to the campsite holding hands intimately, where they take a warm shower and wait for another Tanzania camping safari adventure.
Juma, the Tanzanian safari cook anxiously awaits their arrival at the dinner table immaculately set next to a crackling campfire underneath the brilliant canopy of stars. While they dine on a five-course safari cuisine, gazelles make their way to a favorite watering hole while curious baboons sniff the aroma of the rich Tanzanian coffee in another adventurer's cup. After dinner, an evening of stories and tails are shared by the flickering campfire as relationships cement and memories forged forever in wilderness. As night falls, Samantha and Thomas casually head to their tent for a well deserved rest.
While Samantha drifts off to sleep under the canvas tent, Thomas hears a lion's roar and a hyena's mating call in the distance. He's not startled, as a ranger stands guard throughout the night. Samantha was already in slumber land after a long day's walk. As the whispering wind blows, tenderly brushing the tents Thomas is gently lured into a deep sleep. The midnight coolness punctuated with the occasional echo ushers in the wee hours of morning. After a peaceful night, the terrain begins to slowly come to life again, as the two awaken for a new day of discovery.
Samantha and Thomas begin this new day by exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot, as they walk beyond the campsite, taking time to observe the small wonders, such as spiders, ant lions, and dung beetles. Led by a qualified ranger, the two embark on a walking safari taking them to the Ngorongoro Crater's edge. Here, they are astounded by plentiful game drinking at a nearby lake. Like the day before, they undoubtedly witness another black rhino in distance while prides of lions that include the magnificent black-manned males roam the grasslands just before the acacia filled hills. They also observe lots of colorful flamingos and a variety of other exotic water birds around the lake on the crater floor. Along the way, a hearty al fresco brunch is served under a shady tree, followed by a short siesta in a hammock.
There's no better way than a camping safari in Tanzania to experience the true essence of the African wilderness. Like Samantha and Thomas, if you befit a adventurous person who respects nature and wants to experience the African bush in its unique environment, arrange a tailor-made Tanzania camping safari in the unspoiled, untouched reaches of northern Tanzania.