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.