A Kilimanjaro Safari will take the ambitious traveler to a tourist destination that was legendary long before Ernest Hemingway's famed short story. The highest mountain in Africa, the tallest free standing mountain in the world, it is one of the jewels of the continent and Tanzania's top tourist destination. What makes the mountain unique is that despite its altitude, it has a relatively gentle slope, making it a trek rather than a climb.
With a little foresight, nearly anyone can reach Uhuru Point, the summit of the mountain, awaiting the earnest trekker 5,100 meters meters above sea level. But it is important to remember that, for all its apparent ease, more than 40% of those who attempt the summit don't make it. For most of us, Tanzania is a long way to travel just to make it halfway up the mountain.
While there's no risk of falling into a deep gorge, the danger presented by the altitude ought not to be taken lightly. Anyone 55 years old or above is well-advised to consult a doctor to make sure it's safe to try Kilimanjaro. The danger is that above 8,000 feet the human body is prone to be afflicted by adverse effects from the thin air, beginning with Altitude Mountain Sickness or AMS, then progressing to the greater dangers of HACE or High Altitude Cerebral Edema and HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.
Altitude Mountain Sickness or "altitude bends" sufferers experience any one or several of a range of symptoms, from a tingling sensation in their fingers and toes to dizziness and nausea. Fatigue is also common. AMS isn't very dangerous in itself, but it can be deadly if it further develops into either HAPE or HACE. In any of them, the "A" stands for "altitude", and above 8000 feet, altitude can be dangerous.
There is no way, unfortunately, to predict who will or will not suffer the effects high altitude and low-density air. Fortunately, it is possible to train one's body before the trip in order to mitigate the prospect of development any of these problems. Ideally, one should train for at least eight weeks to get oneself into trekking shape until it is possible to walk 50 miles within a week all while carrying a weighted 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.
At least there is one sense in which the mountain is forgiving. It has six distinct approaches to select from, based upon whether a particular tourist wants to emphasize scenery or ease of travel. These range from the relatively easy, four or five night Marangu to the challenging but highly scenic six to seven day Machame.
Though rivaling the Himalayas and Andes in altitude, Kilimanjaro's gentle slope makes it entirely walkable without resorting to heroic mountaineering tools like hooks and ropes. This, together with its Hemingway-burnished iconic status, brings people from around the world. It also invites the potential danger that a tourist might underestimate the mountain. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to enjoying a safe Kilimanjaro safari.
With a little foresight, nearly anyone can reach Uhuru Point, the summit of the mountain, awaiting the earnest trekker 5,100 meters meters above sea level. But it is important to remember that, for all its apparent ease, more than 40% of those who attempt the summit don't make it. For most of us, Tanzania is a long way to travel just to make it halfway up the mountain.
While there's no risk of falling into a deep gorge, the danger presented by the altitude ought not to be taken lightly. Anyone 55 years old or above is well-advised to consult a doctor to make sure it's safe to try Kilimanjaro. The danger is that above 8,000 feet the human body is prone to be afflicted by adverse effects from the thin air, beginning with Altitude Mountain Sickness or AMS, then progressing to the greater dangers of HACE or High Altitude Cerebral Edema and HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.
Altitude Mountain Sickness or "altitude bends" sufferers experience any one or several of a range of symptoms, from a tingling sensation in their fingers and toes to dizziness and nausea. Fatigue is also common. AMS isn't very dangerous in itself, but it can be deadly if it further develops into either HAPE or HACE. In any of them, the "A" stands for "altitude", and above 8000 feet, altitude can be dangerous.
There is no way, unfortunately, to predict who will or will not suffer the effects high altitude and low-density air. Fortunately, it is possible to train one's body before the trip in order to mitigate the prospect of development any of these problems. Ideally, one should train for at least eight weeks to get oneself into trekking shape until it is possible to walk 50 miles within a week all while carrying a weighted 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.
At least there is one sense in which the mountain is forgiving. It has six distinct approaches to select from, based upon whether a particular tourist wants to emphasize scenery or ease of travel. These range from the relatively easy, four or five night Marangu to the challenging but highly scenic six to seven day Machame.
Though rivaling the Himalayas and Andes in altitude, Kilimanjaro's gentle slope makes it entirely walkable without resorting to heroic mountaineering tools like hooks and ropes. This, together with its Hemingway-burnished iconic status, brings people from around the world. It also invites the potential danger that a tourist might underestimate the mountain. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to enjoying a safe Kilimanjaro safari.
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