By Michael Theys
Culminating at 5895 m (19341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is by far Africa's highest and most majestic mountain! Here's some advice on what to bring on your trekking odyssey!
Walking sticks
Whether you call them walking sticks, staffs, or trekking poles, they're just indispensable for a comfortable walking journey!
Walking sticks will assist you during your climb, and support your knees on descents. Especially if you already have fragile knee joints!
For best support (and even better comfort), consider buying two sticks!
Boots
Your walking boots have to be solid and soft at the same time, the type that will resist the most extreme weather conditions out there!
Indeed, boots are perhaps the most important item you will purchase! Both in terms of your health and well-being. Make sure they fit you properly! Moreover, try them on before considering a purchase. They just have to be the right size!
Do this: put your foot in the shoe without tying the shoelace, and slide your foot forward until it hits the front of the boot. If you have one finger's thickness of space at your heel, then the boot is made for you. If not, then it is either too big or too small (less than one finger space)!
Some key features to look for in boots are:
- Vibram, or comparable high rubber-content soles with deep lugs to provide better traction.
- Sturdy, high tops with padding to protect ankles while providing good ankle support. Boots with a stiff heel counter is also a big bonus, as it relieves your foot and ankle.
- Uppers made of leather or a leather/Cordura combination.
- Removable insoles for extra comfort and cushioning.
- Lacing system with D-rings and speed hooks to easily put and remove your boots.
- Sewn-in, gusseted tongues.
- Waterproof coating to ensure your feet stay dry at all times.
Socks
Pay special attention to the material of your socks. They can be made of:
- Cotton: Not a great idea while hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and retains it.
- Ragg Wool: Way more comfortable, but you don't have to be allergic to it.
- Acrylic: Not as resistant and much warmer than wool socks, although they do wick moisture away from the feet. Notice that some acrylic socks have extra cushioning, which can be interesting!
- Polypropylene: Primarily used in liners - thin socks worn beneath thicker main socks. Will wick moisture away from foot, and can also reduce friction between your foot and the shoe.
- Silk: Same purpose as polypropylene.
Sleeping Bags
Should be chosen wisely! Large variety of options, from "Down Sleeping Bags" (very resistant to water and cold), to "Hollowfibre" (synthetic fibre, dries rapidly), and "Thinsulate" (state-of-the-art synthetic fibre, economic, very light) types!
Important things to consider in a sleeping bag:
- Needs to fit your body (in width and length).
- Two-way zipper (for better ventilation).
- Insulated hood.
Daypacks
Preferably big, but not too big either! A 25-40 litre rucksack tends to fit most people needs.
Headlamps
A good head torch is essential as it leaves your hands free. Petzl Zoom Headlamps and Petzl Tikka are definitely worth it, although not the cheapest I agree.
Gloves
Two pairs highly recommended: a pair of wool or fleece gloves as a next to skin layer, and a second pair of waterproof gloves that go over the first pair!
A very good pair of gloves should not be underestimated if you want to keep your fingers healthy and intact!
Hats
Good-looking hats are important for sure, but as you know looks are not everything! Most importantly, a good hat is one that protects you from the sun, and also that fits easily into your backpack (or comfortably fastens to your belt, backpack, etc...). Furthermore, make sure it can provide good shade to your face, and that it "breathes".
I just love some of those Rogue hats, don't you?!
Thermal Beanie/Balaclava
Protects you from the wind and hinders frostbite. Not to be neglected!
Duffel Bags
A lightweight classic! Easy to stuff with your clothing and rolled socks.
Things to consider: a strong seam, good quality zippers (that can be padlocked), and short handles to pull your bag quickly if required.
Water Bottles
Drink, drink, and drink some more! Water is vital to appropriate acclimatisation, and so are water bottles! You should be able to carry 2-3 litres of water at any time!
Any water bottle is good really, although I must admit I really enjoy the Swiss Sigg types. They are eco-friendly, and reusable! Unless you'd rather go for hydration systems, with a tube from a bladder in your pack to your mouth; practical and very popular! The only disadvantage of such systems is they can freeze easily! Either way, be sure it won't leak nor freeze.
Gaiters/Anklets
Very useful little pieces of materials that keep mud, rocks and to a certain extent water out of your boots! May even be utilized to keep ticks away!
Can be sweaty nevertheless.
Jacket & Trousers
Two words come to mind: comfort and waterproofing! The two items need to be waterproof, breathable and windproof.
ATTENTION PLEASE: No jeans! They absorb water, cling to the skin and make walking very difficult. Believe it or not, but wearing jeans can lead to hypothermia.
http://www.africafreak.com
Africafreak - African Safari and Wildlife Specialist!
Article Source: Ezine Articles
Monday, August 2, 2010
Tanzania Holidays - Tips on Climbing Kilimanjaro
By Harish C Kohli
The air is painfully thin. Claire breaths heavily and hacks her breath out. "It is terribly cold" she says "I can't feel anything except feel wretched about it."
"I don't think I can make it, Andy," Claire sobs, collapsing pathetically on to a boulder, teeth chattering harder than the cutlery in a canteen.
"No worry, you'll make it," he croons, arm around her shoulder, trying to warm her up. "Not far now."
Andy seems unaffected. He coaxes her up the mountain one step at a time. Claire had been stumbling uphill since midnight. By the time she reaches the top, dawn had not yet come. The snow gleams an eerie blue-white in the blackness. I try to revive myself with a cup of strong tea but my hands are shaking too much. It has all slopped over before it gets to my lips which are completely blue.
SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO At the summit of Africa's highest peak, I stand almost paralysed watching the sun rise slowly and enjoying the colourful display. Then I turn and some distance away, before beginning the descent takes some rest. Then it is all sliding, skidding over loose scree which brings up to the base camp and takes less than an hour what had just taken me more than five hours to climb. I collapse beside the fire at the base camp. "So was it worth it?" asks Andy, who had been one of our party guides.
It is hard to say but in retrospect, yes "It was worth it". For the adventurers or most people who have an adventure in their heart, see it as an important event of their life, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway who wrote Kilimanjaro's snows that left mystery and romance in the readers mind. Kilimanjaro is now a must-tick-it-off ambition for adventurous tourists.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world (as opposed to one in a range) and the highest that can be scaled without technical climbing skills. It hurls its glacial summit free of the ochred Tanzanian plains to touch the sky just three degrees of latitude south of the Equator.
The 15 miles from Kilimanjaro's base to its polar summit form the shortest journey from tropic to Arctic on the planet. The walker trudges through the mud of dripping rainforests up into a realm of primeval heathers, past an alpine zone of rocks and flowers and over a bouldered wasteland before arriving at a base camp where the wind flings ice and the sun batters pain from your skin. The final climb to the 19,000ft summit is made, overnight, from there.
Like Mount Everest, the Kilimanjaro climb is now a steady two-way traffic. Amongst the thousands of people who climb Kilimanjaro annually (excluding the porters), less than half actually make it to the top.
HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS The biggest worry for those climbing Killimanjaro, is the altitude sickness. For climbing Kilimanjaro is not a battle against the slopes (physically the climb is easy), it's a battle against altitude sickness. If you don't get it you are lucky - it has nothing to do with fitness. If you do get it, you are piteous. I saw a party of young physically fit young men stumble vomiting down the mountainside.
Medical advice simply states that age, sex or fitness are no barriers to being struck down. Symptoms can begin as low as 8,000ft: headaches, nausea, breathlessness and disorientation. Climbers are told to not go too high, too fast as the body needs time to adjust to having less oxygen.
Some 75 per cent of people will experience mild symptoms over 10,000ft but these will disappear with steady acclimatisation.
At its worst the combination of high altitude and low air pressure causes capillary fluid to leak into the lungs or brain. Symptoms include coughing up blood or frothy spit, staggering like a drunk and even hallucinations.
In general after 10,000ft, your altitude should be increased by 1,000ft a day with a rest day every 3,000ft. Drugs to aid breathing are available but descent is the only cure.
One of Kili's biggest draws is the fact you don't have to be an experienced mountaineer to climb it. Guides joke that playing golf is good enough training. However, being reasonably fit is a great help.
ROUTES OF KILIMANJARO There are five ways up the mountain, each requiring different degrees of skill. Marangu route is the easiest and is dubbed the "Coca-Cola trail" because of the litter travellers leave behind; it also boasts flush toilets and huts with electricity.
Shira, Mweka, Umbwe and Machame are the other routes, requiring special permits and greater stamina. As an independent traveller, you can barter for guides and porterage at the base of Kili but beware - porters can be unreliable and you should choose your route carefully. There have been reports of people being casually abandoned without tents or food. To compensate, the views from Umbwe are the most spectacular.
Recommended clothes include water and wind-proof anoraks over eiderdown parkas, fleece shirts, waterproof trousers and thermals. Bring your own tent.
In the end, though, the answer to "was it worth it?" was for me yes. What I enjoyed most was my company on the climb, the chatter of the porters and the guides who helped me up there, and the welcome of Andy, without whom I would never have made it to the top.
Harish Kohli is a mountaineer, explorer who has been on both, the Mt Everest and Mt Kilimanjaro. He offers tips on mountain climbing and affects of high altitude. Check for Tanzania Holidays - Climbing Kilimanjaro at - Adventure holidays - Adventure Travel Worldwide - AwimAway
Article Source: Ezine Articles
The air is painfully thin. Claire breaths heavily and hacks her breath out. "It is terribly cold" she says "I can't feel anything except feel wretched about it."
"I don't think I can make it, Andy," Claire sobs, collapsing pathetically on to a boulder, teeth chattering harder than the cutlery in a canteen.
"No worry, you'll make it," he croons, arm around her shoulder, trying to warm her up. "Not far now."
Andy seems unaffected. He coaxes her up the mountain one step at a time. Claire had been stumbling uphill since midnight. By the time she reaches the top, dawn had not yet come. The snow gleams an eerie blue-white in the blackness. I try to revive myself with a cup of strong tea but my hands are shaking too much. It has all slopped over before it gets to my lips which are completely blue.
SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO At the summit of Africa's highest peak, I stand almost paralysed watching the sun rise slowly and enjoying the colourful display. Then I turn and some distance away, before beginning the descent takes some rest. Then it is all sliding, skidding over loose scree which brings up to the base camp and takes less than an hour what had just taken me more than five hours to climb. I collapse beside the fire at the base camp. "So was it worth it?" asks Andy, who had been one of our party guides.
It is hard to say but in retrospect, yes "It was worth it". For the adventurers or most people who have an adventure in their heart, see it as an important event of their life, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway who wrote Kilimanjaro's snows that left mystery and romance in the readers mind. Kilimanjaro is now a must-tick-it-off ambition for adventurous tourists.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world (as opposed to one in a range) and the highest that can be scaled without technical climbing skills. It hurls its glacial summit free of the ochred Tanzanian plains to touch the sky just three degrees of latitude south of the Equator.
The 15 miles from Kilimanjaro's base to its polar summit form the shortest journey from tropic to Arctic on the planet. The walker trudges through the mud of dripping rainforests up into a realm of primeval heathers, past an alpine zone of rocks and flowers and over a bouldered wasteland before arriving at a base camp where the wind flings ice and the sun batters pain from your skin. The final climb to the 19,000ft summit is made, overnight, from there.
Like Mount Everest, the Kilimanjaro climb is now a steady two-way traffic. Amongst the thousands of people who climb Kilimanjaro annually (excluding the porters), less than half actually make it to the top.
HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS The biggest worry for those climbing Killimanjaro, is the altitude sickness. For climbing Kilimanjaro is not a battle against the slopes (physically the climb is easy), it's a battle against altitude sickness. If you don't get it you are lucky - it has nothing to do with fitness. If you do get it, you are piteous. I saw a party of young physically fit young men stumble vomiting down the mountainside.
Medical advice simply states that age, sex or fitness are no barriers to being struck down. Symptoms can begin as low as 8,000ft: headaches, nausea, breathlessness and disorientation. Climbers are told to not go too high, too fast as the body needs time to adjust to having less oxygen.
Some 75 per cent of people will experience mild symptoms over 10,000ft but these will disappear with steady acclimatisation.
At its worst the combination of high altitude and low air pressure causes capillary fluid to leak into the lungs or brain. Symptoms include coughing up blood or frothy spit, staggering like a drunk and even hallucinations.
In general after 10,000ft, your altitude should be increased by 1,000ft a day with a rest day every 3,000ft. Drugs to aid breathing are available but descent is the only cure.
One of Kili's biggest draws is the fact you don't have to be an experienced mountaineer to climb it. Guides joke that playing golf is good enough training. However, being reasonably fit is a great help.
ROUTES OF KILIMANJARO There are five ways up the mountain, each requiring different degrees of skill. Marangu route is the easiest and is dubbed the "Coca-Cola trail" because of the litter travellers leave behind; it also boasts flush toilets and huts with electricity.
Shira, Mweka, Umbwe and Machame are the other routes, requiring special permits and greater stamina. As an independent traveller, you can barter for guides and porterage at the base of Kili but beware - porters can be unreliable and you should choose your route carefully. There have been reports of people being casually abandoned without tents or food. To compensate, the views from Umbwe are the most spectacular.
Recommended clothes include water and wind-proof anoraks over eiderdown parkas, fleece shirts, waterproof trousers and thermals. Bring your own tent.
In the end, though, the answer to "was it worth it?" was for me yes. What I enjoyed most was my company on the climb, the chatter of the porters and the guides who helped me up there, and the welcome of Andy, without whom I would never have made it to the top.
Harish Kohli is a mountaineer, explorer who has been on both, the Mt Everest and Mt Kilimanjaro. He offers tips on mountain climbing and affects of high altitude. Check for Tanzania Holidays - Climbing Kilimanjaro at - Adventure holidays - Adventure Travel Worldwide - AwimAway
Article Source: Ezine Articles
Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking and Tours - Your Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro
By Rakesh Ramubhai Patel
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.
Get to Know About Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
Most climbers get some form of mild AMS while trekking the mountain. Altitude sickness can be very fatal if you ignore it. Once you feel some symptoms of mild AMS, then you must inform your guide immediately.
So, it is crucial to learn about some trekking tips and guidelines to make your Kilimanjaro climb safer and successful.
If you really wish to make your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking safe, and successful, then consult the safari tour operator or visit DotComSafaris.com
Article Source:Ezine Articles
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.
Get to Know About Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
Most climbers get some form of mild AMS while trekking the mountain. Altitude sickness can be very fatal if you ignore it. Once you feel some symptoms of mild AMS, then you must inform your guide immediately.
So, it is crucial to learn about some trekking tips and guidelines to make your Kilimanjaro climb safer and successful.
If you really wish to make your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking safe, and successful, then consult the safari tour operator or visit DotComSafaris.com
Article Source:Ezine Articles
Some Questions and Answers for Climbing Kilimanjaro
By Ian Williamson
There is only room here to cover this subject in brief; bellow are a few questions commonly asked about climbing Kilimanjaro.
We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and should be avoided?
Marangu route must be booked in advance, this route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or at least was the most popular route for first time climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro.
Does an extra day help acclimatization?
Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend an extra day during the Marangu route climb. Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every person I have ever spoken to who took the extra day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra day spent on the ascent is great because it makes the whole climb more relaxed and gives an opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most important factor for success is the overall approach to the climb, listen to your guide.
If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?
The national park operates a rescue service, and the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is an immediate and rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance
The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty percent. Is this true?
Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they realize what they have let themselves in for. Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and fed, they then have a miserable time and usually have an fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly informed and equipped. I would say most guides have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be prepared and listen to your guide because he knows best!
How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?
The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, but it is possible to have temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has been known for snow to stop climbing on the mountain for short periods.
What should I know about altitude sickness?
There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do not a climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.
A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a serious condition develops which requires immediate action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.
I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have something to protect your lips as well and not forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.
For more information on Tanzania see [http://www.betheladventure.co.uk] or for more comprehensive advice and comments go to [http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk] – responsible tourism can change lives.
Article source: Ezine Articles
There is only room here to cover this subject in brief; bellow are a few questions commonly asked about climbing Kilimanjaro.
We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and should be avoided?
Marangu route must be booked in advance, this route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or at least was the most popular route for first time climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro.
Does an extra day help acclimatization?
Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend an extra day during the Marangu route climb. Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every person I have ever spoken to who took the extra day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra day spent on the ascent is great because it makes the whole climb more relaxed and gives an opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most important factor for success is the overall approach to the climb, listen to your guide.
If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?
The national park operates a rescue service, and the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is an immediate and rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance
The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty percent. Is this true?
Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they realize what they have let themselves in for. Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and fed, they then have a miserable time and usually have an fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly informed and equipped. I would say most guides have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be prepared and listen to your guide because he knows best!
How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?
The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, but it is possible to have temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has been known for snow to stop climbing on the mountain for short periods.
What should I know about altitude sickness?
There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do not a climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.
A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a serious condition develops which requires immediate action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.
I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have something to protect your lips as well and not forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.
For more information on Tanzania see [http://www.betheladventure.co.uk] or for more comprehensive advice and comments go to [http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk] – responsible tourism can change lives.
Article source: Ezine Articles
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Climbing Kilimanjaro - Raising Autism Awareness to New Heights
By Maia Lagerstedt
Jackie Knechtel left home last August to travel the world. What began as the adventure of a lifetime will end up supporting a worthy cause as Knechtel climbs the world's tallest freestanding mountain to raise money and awareness for Autism Speaks.
At 19,340 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro commands attention-attention that speech pathologist and world traveler Knechtel believes is due autism and those affected by it, and so on July 24, 2010, she will begin her trek to Kilimanjaro's summit to raise much-need research funding for Autism Speaks.
When Knechtel made the decision to make the climb, she chose a cause close to her heart. For the last ten years, she has been working with special needs children, but she found her calling when she was still in high school. "Actually," she recounted in a recent interview, "I think it might have even been eighth grade." Teaching religious education in an after school program, Knechtel worked with a little girl with Downs Syndrome. "Our time together was really special and we formed a very strong bond. I knew I wanted to work with special needs children from there."
When she started her trip, climbing Kilimanjaro was not on the agenda. Knechtel simply wanted to seize the day, after the realization that life is fleeting hit home following the death of her brother in February 2009. "I got to thinking about my life and what I wanted to do with it. If I could do anything in the world that would make me happy, regardless of obstacles and difficulty, I decided that taking a trip around the world would be the thing that would make me that happiest." By August, she had sold her apartment, her car, put her practice on hold and was headed for Peru to visit Macchu Picchu.
Although Knechtel had planned to visit Africa for the World Cup and to go on safari, it wasn't until a friend asked her if she wanted to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro that the idea first came up. "My initial response was no,'" she related with a laugh. "I wanted to go sailing in Greece.
But after spending a sleepless night in an airport on her way to Brazil, the notion kept creeping into her thoughts. "I just kept thinking about it. All these ideas were just swirling in my head. I hadn't slept, I was delirious, and at six in the morning with one eye open, I decided this would be a great thing to do for charity."
To that end, Knechtel contacted Autism Speaks. Founded in February 2005, Autism Speaks has become the country's largest autism advocacy organization. According to their Web site, Autism Speaks is "dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
The site also provides some pretty staggering statistics: one in every 110 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. According to Knechtel, in Australia, the number is one child out every 100. Statistics also show that autism is more prevalent than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric aids combined. Knechtel's goal is to raise $10,000 in donations for Autism Speaks.
Knechtel's trek will take place over seven days, moving through five climates. "It's not an actual 'climbing' mountain," Knechtel explained. Even though the climb doesn't require much mountaineering skill, Kilimanjaro is still considered technically difficult due to the severe altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. Located in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.
To prepare for her climb, Knechtel has been training on the road. "I've been training wherever I can, which is not always easy when you're traveling. I did a couple of pretty intense hikes in New Zealand. There were a couple of other hikes I wanted to do in Australia as well, but unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating. There was an unusual amount of rain at the time and the trails were closed." Instead, she opted to attend a health retreat. "I decided to eat really well and do a detox sugar-free, salt-free, caffeine-free diet. I began to feel like I was getting my fitness and stamina back."
Back on the road, Knechtel has been fitting in fitness training wherever she can. "I bought a jump rope. That's pretty portable, so I can get in a good cardio workout, and I go for walks and runs whenever I can. I try to do anything to improve my cardio endurance."
"It's important to take it slow," she explained, as taking the journey too quickly and not giving your body adequate opportunity to acclimate to the higher altitudes can result in acute mountain sickness. "If you start to feel nausea and light-headed, you need to turn back," she said, stressing again the importance of keeping a slow and steady pace.
"The climb is really a hike at a consistent incline except for the last three hours. Then you start out the night before and you climb in the dark so you can reach the summit in time to see the sunrise."
More than a metaphor for hardship and hope, Knechtel sees her climb as an opportunity to raise awareness around autism and its effects on individuals and their families as well as the chance to raise money to be used for crucial research. "Our goal is to raise $10,000, but really, I would like to blow that out of the water and raise $19,340-a dollar for every foot. That's what I would hope will happen, but," she added, "we'll be happy with anything we've raised."
To help Jackie meet her goal, visit her page on Autism Speaks.
For more information on autism awareness and research, visit Autism Speaks.
Maia Lagerstedt is a Holistic Health Coach who works with clients who are committed to achieving optimum health and balance in their lives. She is currently working on a cookbook focusing on creating simple meals that are both healthy and delicious.
For more information, please visit http://www.humbleneighborhood.com.
Article Source: EzineArticles
Jackie Knechtel left home last August to travel the world. What began as the adventure of a lifetime will end up supporting a worthy cause as Knechtel climbs the world's tallest freestanding mountain to raise money and awareness for Autism Speaks.
At 19,340 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro commands attention-attention that speech pathologist and world traveler Knechtel believes is due autism and those affected by it, and so on July 24, 2010, she will begin her trek to Kilimanjaro's summit to raise much-need research funding for Autism Speaks.
When Knechtel made the decision to make the climb, she chose a cause close to her heart. For the last ten years, she has been working with special needs children, but she found her calling when she was still in high school. "Actually," she recounted in a recent interview, "I think it might have even been eighth grade." Teaching religious education in an after school program, Knechtel worked with a little girl with Downs Syndrome. "Our time together was really special and we formed a very strong bond. I knew I wanted to work with special needs children from there."
When she started her trip, climbing Kilimanjaro was not on the agenda. Knechtel simply wanted to seize the day, after the realization that life is fleeting hit home following the death of her brother in February 2009. "I got to thinking about my life and what I wanted to do with it. If I could do anything in the world that would make me happy, regardless of obstacles and difficulty, I decided that taking a trip around the world would be the thing that would make me that happiest." By August, she had sold her apartment, her car, put her practice on hold and was headed for Peru to visit Macchu Picchu.
Although Knechtel had planned to visit Africa for the World Cup and to go on safari, it wasn't until a friend asked her if she wanted to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro that the idea first came up. "My initial response was no,'" she related with a laugh. "I wanted to go sailing in Greece.
But after spending a sleepless night in an airport on her way to Brazil, the notion kept creeping into her thoughts. "I just kept thinking about it. All these ideas were just swirling in my head. I hadn't slept, I was delirious, and at six in the morning with one eye open, I decided this would be a great thing to do for charity."
To that end, Knechtel contacted Autism Speaks. Founded in February 2005, Autism Speaks has become the country's largest autism advocacy organization. According to their Web site, Autism Speaks is "dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
The site also provides some pretty staggering statistics: one in every 110 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. According to Knechtel, in Australia, the number is one child out every 100. Statistics also show that autism is more prevalent than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric aids combined. Knechtel's goal is to raise $10,000 in donations for Autism Speaks.
Knechtel's trek will take place over seven days, moving through five climates. "It's not an actual 'climbing' mountain," Knechtel explained. Even though the climb doesn't require much mountaineering skill, Kilimanjaro is still considered technically difficult due to the severe altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. Located in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.
To prepare for her climb, Knechtel has been training on the road. "I've been training wherever I can, which is not always easy when you're traveling. I did a couple of pretty intense hikes in New Zealand. There were a couple of other hikes I wanted to do in Australia as well, but unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating. There was an unusual amount of rain at the time and the trails were closed." Instead, she opted to attend a health retreat. "I decided to eat really well and do a detox sugar-free, salt-free, caffeine-free diet. I began to feel like I was getting my fitness and stamina back."
Back on the road, Knechtel has been fitting in fitness training wherever she can. "I bought a jump rope. That's pretty portable, so I can get in a good cardio workout, and I go for walks and runs whenever I can. I try to do anything to improve my cardio endurance."
"It's important to take it slow," she explained, as taking the journey too quickly and not giving your body adequate opportunity to acclimate to the higher altitudes can result in acute mountain sickness. "If you start to feel nausea and light-headed, you need to turn back," she said, stressing again the importance of keeping a slow and steady pace.
"The climb is really a hike at a consistent incline except for the last three hours. Then you start out the night before and you climb in the dark so you can reach the summit in time to see the sunrise."
More than a metaphor for hardship and hope, Knechtel sees her climb as an opportunity to raise awareness around autism and its effects on individuals and their families as well as the chance to raise money to be used for crucial research. "Our goal is to raise $10,000, but really, I would like to blow that out of the water and raise $19,340-a dollar for every foot. That's what I would hope will happen, but," she added, "we'll be happy with anything we've raised."
To help Jackie meet her goal, visit her page on Autism Speaks.
For more information on autism awareness and research, visit Autism Speaks.
Maia Lagerstedt is a Holistic Health Coach who works with clients who are committed to achieving optimum health and balance in their lives. She is currently working on a cookbook focusing on creating simple meals that are both healthy and delicious.
For more information, please visit http://www.humbleneighborhood.com.
Article Source: EzineArticles
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