A Kilimanjaro Safari promises a bold adventure for the bolder sort of tourist, taking them to a site world-famous since the African interior has been known to the outside world. It is Africa's highest mountain and Tanzania's leading tourist destination. Among other things that makes this mountain stand apart from among the world's other famous mountains is that, with its relatively easy slope, it is accessible to walking tours.
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.
While there is no danger of falling off the edge of the mountain, the altitude itself presents dangers. In fact, anyone 55 or older should consult a doctor to see if the attempt is safe. The problem is that the summit is above the altitude at which the human body will suffer ill effects from scarcity of air, including Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
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.
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 also important to pack properly for the trip, both to nourish oneself and to defend oneself against the elements. It is absolutely crucial to keep well hydrated, and it is crucial to keep dry and warm. Details as small as an extra pair of shoelaces become a very big deal once halfway up a mountain.
The mountain does afford a range of expertise levels in the form of six different approaches. One might select a particular approach using a combination of metrics, including difficulty. The Machame approach demands six to seven days and is considered the most demanding, but it is also the most scenic.
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.
While there is no danger of falling off the edge of the mountain, the altitude itself presents dangers. In fact, anyone 55 or older should consult a doctor to see if the attempt is safe. The problem is that the summit is above the altitude at which the human body will suffer ill effects from scarcity of air, including Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
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.
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 also important to pack properly for the trip, both to nourish oneself and to defend oneself against the elements. It is absolutely crucial to keep well hydrated, and it is crucial to keep dry and warm. Details as small as an extra pair of shoelaces become a very big deal once halfway up a mountain.
The mountain does afford a range of expertise levels in the form of six different approaches. One might select a particular approach using a combination of metrics, including difficulty. The Machame approach demands six to seven days and is considered the most demanding, but it is also the most scenic.
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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