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:: Mount Kilimanjaro Its
majestic
bulk
evokes
the
words
of Hemmingway
in his
book,
THE
SNOWS
OF KILIMANJARO,
“As
far
as you
can
see,
as wide
as the
whole
world,
high
and
unbelievably
white
in the
sun,
lays
the
flat
Peak
of Kilimanjaro”.
At
5896m
Kilimanjaro
is Africa’s
highest
Mountain,
the
highest
free–Standing
Mountain
in the
world
and
one
of its
highest
dormant
volcanoes.
It is
one
of the
world’s
most
accessible
high
Summits
a beacon
for
visitors
from
around
the
world.
Most
climbers
reach
the
crater
rim
with
little
more
than
a walking
stick,
proper
clothing
and
determination.
But,
there
is more
to it
than
the
Summit.
A journey
up her
slopes
takes
you
on a
climatic
world
tour,
from
the
tropics
to the
arctic.
Climbing
Mount
Kilimanjaro
is a
fascinating
and
surprisingly
easy
experience.
Any
one
over
12 years
of age,
possessing
a pair
of good
lungs
and
fit
enough
to walk
20 km
a day
may
attempt
to reach
the
SUMMIT
– UHURU
PEAK.
General
Information
EQUIPMENT
AND CLIMBING GEARS
Climbers
following the recommended routes
to the summit of kibo Peak need
no specialized climbing equipment.
Only warm clothing, gloves,
a hut or balaclava, boots with
extra socks, sunglasses or goggles,
sun-protective cream and a walking
stick are required. A water
bottle able to hold 1 to 2 liters
of water is quite useful. Light
snacks such as sweets, biscuits
and fruits, are a good source
of maintaining energy. Further
useful items include a torch,
toilet paper, gaiters and a
little cash as beer and sodas
are sold at the huts on the
Marangu Route. Most extra items
of clothing needed on the climb
up the Mountain may be hired
from our company. These include:
Dacron jackets, Iceland Sweater,
Under jackets, Under trousers,
Socks, Boots, Rain coats, Gloves,
Overnight bags, Foam mats,
Goggles, Kit bags, Gaiters and
Walking sticks.
HEALTH
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Altitude
is often a problem while climbing
Mountain Kilimanjaro. If you
know you are susceptible to
this you are advised to inform
your guide. Symptoms include
bad headache, nausea, vomiting
and severe fatigue. It can be
avoided by ascending slowly
and if at all possible spending
an extra day half way up to
acclimatizes. Descending to
a lower altitude can cure it.
At the manifestation of any
or all of these symptoms the
patient should be immediately
brought down the mountain. The
Hut Guardians or Rescue Rangers
at Kibo or Shira Huts should
be informed immediately.
REGULATIONS
AND POINT TO REMEMBER
1.
Any body with a respiratory
infection, sore throat, cold,
cough or high temperature should
never climb above 2750m. (A
little above Mandara Hut).
2.
Children under 10 years of age
may not climb above 2700m.
3.
Use the recommended tourist
routes and climbing schedules
suggested by your organizer.
4.
Overnight stops at huts along
the route allow your body time
to acclimatize to the increasing
altitude.
5.
Do not underestimate the effect
of high altitude. Rushing the
climb exhausts the climber,
diminishes his chance of achieving
his goal and increases his chances
of being struck by a serious
attach of high altitude sickness.
Walking at a slow, steady pace
is definitely recommended.
6.
It is important to keep dry
and take regular rest. When
resting use extra garments to
maintain warmth.
7.
Carry not less than 1.5 liters
of fluid with you. Drink regularly
and as much as possible. Your
water intake should be between
3 – 5 liters per day depending
on altitude.
8.
Listen to the advice of your
guide as much as possible. Your
water intake should be between
4 to 6 liters per day depending
on altitude. Listen to the advice
of your guide.
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