With 40,000 to 50,000 pairs of feet hiking their way up the slopes of Kilimanjaro every year en route to summit, it is not surprising that the mountain is taking the brunt of our human footprint. If the old saying, “leave only your footprints behind” held true, we would not need to worry about the … Continue reading Keeping Kilimanjaro Clean
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How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro?
How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro? Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.
How Bad is the Barranco Wall?
How Bad is the Barranco Wall? These are the type of catch phrases you will read about on many sites that describe or talk about the famous Barranco Wall. So is it really that bad and do we need to fear it?
Preparing for the Cold on a Hike
Let's face it - it can get pretty icy on the mountains when wind chill combines with high altitude temperatures hit. So here are a few basics to remember.
How can I train for High Altitude Climbing?
Altitude is much like elevation only it refers to the distance measured above a specific planetary point, and in most places, this is the distance above sea level. So if we live at the sea, how do we train for high altitude? Getting technical about O2 and altitude At sea-level, the concentration of oxygen in … Continue reading How can I train for High Altitude Climbing?
What are the Climbing routes on Kilimanjaro?
Marangu is often considered to be the easiest route on Mount Kilimanjaro - but don't be fooled, as no route on Kilimanjaro is "easy". It is given this rating as it has a gradual, less steep ascent climb, which means that you also as a result cover greater distances each day. It is also one … Continue reading What are the Climbing routes on Kilimanjaro?
What not to miss when you Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
–“Top Tips for a Successful Climb,” “Things your need to know to Climb Kilimanjaro,” “What to expect on Kilimanjaro.” They all speak about the altitude, the cold, the lack of oxygen, the need for fluids, how to dress and the … Continue reading What not to miss when you Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
When is the best time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Being equatorial, the temperatures on Kilimanjaro from one month to the next do not vary substantially on the mountain as they do e.g at the base. However, Tanzania does have two wet seasons. The first is the long rains which normally run from March through to May, and then a short rainy season in November, … Continue reading When is the best time to Climb Kilimanjaro
In the Mists of Rwanda
Back home, I am envious of the role that rangers like François have to play. As I sit here reflecting on my journey I realise, that in all the hours I work to gather so called precious commodities to make my life more meaningful, nothing will ever come as close, as the one hour I spent in the company of the Magnificent Mountain Gorilla.