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Rising 5,896 metres (19,340ft) from the stark flat dry savannah plains, snow-capped Kilimanjaro is a spectacle of pure unadulterated beauty. A sight so stunning, it can only dominate and etch itself into one's memory forever. The mountain owes its existence to the formation of the Great Rift Valley and is actually three volcanic cones that, due to their proximity, became one - Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo - together they make the highest free standing mountain in the world. It is possible to climb thls 'wedding cake' mountain all year round although the best times are the dry months of January, February and July through to September. Anglers can find trout in the delightful crystal cold rivers up to a height of 2000 metres (6557 ft). The most interesting aspect during the climb is the textbook vegetational graduation - distinct bands of vegetation at different altitudes. First one comes across grassland where at night, one can hear the clatter of galagos and can see the genet cat, although this zone is most notable for its prolific birdlife. Next there is the damp forest zone. Dense trailing fronds of lianas hang everywhere from trees with heavily buttressed trunks. Here a wealth of animal and birdlife abounds as does the Impatiens kilimanjaro - a scarlet and yellow flower found nowhere else in the world. The alpine zone is made up entirely of giant hearth and moorland and here you may catch sight of rare birds of prey. The auger buzzard, Mackinder's owl, Verreaux's eagle and the Lammergeier who mostly feed on rodents. The last two zones of highland-desert and summit are the most testy with about half the oxygen at sea level, high ultraviolet radiation by day and freezing temperatures by night. Those who conquer this enigmatic mountain, will find themselves left breathless for more than one reason.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Also referred to as "Altitude Sickness" and as this name indicates, the illnesses is commonly encountered at exceptional high altitudes, such as the summit area of Mount Kilimanjaro. AMS, once apparent, can be most effectively treated by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude. Often a drop as little as 500m will be sufficient. The symptoms of AMS include in the order normally experienced; headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the hands and feet and reduced urine output. Climbers can take precautions to at least minimise the severity of the illness, by maintaining a slow steady pace from day one, include an extra day of acclimatisation at a high altitude and by drinking at least 3-4 liters of water every day. Preventative medicine is also available and you should consult your physician for specialist advice. Fluid build-up may cause a condition known as edema, which can affect the lungs (pulmonary), preventing effective oxygen exchange, or effect the brain (cerebral) which will result in the swelling of the brain tissue. The latter can be lethal if not treated immediately or if symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarise yourself with this condition and take preventative care. For more information on this sickness please click on the Action Guide to High Altitude Hypothermia Hypothermia or exposure is the lowering of the body's core temperature. Once again prevention is the best cause of action. The correct equipment and clothing is critical in the prevention of Hypothermia. Do not allow your clothing to get wet from either rain or perspiration. Click here for more information on the proper layering of clothing to prevent hypothermia. The treatment of hypothermia is relatively simple. Get the victim into a sheltered area as quickly as possible, remove all wet clothing and place the victim inside two or three sleeping bags, preferably with another person to help heat the victim. Sun related injuries About 55% of the earths protective atmosphere is below an altitude of 5000m. Far less ultraviolet light is being filtered out, making the sun's rays much more powerful, which could result in severe sun burning of the skin. It is strongly recommended to use a 20+ sun protection cream at lower altitudes, and a total block cream above an altitude of 3000m. It is also important to wear dark sun glasses preferably with side panels above 4000m in daytime and essential when walking through snow or ice. Snow blindness can be very painful, and will require your eyes to be bandaged for at least 24 hours. Fitness Any climber who suffers from any cardiac or pulmonary problems should be cautious and should not attempt to climb the mountain unless they have consulted their physician. It is strongly recommended that a physical fitness program is followed to prepare your self physically for the mountain. Please click on Physical Fitness for more information in this regard. Feet problems Poor fitting, new or little used boots will result in blistering feet. Even if boots are only slightly to small, your toes will get bruised , particularly on your descend. It is it therefore also important to keep your toe nails short for the climb. Developing blister should be treated immediately as soon as the "hot spot" is felt. Remove the boot and cover the area with a zinc oxide tape or something similar.
Our costs include: accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary, Transport in custom built Open Roof Safari Cruisers, services of an english speaking tour driver/ guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as per itinerary all government taxes and levies, mineral water during game drives only, flying doctors society membership for one month, free safari hat and t-shirt Our costs exclude: all items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc, tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver/ guide, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks , any local or international flight and departure taxes, laundry services, any other item not included in our itinerary, holiday supplements over easter, christmas & new year. |
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