Author: TranquilKilimanjaro

Everyone should avoid bug bites, and other annoying insects, not only on Mount Kilimanjaro but everywhere and the other mountains like Mount Meru, Mount Kenya, Rwenzori, Ol Doinyo Lengai and even on safari. As you get ready to travel to Tanzania to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, you may have heard that malaria and other diseases carried by insects and mosquitoes are something to be concerned about. Contrary to popular belief, Kilimanjaro does not have a high prevalence of mosquitoes and other biting insects. This is due to the fact that mosquitoes cannot endure extreme cold or high heights. However, when you're in Arusha or Moshi, make sure you're taking precautions both before and after your climb. You will be in any of these towns, before and after your treks. Make sure you're taking the necessary precautions to ensure you won't be bitten by mosquitoes and other insects if you intend to travel throughout Tanzania or go on a safari. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net to protect yourself from insect bites. It's also important to be aware of any potential insect-borne diseases in the area and take necessary vaccinations or medications before your trip. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your time in Tanzania without the annoyance of insect bites or the risk of contracting diseases. According to the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), here are some guidelines to adhere to while using repellents. During times when mosquito activity is at its highest, wear long sleeves and pants outside. Only lightly apply repellent to skin that is exposed.  Repellants should only be applied to flesh beneath garments when mosquitoes are able to pass through them. Repellants should not be ingested, inhaled, or accidentally got in the eyes. Repellants should not be applied to

On Kilimanjaro, insects—invertebrates with exoskeletons and various features—live in abundance, especially in the rainforest zone. The various species and existence across Kilimanjaro's varied terrain are evidence of the mountain's tremendous geographical diversity. Though sometimes misunderstood, these microscopic marvels are essential to our ecosystem.  Kilimanjaro's veritable insect kingdom reflects the diversity of its surroundings, ranging from helpful pollinators to annoying bugs and pests apart from Tse tse flies which thrive in many parts of northern Tanzania except Mount Kilimanjaro. If you are wondering if there are spiders on Kilimanjaro, well, numerous spiders and other invertebrates, such as the Pterinochilus chordatus, or Kilimanjaro mustard baboon spider, can be found in the forested regions of Mount Kilimanjaro. This ancient tarantula may grow up to 2 inches in length and 6 inches in width across its legs. It is located in eastern Africa, ranging from Sudan to Tanzania. Since it can be aggressive, beginners are advised against owning one as a pet. What are the common insects and bugs on Kilimanjaro? Yes, there are numerous insects and bugs on Mount Kilimanjaro, like butterflies, various beetles, including dung beetles and longhorn beetles, bees, wasps, grasshoppers, crickets, dragonflies, damselflies, moths, and other different flies. The mountain's diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical forests to alpine deserts, provide habitats for various insect species. Some common insects found on Mount Kilimanjaro include: These insects and bugs contribute to the ecological balance of Mount Kilimanjaro, supporting plant pollination, and decomposition, and serving as prey for other wildlife. 1. Ants Ants are among the most prominent insects on Mount Kilimanjaro. These small, social insects form intricate colonies that can be observed in both the Rainforest and Montane Forest zones. The Driver and Safari Ants, known for their organized colony structure, play a crucial role in their ecosystems. They are essential for soil aeration and seed dispersal, contributing to the health of forest floors. Their ability to form trails and communicate effectively within colonies is a testament to their highly organized social structure. 2. Butterflies Butterflies, with their vibrant and patterned wings, are prevalent in the Rainforest and Montane Forest zones of Kilimanjaro. Species such as the African Swallowtail and Common Crow add splashes of colour to

Lincoln Hall's crazy story has more questions than answers. I mean how on earth can you survive in the death zone of Everest after your colleagues leave you for dead overnight. When he was discovered, he was stranded on the mountain with minimal clothing as a result of cerebral oedema impairing his cognitive abilities. Despite his extensive experience as a climber and mountaineer, he suffered severe mountain sickness. His survival was made possible by the combined efforts of two teams, one of which included a man who selflessly abandoned his own summit attempt, a group of sherpas who risked their lives to rescue him, an expert doctor who was on site, and several months of necessary aftercare. The blackened areas on his fingertips are the result of severe frostbite that caused major tissue damage, ultimately leading to the loss of those fingertips. Lincoln Ross Hall OAM (19 December 1955 – 20 March 2012) was an experienced Australian mountain climber, adventurer, and writer. In 1984, he was part of the first Australian team to climb Mount Everest, where they created a new route. He successfully reached the summit of the mountain in 2006 on his second attempt, even surviving a night at 8,700 m (28,543 ft) on the descent after being left for dead. Lincoln Hall passed away in Sydney at the age of 56. Lincoln Hall, a writer of seven books, a founding member of the Australian Himalayan Foundation, and a speaker who shared his climbing adventures worldwide was acknowledged in 1987 with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to mountaineering. In 2010, he was honoured with the Australian Geographic Society's Lifetime of Adventure award. He was also a life member of the Australian National University Mountaineering Club. Unfortunately, Lincoln Ross Hall passed away at the

Milan Sedlacek was a brave, Czech mountaineer (Milan Sedláček) who always strived to conquer the mighty. His birthdate was October 1, 1961. Milan had a deep love for mountains and was truly captivated by their beauty. His enthusiasm for mountaineering was contagious, and he enjoyed sharing his love for mountains with others. Climbing mountains was not just a hobby for Milan, but a way to express his devotion and admiration for these natural wonders. He truly lived for his passion and even died pursuing it. When heading for the summit of Lhotse, chances are you might stumble upon the body of the Czech climber just below the peak. He made several failed attempts to summit K2 in 2005 and 2007, facing immense challenges and dangers along the way. Undeterred by these setbacks, his determination only grew stronger. In 2010, fueled by his passion and unwavering spirit, he embarked on a courageous journey to conquer Lhotse, a formidable mountain standing tall and proud. As he ascended, the air thinning and the conditions becoming increasingly treacherous, he pushed his limits to the extreme in pursuit of his lifelong dream. It was on that arduous expedition that he reached a breathtaking altitude of 7,800 meters, standing on the edge of euphoria and triumph. The sight from that towering height was both awe-inspiring and humbling, as he gazed upon nature's majestic beauty beneath him. The world seemed to shrink, as if he had conquered more than just the mountain itself. However, fate had a different plan in store for him, one filled with heart-wrenching tragedy. During the descent of Lhotse in 2012, a formidable challenge that demanded every ounce of his being, he met with an unforeseen and devastating turn of events. In a twist of cruel fate, he tragically lost his life, leaving

Tenzing Norgay GM OSN, was and still is one of the most popular people around the Himalayas. Recognized as the fist sherpa to summit Mount Everest, he is also known as Sherpa Tenzing and was a Nepalese-Indian Sherpa mountaineer born Namgyal Wangdi. He was part of the first pair of individuals confirmed to have reached the peak of Mount Everest, accomplishing this feat alongside Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. Norgay was recognized by Time as one of the 100 most influential individuals of the 20th century. On May 28, 1953, two men found themselves at the summit of Mount Everest, standing 29,031 feet above sea level, where they became the first people to reach this historic milestone. Tenzing Norgay, with his warm smile, embraced Edmund Hillary, a farmer from New Zealand, as they took in the breathtaking views on the ridge. This mountain is revered by Tibetans and Sherpas as Chomolungma, or "Mother Goddess of the Earth," and known as Mount Everest to the former British empire. Following the expedition, both men were hailed as heroes. While Hillary received more recognition, it is worth noting that Norgay had made five previous attempts to climb Everest and his extensive knowledge was crucial to their success. The vertical rock just below the summit is now known as the Hillary Step, in honour of Hillary. In 1995, Hillary was knighted as a Knight of the Garter, while Norgay received the lower-ranked George Medal. Many aspects of Norgay's life remained a mystery until after his death. Although he spoke six languages, he was illiterate and his autobiography, "Tiger of the Snows," was heavily edited by a ghost-writer. While the book suggests Norgay was born in Nepal, later accounts suggest he was actually from Tibet. It is speculated that Norgay may have obscured his