Category: Mount Kilimanjaro

Natural forces are continually modifying the globe we call home, sculpting much of the earth's surface through volcanic eruptions like recently on Ol Doinyo Lengai and increasingly controlling our modern way of life through weather patterns. A Perfect Planet, a new five-part BBC series that pioneers a departure from conventional natural history documentary-making, examines these powerhouses and how various species have adapted to meet their needs. The programs, which are narrated by Sir David Attenborough, cover the ocean, the sun, the weather, the eruptions of volcanoes, and possibly the most potent force of nature in modern times: people. Each episode contains stark climate change warnings, but there are also many vibrant animal sequences with characters who are so strange and lovely that they promise to win our hearts. Learn about some of our favorites and how to see them in person. Lesser Flamingos of Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai Flamingo chicks running over Tanzania's Lake Natron's caustic soda flats is one of television's most spectacular sequences, according to Sir David Attenborough, and it will live on in the memory of viewers forever. The lake, which is located beneath Tanzania's most active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, has a PH level that is approximately identical to home bleach, which deters most predators. However, adults won't lay eggs until the lake's center has dried up, which might happen just once every five years, making it one of nature's most seldom sights. According to photographer Matt Aeberhard, "Up until quite recently, more people had landed on the surface of the moon than had stood among the flamingos in the center of the Rift Valley." Colorful cuttlefish This little muck dweller, which is less than 5 cm long but has a large height, is well-known for being one of the ocean's most colorful creatures.

A reality television program on the Discovery Channel called Everest: Beyond the Limit follows New Zealander Russell Brice's annual efforts to scale Mount Everest. When climbers reach Everest Base Camp, they rapidly realize how dangerous the peak is. As they make their way to Advance Base Camp, they are astonished to learn how poorly their bodies and brains function. A cameraman passes out from severe stomach ache. An Indian expedition participant passes out from severe mountain sickness. Terry, the expedition doctor, will be in charge of organizing a comprehensive rescue operation. A 17-member production team followed 11 climbers, three guides, and a group of Sherpas up the mountain in April and May 2006 for the inaugural season. The six-part series from the first season featured the ascent of double-amputee Mark Inglis and a few images of British climber David Sharp, who perished in the endeavor. Sherpa helmet-mounted cameras and high-altitude equipment were used to shoot the series. In spite of Jensen's initial resistance to using oxygen and rider Tim Medvetz's unintentional fall and hand injury in the second season, they both managed to summit. When a piton fastened to a rock pass broke free, throwing Jensen fifteen feet off the hill, he almost perished while descending. With a cell phone battery tied to his chest, Rod Baber ascended before Medvetz and used it to call his family from the top. Millionaire David Tait made the first attempt at climbing Everest in reverse, ascending from the north side, descending from the south, and then returning. Tait arrived at the base on the south side but decided against carrying out his plan since he had fallen behind Phurba Tashi. While Katsusuke Yanagisawa, at the age of 71, became the oldest person to climb Everest as of 2007, Fred Ziel succeeded in reaching

In Tanzania, efforts are still ongoing to put out a fire that has erupted on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest summit. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) and local residents have been battling the flames since it started on Sunday. The height, as well as high winds and dry weather, have impeded their efforts, causing the fire to grow quickly. Kilimanjaro reaches a height of about 6,000 meters (20,000 ft). It is climbed by around 50,000 visitors each year. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. However, it's possible that the fire started as a result of a fire used to prepare meals for tourists. "It appears the fire that was started to cook food... burned the dry foliage in the region and spread swiftly," Tanapa spokesperson Pascal Shelutete told Tanzanian publication Mwananchi. Mr Shelutete said the fire originated in the Whona region, which serves as a rest stop for climbers on two of the mountain's several routes. Tanapa shared photos on Twitter that show the intensity of the fire and its aftermath. 264 students from the College of African Wildlife Management (MWEKA), which is located near the mountain, have been dispatched to assist in the firefighting and distribution of supplies to firemen. In a statement, the parks administration claimed it had taken "every precaution to ensure that the fire does not endanger the lives of guests, equipment, porters, or tour guides." The 5,895m (19,341ft) high Mount Kilimanjaro is a famous tourist attraction, with tens of thousands of people climbing it each year. Tanzania sends a helicopter to help put out flames. Meanwhile, State Aviation, a helicopter firm, has volunteered its helicopter to assist in the damage assessment. Tanzania announced on Thursday that it has dispatched a helicopter to help put out a fire that had been

Having reached the base camp for your summit attempt you now need to prepare for your summit attempt. You are going to be starting your climb just after midnight so there are three key things you need to do: try and get as much rest as you can, even if you cannot sleep because it is too early to get into your sleeping bag and relax. It is going to be a tough long night try to eat as much as you can and stock up with energy early in the evening. You will have breakfast when you are woken but not many people feel like eating at 12.30 am, shortly after midnight get all your kit ready and prepared for the next morning so that you do not mistakenly leave anything. Ensure your head torch is working and that you have packed any snacks you are planning to take. It is much easier to plan and pack your daysack the night before rather than just after midnight When you are woken you will be offered breakfast and you should try to eat. At the very least try and get as many hot drinks into you as possible. Related: Summitting Kilimanjaro at night, everything you need to know As you start to climb keep remembering these key points this climb is a tortoise challenge- if you can keep plodding however slowly you will make it. If you try to go too fast you will burn out and increase the risk of being ill with altitude sickness keep drinking as much as you can- cold dry air is incredibly dehydrating and if you do not keep well hydrated this weakens you faster than anything. make sure you adjust your layering of clothes to keep your temperature comfortable- being hot saps more