Leave No Trace is an ethics code that outdoor enthusiasts must follow when spending time in nature. This principle applies to any place visited, regardless of whether the wilderness or not. However, it also has social implications on the people who call these wildernesses home. To leave no trace, one should plan and prepare for their visit by researching the environment, wildlife, and climate. Travel during the shoulder season or off-season to minimize the impact on a place and understand the people who live there. Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, is home to some of the oldest lichen in the world, which is fragile and takes hundreds of years to grow. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, such as trails, sidewalks, or roads, to avoid erosion and contamination of water systems. Camp away from water sources, especially rivers and streams, and walk single file to minimize new damage and preserve the trail. Dispose of waste properly, packing it in and out, as this is the literal translation of Leave No Trace. Instead of burning trash and pooping on lawns, consider digging holes and taking toilet paper with you. This will help preserve the aesthetics and purity of a campsite and prevent the spread of waste. Leaving no trace in nature is essential for everyday travellers and hikers. By planning ahead, researching the environment, travelling in the shoulder season or off-season, understanding the people, and disposing of waste properly, one can leave a lasting impact on the environment and the people who call these wildernesses home. Leave No Trace is a simple and effective way to practice environmental conservation. Instead of dumping leftovers in lakes or glacial rivers, wash dishes on land away from the water source and scatter the dirty water. This is an easy and effective way to leave no
Leave No Trace is an ethics code that outdoor enthusiasts must follow when spending time in nature. This principle applies to any place visited, regardless of whether the wilderness or not. However, it also has social implications on the people who call these wildernesses home. To leave no trace, one should plan and prepare for
As you prepare for your epic journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, ensuring you have the right snacks is just as important as having the necessary equipment, a valid visa, and proper training. While drinking plenty of water remains crucial during your ascent, having energy-boosting snacks on hand can provide the necessary fuel to keep you going amidst the challenging terrain and altitude. So, what snacks should you bring for the journey up Kilimanjaro? Here's your ultimate guide to selecting the best snacks for this adventure of a lifetime. After purchasing gear and obtaining a visa, the next step is to buy snacks for the Kilimanjaro climb. While drinking enough water is crucial, it's essential to bring snacks for energy and to maintain a healthy diet. Packet lunches provided by trekking companies are adequate, but they may not satisfy your hunger. As you'll be using a lot of calories daily, especially at altitude, you need more than just white bread to sustain your energy. Snacks supplement lunches, compensate for unappetizing breakfasts and dinners, and provide a sense of familiarity in a foreign environment. Altitude sickness can be mitigated by maintaining a balanced diet. Staying hydrated is crucial, but the foods you eat should complement that. Complex carbohydrates and hydration are essential for quick energy replacement. Carbs, sugar, and water should be consumed throughout the day, but avoid excessively fatty foods or dehydrating substances consumed in one sitting. There's more to consider on diet at altitude, but these are the key points to remember. Why Bring Snacks for Kilimanjaro? While trekking firms provide meals, including lunch, dinner, and breakfast, the packed meals may not always be sufficient to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Given the rigorous physical activity and higher calorie burn at altitude, bringing your own snacks serves as
As you prepare for your epic journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, ensuring you have the right snacks is just as important as having the necessary equipment, a valid visa, and proper training. While drinking plenty of water remains crucial during your ascent, having energy-boosting snacks on hand can provide the necessary fuel to keep you
On reaching the death zone on the highest mountain on planet earth, Mount Everest, your body responds differently to the harsh conditions that come with reaching abnormally high altitudes on the mountain. The "Death Zone" on Mount Everest refers to altitudes above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), where the oxygen levels are extremely low, posing significant challenges to climbers. At such high elevations, the human body struggles to function properly due to the thin air, leading to a range of life-threatening conditions. What is the Death Zone? Some elevations on the tallest peaks in the globe are so high that the human body is unable to operate effectively for a lengthy period. The term "death zone" refers to the extreme elevation that may be found at elevations that are higher than roughly 8,000 meters (26,247 ft). Mountaineers face problems that might potentially endanger their lives, and it is one of the settings that is considered to be among the most harmful on our planet. In the absence of any external support systems, it is difficult for humans to maintain life in this environment. In this post, we will investigate the many elements that contribute to the severe circumstances that are typically seen in the death zone. Oxygen Concentrations in the Death Zone There exists a direct relationship between the amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere and the air pressure. Even though air contains 21% oxygen at all altitudes, the oxygen molecules can decompress and spread out to a greater extent at higher altitudes due to the lower air pressure. "Thin air" is a term that describes this phenomenon. To put that into perspective, the air pressure at the peak of Mount Everest is just approximately one-third of what it is at sea level. As a consequence, the amount of oxygen
On reaching the death zone on the highest mountain on planet earth, Mount Everest, your body responds differently to the harsh conditions that come with reaching abnormally high altitudes on the mountain. The “Death Zone” on Mount Everest refers to altitudes above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), where the oxygen levels are extremely low, posing significant
The Lemosho Route stands as one of the most picturesque and diverse trails for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. Its popularity stems from its scenic beauty, varied terrain, and high success rates. When embarking on this journey, trekkers are faced with the decision between the 7-day and 8-day itineraries, each offering unique advantages and challenges. The main difference between these two variations lies in the number of days spent on the mountain, the pricing, and that extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp on the seventh day of the 8-day trek. Click here to see what Karanga Camp looks like. Tranquil Kilimanjaro always advises our clients and anybody wishing to climb Kilimanjaro to opt for the 8-day variation, meaning an 8-day climb can have a 90% or greater summit success rate. For each day you subtract from your itinerary, the summit success rate drops by 20%. So for a 7-day climb, your success rate would be around 70%. Lemosho Route Overview The Lemosho Route spans approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) in length, meandering through lush rainforests, expansive moorlands, and rugged alpine deserts. Its gradual ascent profile allows for optimal acclimatization, enhancing the chances of a successful summit bid. The route is renowned for its stunning vistas, including panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and glimpses of Kilimanjaro's iconic glaciers. In terms of difficulty, both the 7-day and 8-day itineraries are considered challenging due to the high altitude and variable weather conditions. However, the gradual ascent of the Lemosho Route provides trekkers with ample time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of altitude-related complications. Read more about the Lemosho Route The 7 Days Lemosho Route Trek The 7-day Lemosho Route itinerary is designed for those seeking a slightly more expedited trekking experience. It typically follows the following breakdown: Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport,
The Lemosho Route stands as one of the most picturesque and diverse trails for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. Its popularity stems from its scenic beauty, varied terrain, and high success rates. When embarking on this journey, trekkers are faced with the decision between the 7-day and 8-day itineraries, each offering unique advantages and challenges. The main
The first ascent of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa is attributed to Halford Mackinder (1861–1947), who was very well industrious in school during the Edwardian era, also commonly known as the "father of modern British geography." But he was also famous in his time for being the first person to successfully climb Mount Kenya. It took him three months of hard work, but he reached the top of this huge African mountain. In fact, this accomplishment is still hotly discussed among biographers of the person because of the strange events that led to its happy ending. About 150 kilometres northeast of Nairobi is Mount Kenya, which is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. It is more than 5,000 metres high and has 11 small glaciers on top of its peak. In 1849, German missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf was the first person from Europe to see it. He was exploring the area to find the source of the White Nile. Thirty-four years later, a British mission led by Joseph Thomson tried to climb the mountain but failed because the Kikuyu tribes in the area were hostile. This disappointing outcome did not happen again in 1887, when a second mission led by the handsome Hungarian Count Samuel Teleki reached an elevation of about 4,350 metres on the southwest slopes and gathered useful information about the plants and animals that lived there. But European explorers didn't reach the peak until the summer of 1899, when Mackinder and his team arrived in Mombasa with the clear goal of climbing Mount Kenya for political and scientific reasons. In fact, the expedition was probably meant to make a political statement against the rise of German power in East Africa at the time. The goal was to boost British imperial prestige in this
The first ascent of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa is attributed to Halford Mackinder (1861–1947), who was very well industrious in school during the Edwardian era, also commonly known as the “father of modern British geography.” But he was also famous in his time for being the first person to successfully climb