You have checked and double checked your kit. Packed and repacked. Made friends with your new hiking boots, invested in some serious technical clothing, caught your flight and are on your way. Out of the plane window, as you fly across the border between Kenya and Tanzania, Uhuru Peak (the highest point of Kilimanjaro) can be seen penetrating upwards through the clouds just below, this is when the butterflies go into overdrive.
(The Lava Tower with Kibo looming in the distance).
THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME
In less than 24 hours you will be starting your climb of the highest mountain in Africa. This is heroic stuff. Everyone will have their own reasons for attempting the climb but the mantra of “if it doesn’t challenge you – it doesn’t change you” rings true.
For many this is when the reality starts to kick in and if you have done the right mental and physical preparation you will be feeling a lot more comfortable about what lies ahead than if you are approaching this with optimism rather than realism. The buzz of adrenaline should be savoured not feared.
(Your expert team of porters and guides prepare their bags and equipment at the start of the trail head).
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRENGTH
A good level of physical fitness is an obvious advantage and whilst the climb doesn’t reach overly technical levels, you need to know that your legs are strong enough to be walking for up to 7 hours a day, much of it on uneven or loose rock. If you have confidence in your own physical abilities then you are just dependent on your mental strength and the will to succeed. The good news is that the rewards are instant throughout the climb, the scenery changes, the vegetation thins and with every step you are closing in on your goal of making it to the summit.
(Clients savouring the incredible views of the plains of both Kenya and Tanzania below).
HOW WE HELP YOU TO SUCCESS
On our 'Luxury Kilimanjaro, Promotional Offer' climb as featured here: Luxury Kilimanjaro Promotional Offer, Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions have selected the Grand Traverse Route for you. This not only gives you maximum time to adjust to the altitude for you but also takes in the most scenic sections of each of the other routes. Climbing success rate is massively linked to the number of nights you spend on the climb and with 7 nights on Kilimanjaro you not only get the most out of your experience but also the greatest possible chance of summiting.
Your guides are crucial in helping you with this and are hugely experienced – listen to their advice – they want you to succeed as much as you do. In the next article we will look at what we have done behind the scenes to help you succeed and what goes into making a successful ascent. The logistics for a supported climb are incredible with Sandgrouse – you are in the right hands.
Dream of climbing Kili? If you would like to speak to one of our travel expert about your Kilimanjaro ambitions please call us on: 0131 662 4731 or email enquiries@sandgrousetravel.com
(Signing in - a various rangers huts throughout the trek you are required to sign in, helping part authorities track activity on the mountain and your whereabouts and safety).
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