Safari-goers enjoy mountain climbing in East Africa, especially Tanzania and Kenya since they host the highest and second highest mountains in Africa respectively. Climbing to the top of either Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya reveals such welcoming and serene scenery. This makes mountain climbing in East Africa an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Although mountain climbing is perceived as a fun activity, it is quite a challenging and one might not even enjoy it let alone finish the climb. However, this article provides you with 10 mountain climbing safari success tips. With these tips at your fingertips, you are set for a successful mountain climbing safari.
- Equip yourself properly
An integral part of preparing for a successful mountain climbing safari is to make arrangements of having your checklist in your survival backpack.
- Physical fitness
Mountain climbing is largely a technical undertaking and you are bound to experience physical strains as you progress on your ascent to the peak. It is critical that you prepare for physical challenges as your body will likely become easily and quickly fatigued if you are not used to daily physical exercise. The ideal approach to physical preparation is to take on a fitness training program before the onset of your mount climbing adventure.
- Mental preparation
Apart from having a complete checklist packed into your survival backpack, having a positive mindset is crucial for a successful mountain climbing safari. Set your mind to a positive outcome, but have room for challenges and different scenarios during your mountain climbing endeavors. It is very likely that there are going to be scenarios you have not anticipated. Be mentally prepared to tackle them by positively being flexible to a progressive course of action.
- Buy travel insurance
A mountain climbing safari will subject you to both physical and mental strains. In additional, you will be under different pressure levels than you are used to. You will also be under unusual atmosphere, which might make you sick. It is, therefore, important to buy adequate insurance cover for your safari such that you have medical attention within reach just in case you need it.
- Hire a guide
Mount climbing can be hazardous and it is best to have a safari guide who can guide you during your safari. A professional guide will also ensure that you do not run into risky grounds or wildlife especially if you are not familiar with the environs of the mountain you are climbing.
- Carry proper clothing
Mountain climbing demands a specific gear for you to comfortably make it to the summit. There are essential pieces of clothes you need to protect your body from injury and probable strains. Bring with you a waterproof, sturdy pair of trekking boots. Other essential pieces include a head protection gear, a rain coat, sun protection cream, sunglasses, and ski-pole. Lastly bring an outer jacket to protect you from the sun, snow, wind and cold. For hiking on the lower slopes, add T-shirts, shorts, and sweaters to your collection.
- Hydrate
A lot of people do not realize how important it is to drink enough water. Carry a water bottle with you and hydrate often as you climb up the mountain. This is important your body dehydrates faster as you reach high altitudes. Keep your daily water consumption at around 5 liters per day during the climb.
- Slow and steady
It is quite useful to check your speed. Do not attempt to climb the mountain in the shortest time possible. Instead, go slow and rest frequently to steady. Going up any mountain requires you to acclimatize to the lower levels of oxygen. Thus, slowing down will help you maintain your stamina and avoid physical exhaustion before you reach the summit.
- Avoid direct sunlight rays
You should be aware that the higher the altitude, the lower the protection against Ultra Violet rays. The UV rays are brutal and a health hazard. Therefore, avoid being sunburned or being exposed to the sun’s radiation by applying a block of sunscreen as well as wearing a protective head gear.
- Eyesight care
For people with contact lenses, it is critical to take off the lenses at night for the eye to absorb oxygen from the air. This is important to your health since high altitude conditions reduce the supply of oxygen in the atmosphere. Furthermore, inadequate oxygen levels are known to cause Corneal Oedema in extreme cases.