| Hiking is among the most enjoyable hobbies or | | | | about 25 pounds worth. Don't skimp or leave out |
| activities that we can undertake, particularly hiking in | | | | needed equipment. One thing you will absolutely want |
| areas of great natural beauty. Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro is a | | | | to be sure that you have along with you will be |
| breath taking experience, with so many different | | | | portable water filters or hiking water filters. These are |
| environments seen during the walk. | | | | relatively light weight and you don't want to be caught |
| At nearly 19,500 feet (the actual height is about 19,300 | | | | without one. Carrying enough water to sustain yourself |
| and a few odd feet) Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow | | | | on the trip is going to be difficult at best. A portable |
| covered peaks, is the highest peak in Africa. It is one | | | | water filter, or hiking water filter will lessen the load and |
| of the most amazing walks in the world. You will | | | | keep you safe by filtering out any type of |
| traverse five different climates as you travel upward | | | | micro-organism, even viruses. |
| toward the peak. Each climate, each aspect of the | | | | *Good quality hiking boots are an absolute must. Never |
| hike, affords you different challenges to meet as you | | | | wear new boots that aren't broken in. Get yourself in |
| climb upward. | | | | reasonable physical shape and break in the boots at |
| To reach that peak, quite appropriately called the Roof | | | | the same time, but wearing hiking boots that are new |
| of Africa, in reasonably good health, there are a few | | | | is going to mean that you're not as comfortable as |
| things that you're going to need to take with you along | | | | possible. With a trip of this length and height, that is not |
| the way. Planning ahead for a trip of this level is, of | | | | an option. Hike a few smaller peaks while you wait for |
| course, only common sense. What are you going to | | | | your trip, take your dog for excessively long walks, or |
| need to organize? | | | | even just stair climb with them, but whatever you do, |
| *You many not climb Mt Kilimanjaro without a guide or | | | | make sure your boots are well worn in. |
| without an organized trek, and by following the | | | | *Don't forget a camera, but make it a good quality one. |
| established paths. Find a good guide and group. Some | | | | Cameras often don't react well to high altitude or low |
| will be far less costly, but may not be as experienced | | | | temperatures. Make sure that yours is well rated so |
| as they should be and not well able to handle | | | | that your gorgeous photos of you at the peak aren't |
| emergencies. Choose wisely. | | | | lost to a camera failure. |
| **Test your limits. You will need to know how your | | | | Just as you would with any other trip, don't try to rush |
| body will react to the altitudes that you're going to | | | | it, and get in decent physical shape. Make sure that |
| travel. Hike to a few peaks prior to heading out to | | | | you're fit enough to handle the trip. Get out and get |
| Kilimanjaro if you can and see how you react to high | | | | moving well before your trip comes up, and pace |
| altitudes. If necessary see a physician to get | | | | yourself on the way up. If you follow common sense |
| medication to prevent altitude sickness. | | | | rules for hiking, you'll be sure to end up standing at the |
| * Pack very well for your trip. Usually your porter will | | | | peak smiling down at the rest of the world. |
| carry part of your gear. Probably the porter will carry | | | | |