Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s iconic sights, and, as with any mountain, it provokes the desire to climb it, especially as such a climb places you at the highest peak of Africa, at a height of 5895 m. Known as 'The Roof of Africa', Mount Kenya offers serious climbers the opportunity to scale Africa's second highest peak, whilst also remaining within the scope of the merely energetic.
On either mountain, although reaching the summit involves trekking, rather than true climbing, do not take such an endeavour lightly. Strict acclimatisation to the altitude is vital, and many people just can’t make it, due to experiencing altitude sickness.
A climb like this needs to be undertaken as part of a seriously guided expedition, and not just entered into solo. AfricaAway will be pleased to provide further details of how to go about this - using a trusted and reputable guide company.
One of the activities that distinguishes Zambia – our African safari destination of choice – from most other countries, is the facility for taking to your feet in the bush, on a walking safari, accompanied only by your guide and an armed scout. However, under Kenyan National Park rules, this is not possible in most Kenyan destinations, although there are some locations in which this can be done – ask for details.
In principle you don't get quite as close to big game as you would in a vehicle (although in practice it can turn out to be just the opposite!), but you also get the opportunity to study things - such as insects, trees, droppings and spoor - that you normally never observe from a vehicle.
Walking safaris are not particularly strenuous - you will be stopping frequently to observe the fascinating details of the bush so the pace is not brisk by any means, but you will be travelling over rough terrain. Walks tend to last for 3 to 4 hours with a mid-walk break, setting off early in the morning and arriving back at your lodge or campsite at around 10 or 11 in the morning to avoid walking during the hot midday sun. [cont.]
