Kili climb then safari? or vice versa?
Oct 28th, 2006, 05:53 PM
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Kili climb then safari? or vice versa?
Hi
First time posting here on Fodors, but have read through a lot of threads.
I'm going with a group of friends to Tanzania next year: planning to climb Kilimanjaro (6 days) and go on a 6-7 day safari.
I see in most of the suggested itineraries that they do Kilimanjaro first, followed by the safari. However, I would rather do the safari first (and get acclimated to the weather/5,000 feet altitude/over jet lag) before climbing Kili.
Is there a physical reason why it's usually suggested to do the climb first, followed by the safari?
First time posting here on Fodors, but have read through a lot of threads.
I'm going with a group of friends to Tanzania next year: planning to climb Kilimanjaro (6 days) and go on a 6-7 day safari.
I see in most of the suggested itineraries that they do Kilimanjaro first, followed by the safari. However, I would rather do the safari first (and get acclimated to the weather/5,000 feet altitude/over jet lag) before climbing Kili.
Is there a physical reason why it's usually suggested to do the climb first, followed by the safari?
Oct 28th, 2006, 06:50 PM
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Safaris tend to be very sedentary - lots of driving around on game drives or eating far too much back at the lodges. Add the travel time it usually takes to get to Tanzania and pre-departure panic, and you're out over a week of training.
I definitely recommend doing the climb first. I spent two nights at a hotel before beginning my climb, and that was enough acclimitization for me in terms of getting used to the weather/environment/food. It was also helpful for others in my group who had their luggage delayed.
So, schedule a couple of nights before beginning your climb, but I'd do it before the safari simply to take advantage of your body being at peak fitness.
I definitely recommend doing the climb first. I spent two nights at a hotel before beginning my climb, and that was enough acclimitization for me in terms of getting used to the weather/environment/food. It was also helpful for others in my group who had their luggage delayed.
So, schedule a couple of nights before beginning your climb, but I'd do it before the safari simply to take advantage of your body being at peak fitness.
Oct 29th, 2006, 04:15 AM
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We did the Mara first for 5 nights and then the Kili climb. I'm not sure it is imperitive to do the safari first as long as you give yourself a few days to acclimatize before your climb but having 5 nights at over 5000' definitely was an advantage with the altitude when we did climb. We also went on safari after the climb as well when we continued to Namibia, so you could do additonal wildlife viewing afterwards as well. If you train properly then the 5-7 days of relative inactivity will not be a problem however I would avod alcohol for 48 hrs prior to the climb to avoid any chance of dehydration.
Regards,
Eric
Regards,
Eric
Oct 29th, 2006, 05:12 AM
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Not a climber, but for whatever preparation those planning a Kili climb do prior arrival and being psyched for this adventure, they prefer to get it done and then relax on safari.
As mentioned, safari is rather sedentary even when bouncing around the roads. For those who have a choice of safari/cruise or cruise/safari - the safari comes first so you can relax afterwards on the ship.
On the climb, the first day or so on are easy enough; there should be an aclimitazation day built-in once you reach higher on the mountain.
On arrival, I'd take at least day to relax from the long flight (possible lost of delayed luggage) then commence climb; a week later, do the safari.
Just my 2-cents.
As mentioned, safari is rather sedentary even when bouncing around the roads. For those who have a choice of safari/cruise or cruise/safari - the safari comes first so you can relax afterwards on the ship.
On the climb, the first day or so on are easy enough; there should be an aclimitazation day built-in once you reach higher on the mountain.
On arrival, I'd take at least day to relax from the long flight (possible lost of delayed luggage) then commence climb; a week later, do the safari.
Just my 2-cents.
Oct 29th, 2006, 06:14 AM
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Ditto Sandi's comments.
In my professional opinion there are no physical reasons to climb first or safari first. Either way works equally good. Most people develop altitude-related problems above 12,000ft although some symptoms can start as low as 6000ft.
You will not reach 12,000ft on safari anyway.
There are mental reasons to get the hard thing out of the way first. Other than that, do what works best for your group.
You may want to avoid flying home on the same day you descend down the mountain. An upset stomach is a common climbing aftereffect and it's no fun in a middle seat on a 9-hour plane ride - ask me!
In my professional opinion there are no physical reasons to climb first or safari first. Either way works equally good. Most people develop altitude-related problems above 12,000ft although some symptoms can start as low as 6000ft.
You will not reach 12,000ft on safari anyway.
There are mental reasons to get the hard thing out of the way first. Other than that, do what works best for your group.
You may want to avoid flying home on the same day you descend down the mountain. An upset stomach is a common climbing aftereffect and it's no fun in a middle seat on a 9-hour plane ride - ask me!
