50 years old and up a mountain!

January 17, 2006 1:10 PM

Big FiveOH! is approaching...

and I want to do something (obviously) special. For a long time now I've been enamoured with the idea of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I've spent a lot of time in the Developing World in general, and Africa specifically, so I know what that part of the world is all about, but has anyone on MeFi done this?

I've Googled about and have engaged in email with folks that claim they can provide a service, help me up the summit, etc., but, as always, first hand accounts, tips, guides, directions from this audience are very, very highly prized.

So how about it?

posted by Mutant to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

Best answer: Pretty quiet so I'll offer what little I can. I've summited a couple of fourteeners, though no technical climbing was involved. Here's what I've learned.

The altitude will get to you, moreso at 19,000+ ft. Be prepared to go slow.

You will need more water than you think. It's dry up there.

GPS will help you find your car. It's easy to find the summit from the base. It's hard to find the car from the summit.

Do not wear new boots. Break them in a month ahead of time.

Bring extra socks. When feet get tired, a pair of fresh socks help a great deal.

I hope you find the info you need. I'm jealous.
posted by kc0dxh at 3:01 PM on January 17, 2006

Wow! Congratulations on the upcoming birthday - have fun making one of your dreams come true. (sorry no advice about climbing the Mount)
posted by LadyBonita at 6:05 PM on January 17, 2006

Suggest you start with a fourteener here in the U.S., such as Mt. Rainier. A lot of bad stuff can happen at altitude, and it would be a good idea to be in the good ole' U.S. of A if it does. Master that first, then tackle Kilimanjaro. I mean, you're almost 50, but you'll live to be 100. Plenty of time. ;-)
posted by frogan at 9:47 PM on January 17, 2006