I am in my final days of preparation with a departure date of August 3^rd.  There have been a lot of questions about the various climate zones and how you prepare for the different temperatures. They say a Kilimanjaro climb is like traveling from the equator to the North Pole. That’s because Kilimanjaro is so massive it contains five distinct climate zones. We will pass through each of them on the way to the summit.

Our trip starts in the RAINFOREST (6,000′ – 9,200′) where it is warm, humid, and lush year-round. This section of the mountain is home to rare species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth! Our next stop is at the HEATH (9,200′ – 11,000′). Sparser and drier than the forest, the heath includes bearded lichen hanging from the trees. We move on to the MOORELAND (11,000′ – 13,200′). The moorland is home to unique vegetation, such as the alien-looking giant groundsels that tower overhead. Our next challenge is in the ALPINE DESERT (13,200′ – 16,000′). Cold and dry, the alpine desert’s windswept, rocky landscapes have often been compared to the surface of the moon. Anybody that knows me will understand that this next area will be my most challenging. It is rightfully called the ARCTIC (16,000’+). Near the summit, Kilimanjaro transforms into a frozen world of glittering ice and snow. You’ll feel like an Arctic explorer on your last steps to Uhuru Peak!

There are weight limits that total only 43 lbs. for your duffel and backpack. This includes everything including sleeping bag, clothes, layers, jackets and personal items. I was warned to not skimp on my cold weather gear as it is cold in the camp and on the trail, so I made preparations to add a few more cold weather items like fleece linings and more layers.

I am prepared for climate as these changes can only have an impact on my external being. I am focused on controlling my internal temperature. It is the way to meet life challenges by working on them from the inside out. I have enough of everything to withstand the changes in life’s hot and cold moments.

I am very excited about what lies ahead and all that I will experience. I look forward to sharing with all of you this experience and the changes I anticipate. I encourage you to take on a challenge this year that can mold and shape you into a new person. Set aside your fear of failure and go toward the things in life that make you whole and connect you to your greater self.  I am learning that each and every day we must work toward something that seems so far away that your mind tells you can’t ever achieve that thing. And I submit to you that is the very thing that you should seek. Live for the challenge, no matter how large or small, to stretch beyond yourself imposed limitations.

A Dose of Truth: “Climates change but you really don’t.”