Climbing Mount

When you are a hard streak trekker or hiker, then you would certainly like to hike or trek during the cold months, or just go climb a mountain just to prove it to yourself, or just for the heck of it.
You know the hazards of such a trek or hike. You need to be kept warm in those zero or sub zero temperatures, and also protect yourself from the cold especially when you settle down for the night. You can’t afford to have hypothermia, and therefore you have to find a bag that would protect you for the cold. Well, it is here and it is known as the Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bag. And yes, it was designed by persons like you.
This sleeping bag was designed and made by a group of enthusiastic backpackers, who were constrained by the weather. Putting their heads together, they came up with this sleeping bag, and which rightly became and instantaneous hit.
Each bag is made from synthetic and natural down. An ingenous use of Down, which is the technical name for goose feathers, the bag is light to handle, and has a high thermal coefficient for retaining heat. These bags also use synthetics like Polarguard Delta, Termolite extra and hollow filaments of Thermic CF that capture warm air and retain heat. They are also extremely light, and makes the backpackers load very light.
It provides complete protection from the cold, does not allow moisture to gather inside, and above all it seals in the body heat, and does not allow any cold breeze or moisture to enter. Thus, it is temperature proof for the user, and the cold weather outside remains outside.
Mountain Hardware Sleeping Bags use much lesser material than convention bags, and its extra features like insulated draft collar seals body heat from the neckdownwards, insulated draft tube that runs the length to block cold breezes, face marks for sealing in warm air on the face, snag proof zippers, specially cut women’s bags that adapts itself to the proportions of the female. Easy cleaning after use is yet another plus for this bag. Some special instructions and suggestions have been made, and it is recommended that they be followed strictly.
Those who own it, are an elite amonst the trekkers, and it makes a statement about the owner! Such is its popularity, and proclaims that you are a professional hiker or trekker!
The bag is certainly a boon for the trekker in cold weather conditions.

Maasai Mountain of God

Oldonyolengai 2,870mt (9,650ft) to the summit is a spectacular, still active volcano near the edge of the Crater highlands to the north west of Ngongoro and little to the south of LakeNatron.Three hours drive from Arusha town. Although it can be climbed in one very long day it has the reputation of the being the most strenuous and difficult of Tanzanians great peaks to climb. The track up is sand and slippery, and near the summit bare rock is precipitous and exposed. The climber constantly has the filling that he or cold fall, and theirs to stop him until he reaches the plain 6000 ft below. It is not a mountain for the timid. This is a sacred mountain to the Maasai who dwell in the region and the Maasai name, Oldonyoleng, translates as mountain of God. For the decades if not centuries, the Maasai have been climbing it for reasons of worship but is resent years adventures from all over the world have been trying to ascend it for the magnificent experience and view that it offers. In 1917 The great erruption blasted, lava and stones was thrown 25 to 30 miles. This way the surrounding is completely semi derset. In 1926 it was also a mineral erruption. In 1940 the great erruption occured. In 1983 the erruption was minder compared to the past time. Resently this month of April, 2006 Oldonyolengai errupted again and discharged lave and fire which was throwned 5 km near to the Maasai villages. Oldonyolengai which is surrounded by Maasai people grazing their domestic animals sharing pastures with the Wild animals. e.g. giiraffe,zebras, buffaloes etc Apart from all the attractions, Oldonyolengai is very close to LakeNatron where the flamingoes place for breeding.

Are you searching for a safari away from vehicles and their window views? Experience the subtle sounds of the African bush on foot where you smell the fresh aroma of the morning grass on the plains or wander through a mountain valley and beautiful sceneries. Our local tribal guides with intimate knowledge of their surrounding accompany us to ensure we miss nothing. We visit colourful areas of the Maasai villages and get a chance to observe their traditional ways of life. Walking is in a comfortable pace with binoculars and camera close to hand. Our vehicle or pack animals (Donkeys) forge ahead to set up camp and arrange meal stops. Here we pitch tents or fly camp! After a few days walking we proceed for game drives at Maasai Mara national park for gamedrives since walking is not allowed here. Your comfort and security are basic concerns that are primary to the itinerary. Walking safaris directly benefit local people who provide guides and pack animals as well as having a minimal impact on the natural environment. Please find some of our walking safari itineraries that include walk and drive sectors. We would be happy to tailor make /design your safari to meet your budget /requirements.

6 DAYS KENYA WILD PLAINS WALKING SAFARI Drive westward, crossing the expanses of the Great Rift Valley, heading up into the 8,000-foot-high Loita Hills. Hiking and exploring in the Loita Hills notable for the variety of its sceneries, which ranges from rolling hills and dramatic escarpments to expansive plains of open savanna country.

DAY 1: Nairobi – NdararaDepart Nairobi passing through the Great Rift Valley, After descending 2,000 ft. to the valley floor which is studded with volcanic mountains, you begin to see an animal kingdom unrivalled anywhere else in Africa. Masailand is the home of huge herds of plains game. Our route then takes us up onto the Mau Escarpment and through the small trading town of Narok where you stopover for 30 minutes before heading South and winding up into the forested Loita Hills close to the Tanzanian border. You will be dropped at Maji Moto (Kiswahili means hot waters) where a hot spring bubbles out of the earth at the foot of the hills. A relaxing bath is a must as you visit Ndarara Mayatta for lunch. Late in the evening reach Ndarara Camp for Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Ndarara – Letukuyi After breakfast leave Ndarara for Letukunyi, taking you about 5-6 hours walk through the scattered bushes and exploring the beautiful Loita Hills in the Nguruman Escarpment through the forests where you see striking black and white colombus Monkeys. Occasionally we may see leopard or bushbuck as you visit various secret waterholes. There are also a variety of highland birds to view, such as the turaco, parrot, hornbill, starling, sunbird and the birds of prey. Dinner and overnight at Letukunyi Camp.

ay 3: Letukunyi – Morinjo Leave Letukunyi Camp early in the morning for an enjoyable walk before the sun is too hot . Pass through Narosura for lunch or to buy what might be out of stock. After an hour or two in this remote town in Maasai land, proceed to Morijo for dinner and overnight at  Morijo Campsite.

DAY 4: Morinjo – Enkutoto After breakfast, leave Morijo and walk through the forest, few of the remaining true-forested wilderness area in East Africa. The walk will take 5-6 hours across the rolling highlands up to OSupuko, the summit of the Loita Hills (8,660 ft.), with incredible views, before descending to the Camp. This is a favourite roost for velvet monkeys. Walk through the forests and glades in search of bohor reedbuck, East African Eland, Warthog, and the striking black and white Colombus Monkeys. Occasionally we may see Bushbuck as we walk to Enkutoto Campsite.

DAY 5: Enkutoto – Njoroi After breakfast, leave Enkutoto, walking leisurely for 4-5 hours to Njoroi Campsite for dinner and overnight. In the camp enjoy an excellent view of the surrounding area such as lake Magadi, Ngong hills, Lake Natron and all the way to Tanzania border on a clear day. Dinner and overnight at the Njoroi Campsite.

DAY 6: Njoroi – Nguruman – NAIROBI

After breakfast, descend the Escarpment through small farms to Nguruman town for transfer back to Nairobi via Lake Magadi. Ololgesalie prehistoric site which is 40 Km from Nairobi where the Leakey Family discovered axes and tools thought to have been

4 DAYS ABERDARE FOOT WALKThis trek through the Aberdare Mountains is a fascinating walk amongst the exotic flora and fauna found above 2500metres.Views of the Rift Valley are breath taking and the experience is made more memorable by camping above the surrounding forests, occasional encounters with big game such as elephant and buffalo, great bush buck and other antelopes.

The Aberdares (Nyandarua) overlooks the Great Rift Valley and lies on its eastern edge. There are two main peaks, Lesatima to the north and Kinangop to the south. Various species of wildlife inhabit these mountain ranges, hiding in the heavily forested slopes and in the upper moorlands. Walking is always cool with plenty of clear mountain streams. Our walk starts below the bamboo forest, climbing up onto the moorlands. There is always danger walking through the African bush but we do not expect many close encounters with large game. However, our trained and armed gameranger knows the area and the habits of the game. Day 1 – Mweiga Departing our office in the morning., we go north to Mweiga to meet our guide and then up into the forested eastern slopes of the Aberdares ranges where we make camp. Day 2 & 3 – Walking We start our walk. Carry only what you need for the day’s walk, the vehicle will meet us in the moorlands where camp will be made. A short gamedrive if weather permits. Day 4 – Nairobi We depart the moorland camp (10,000ft) and descend by vehicle looking for game on the way. We drop off the guide and head back to Nairobi arriving before late afternoon. Note: Clients should arrange to have good weatherproof clothing and a warm sleeping bag, a water bottle and good walking shoes plus a pair of shoes to wear in camp.

Mountain climbing in Ukraine

In the Crimean peninsula, referred to as the Crimea, is a beautiful place in the summer months, the climate and the amount of sunny days makes this a perfect place for the climbers and nature lovers in general.

The Crimean peninsula occupies an area of around 26,000 sq.km.The nearest international airport is Kiev but a closer international airport is located in Simferopol. There are 30 curative lakes, 120 thermal medical springs, 10,000 historical and cultural monuments in the peninsula.

The Crimea (Krim) attracts mountain bikers, tourists, rock-climbers etc. 3 main ridges are found in the mountains of Crimea. The main one reaches a height of 1545 meters above sea level, the Internal, represented by separate rocky massifs which heights are ranging from 500 to 600 meters above the sea level, and the External with insignificant heights. The Southern coast is known for its mild climate. That is a narrow ground strip between the Main ridge and the Black sea.

There are at least 11 nice climbing sites with fully equipped routes grading from climbing grades 4 to 9a. The most popular sites are situated in the area of Great Yalta, from the Foros to Krasnokamenka. It is therefore convenient to stay in one of hotels in the city of Yalta and do one-day climbings at the various sites. Most of routes are about the climbing grade of 7a. The climate in Crimea allows climbing from April through October months.

Nikita (5 km. from Yalta) is one of the most popular mountain climbing site in Crimea. Thanks to Andrey Vedenmeyer who were the world champion in 1995 for his efforts making the routes in this site. There are about 80 routes grading from 5a to 9a (according to the American grades; 5.9 – 5.14). The majority of the routes are overhanging. Height of the site is 12-25 m. As it is a gorge, one can climb opposite cliffs all the day long. Some of the routes were made by climbers from France. Very often one can meet here World famous climbers in this site.

Nikita is situated nearby Yalta and the fabulous Nikitsky botanical gardens and it is near to the highway, so it is easy to access.

Red Stone (village Krasnokamenka). It takes 20-25 minutes by car to the east of Yalta to reach the climbing site. The nearest villages are Gurzuf and the cliff is situated in the village Krasnokamenka. There are about 100 routes grading from 5a-8c. Often these routes have prolonged problems. It is best to use a 60 meters rope on this site. Shops are rather well equipped and you can buy for every day utilities and food there. There is also a small street market here. Many world famous climbers make a trial in this site as well. The site has a nice scenic aspect as there is a lake at the east side of this rock. It is only 50 minutes walking from the Black sea to the site.

Simeyiz .This is a small resort village in about 15 km. from the city Yalta. There are 2 crags available for rock climbing here.

Koshka (Cat). The mountain limits the area of the village. There are bbout 30 routes grading from 5a-8a. Route height range from 13-27 meters. You will find slab at the beginning, overhangs (niches, cornices) in the above sections. Lots of juniper trees are found at the foot. A 4-pitch route with crux up to 6c+ leading on the top.

Krylo Lebedya (Swan’s wing). 5 minutes on foot from Koshka and you will find more than 30 routes grading from 6a-8a. Route height range from 20-30 meters. The cliff is on the beach. As there are three sectors differently directed, it is possible to climb almost all the day long.

Parus (near vill. Foros). The climbing site Parus is situated to the about 2 km west from Foros, which is around 50 km from Yalta, 15 minutes walking up from the highway going from Sevastopol to Yalta. The cliff looks like a “sail in the ocean of stones”. There are about 30 routes grading from 6b-7c. Near to Chelebi, that is a big wall site. There are some multi-pitch routes (4 pitches) leading to the top (crux up to grade 6c+). This is the real “place of the power”.

Bakhchisarai. There are about 100 bolted rock climbing routes grading from 5A up to 7C in 5 different sectors. And there are up to 20 routes in each sector within 15-25 minutes walking distance between them. Route height is ranging from 8 to 23 m. Lime rocks here are quite young, often overhanging, and resemble much of indoor climbing walls.

Because of the overhangs it is possible to climb even if it rains. The rocks here are not sharp, so it allows holding hands in good condition for other sites.

It is hot here in summer even in the shade at noon. That is why one climbs here in the morning or afternoon. Near to the site there are several shops, a small street market and cafes. One can taste here Tatars and Uzbek cuisine in one of the restaurants. Bakhchisarai is a town well known for its sightseeing: Khans’ Palace, Cave monastery and Cave town. So there is a chance to combine the climbing with some sightseeing as well.

Uarch-Kaya. This is a site, situated between Foros and Simeiz at about 2 km from the highway between Yalta and Sevastopol. The site is near the old road between Yalta and Sevastopol. The location is about 45 km. from Yalta. Uarch-Kaya is a site for rock climbing and multi-pitch climbing. All the routes are well equipped grading from 6a to 8c+. The total number of routes are more than 50.

Sudak. This site is situated in town of Sudak, just opposite the famous Genoese fortress. One can try about 15 routes grading from 6b to 7c. It is a very small site, actually just a crag. Because of rather dry climate in South-East part of Crimea in summer in the Sudak is very hot. Best time for climbing is from September to June.

The Southern coast of Crimean peninsula from cape Aiya, situated near the city called Sevastopol to moutain Ai-Petri raising behind the city of Yalta offers opportunities for multi-pitch climbing. There are also sites found between the cities Alushta and Yalta, and between the cities Simferopol and Alushta and near the city Sudak. Most of routes are not well equipped, so for the ascent one should bring all the gear needed for mountain climbing, such as friends, stoppers, wall nuts, and occationally some skyhooks and so on. There can be found some fully equipped multi-pitch routes with crux grading from 5a to 7b. They imply the use of quickdraws only. All the multi-pitch routes are in limestone.

Sites to visit would be Chelebi, Foros, Uarch-Kaya, Marcheka (El-Cap of Crimea), Shan-Kaya, Ai-Petri, Paragilmen, Angarka, and Sokol (Falcon).