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Everest Base Camp 17,500ft/5,330m
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is caused by the lower concentration of oxygen present in the air at high altitudes. Your Berg Adventures guides are very experienced at altitude and they will help you when you are on scene. To prepare yourself in advance read our five tips for staying healthy and feeling strong when you’re traveling up high!
Terri has been a long time climber of Berg Adventures. Here she is in Bolivia gaining some great mountaineering experience.
My name is Terri Truman and I am a personal trainer and adventure traveller.
My outdoor resume includes multiple summits on Mount Rainier, Kala Patar and Kilimanjaro, and well as summits on Huayna Potosi, Pequeno Alpamayo, Mount Elbrus and Mount Toubkal. On two separate occasions, our groups attempted summit attempts on Aconcagua, only to be forced back to high camp due to weather.
For over 20 years, I’ve trained to participate in new and exciting adventures. Whether it`s playing competitive volleyball, rowing at the World Masters Games or preparing for an upcoming summit bid, training and preparation makes all the difference.
Whether your next destination is hiking through the Altas mountains, acclimatising on Cerro Austria or preparing for your own back country adventure, we can help prepare you physically and mentally for your journey.
We are just in the process of putting up our website, so please stay tuned for more tips.
Terri loves immersing herself in the culture of each place she visit’s. Here she is in Arusha, Tanzania checking out the local markets before her climb of Kilimanjaro.
Half the fun of traveling is the anticipation of the experience. For months or years leading up to your departure, you will have chosen your travel consultant, gathered gear, read about the area, reviewed the maps, chatted with other travellers and confirmed those last minute details.
Primarily, one of the most important aspects contributing to a successful climb will be your physical conditioning. If you are going to participate in an endeavour such as mountaineering, physical training is an essential component to achieving your goal. Strength training not only develops muscular strength, muscular endurance, improves performance, but it can also help muscles recover from the daily physical stress and reduce the risk of injury.
Training can enhance your mountain experience but is not a guarantee for success. It will however increase your chances as summit day approaches. Along with training, don’t forget that stretching is as important as the training itself. If you can, incorporate stretching into your normal routine. It helps balance your muscles and encourage relaxation.
Remember, the summit is only halfway. The goal is to arrive back at camp with a bit of gas left in the tank.
See you in the hills….
– Terri
Terri and fellow climber Margaret on the summit of Mount Elbrus, July 2013
With the year coming to an end Berg Adventures would like to thank you for your continued support. It is because of you, our fellow adventurers, that we strive to create outstanding expeditions. Our goal remains the same: to give you the opportunity to reach your travel and climbing aspirations while fostering cultural awareness and personal growth.
This year has been one to remember. From our team reaching the summit of Mount Everest in May, to successful ascents in Bolivia, climbing Mount Ararat in Turkey and even showers on Kilimanjaro, this has been an amazing year.
This could not have happened without you! Whether you were on Mount Elbrus in Russia, following wildlife migrations in the Serengeti, or viewing our expedition dispatches and supporting our teams from home, thank you!
Check out some of our favorite moments of 2013 through these awesome photos.
Our team made it to the summit of Mount Everest! Here Steve Whittington stands on top of the world.
We travelled with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust to beautiful Patagonia to explore Torres del Paine National Park.
Bill Kuchulis, Bob McCarrick, Roberto Catallo and Dr.Daniel Tabak after reaching the summit of Klimanjaro.
Berg Adventures guide Karina introduced our Mount Elbrus team to her beautiful baby boy Tamerlan!
Dick Morse and Terri Morse – Dale Krapf and Nannette Krapf climbed Kilimanjaro with their friends.
Daniel Branham crossing a ladder on Everest
Berg Adventures travelled to the ancient region of Mustang. The Sellers’ family spent a day visiting the famous “Sky Caves of Nepal”.
Our climbers love to show off their dance moves on Kilimanjaro!
We will never forget our balloon ride over Cappadocia in Turkey.
Sutterlin Spinal Health International’s Klimb 4 Kidz was a complete success! Thanks to Dr. Chet Sutterlin and his family for an amazing charity climb!
Todd Pendleton holds a signed Alice Cooper guitar on the Summit of Everest. He carried the guitar with him to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Joe Coughlin and Martin Davis climbing in Bolivia
Patty Walker and Matt Doty on the summit of Kilimanjaro!
Three longtime friends Gordon Buntain, Chuck Tattrie and Rob Macdonald reached the summit of Mount Elbrus together.
The Sibley’s and Vaughan’s ready to start climbing Mount Ararat.
Friends at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul
Alain Bouthillier during his expedition in Bolivia
Daniel Branham and Katie Ross got engaged along the trail to Everest Base Camp. It was a beautiful moment and we were so happy to be a part of it. We wish you both the best in your life together!
The Dutch team beginning their climb of Mount Ararat
Dr. Daniel Tabak on the cover of ABRALE magazine (The Brazilian Society of Lymphoma and Leukemia) – we will always remember his words of inspiration: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
We were entertained by Vladimir while taking a rest day on Mount Elbrus.
Dutch Team on the summit of Mount Ararat!
Berg Adventures introduced our own shower facility for our Kilimanjaro climbers!
The Janmohamed family, Josh Lannon and Jason Funk at Uhuru Peak, after dancing their way to the summit of Kilimanjaro!
Our third group of Ararat climbers excited to reach the summit!
Martin Davis climbing up a glacier in Bolivia
Wildlife photo captured by “Vicious and Delicious” team.
The Sutterlin family celebrates a successful climb in true Berg Adventures style.
Team “Vicious and Delicious” celebrates Greg Pyle’s birthday with cake and a party at 13,000 ft.
Soaking our feet feels great after climbing Mount Ararat!
No matter where we travel, we will always find Wally Berg with a camera in hand, ready to capture the next great moment!
Woodie Vaughan and his granddaughter Mathes with Mount Ararat
Thanks again. Let’s make 2014 another outstanding year of adventures!!
Berg Adventures now offers gift certificates – just in time for the holidays! Our gift cards are available in whatever amount you specify, they are transferable and they do not expire. If you wish for your certificate to apply to a specific trip, we can prepare a gift package with all the information the recipients will need to get ready for their trip. We can send certificates and packages to you or directly to your friends and family.
Contact us for details!
Traveling to altitude is an exciting challenge!
Many of Berg Adventures trips feature high altitude climbs and treks. People who are taking their first trip up high often have a lot of questions about what they should expect. Knowing what you will likely experience will help you prepare and alleviate some anxiety you may have about it. Just remember, people travel to, and even live at, high altitudes every day. You will experience some challenges and even discomfort at high altitudes, but your symptoms will subside as you acclimatize and certainly when you head to lower altitudes.
Click here for the full article.
Whether you’re trekking in Patagonia, climbing Everest or going on an African safari, there are a few travel items that you can’t leave home without. Check out our list to make sure you are prepared for your next trip! We even included links to products we like so that you can easily purchase the items you don’t have.
Do you have a travel item that you can’t leave home without? Share it with us on our Facebook page!
Nothing brings people together like shared experiences. Think outside the box and plan your next family reunion abroad for an epic experience you will never forget! Many of our adventure destinations are great for families, but we have a few that are particularly suitable for groups with a range in physical fitness levels, stamina, outdoor prowess and age.
Tanzania is a perfect destination for families. Those members looking for a physical challenge can climb Kilimanjaro and after the climb everyone can join together for an exciting wildlife safari through the Serengeti. Those wishing to forego the climb can simply arrive in Tanzania later or we can help them arrange alternate activities. Zanzibar is a great place for those family members who prefer beach to mountain and a cultural tour of the Kilimanjaro region is perfect for the more adventurous.
Families on top of Kilimanjaro
Close to the summit with a BAI guide
Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb
On safari post-climb
Patagonia is the region Chile and Argentina that makes up the southern tip of South America. This region offers some of the world’s finest trekking opportunities with a variety of options in intensity. On the Torres del Paine trek, we stay in comfortable mountain lodges instead of tents which will satisfy the family members who are not keen on camping. Furthermore, each day there are easy and extended hiking options so everyone gets the level of physical activity that they desire. Some days we even offer the option to travel by boat instead of by foot!
Trekking lakeside in Patagonia
Looking back on the Torres del Paine
Loading into a boat in Patagonia
Berg Adventures Turkey itinerary is another that is well-suited to families. Our first two destinations of Istanbul and Cappadoccia are accessible to everyone. We will tour these two beautiful places to soak in the culture and the scenery. We will do some day hikes in the Cappadocia region, but there are always other alternatives such as a hot air balloon ride or a spa day. Finally we travel to Mount Ararat to climb Turkey’s highest peak. Not interested in the climb? The Turkish Riviera is a great place to relax while other family members sweat it out on the mountain!
Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul
Taking a break on Mount Ararat
Exploring in Cappadoccia
Nepal is a fantastic family destination for those families keen on trekking. What makes trekking in Nepal different from climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking in Patagonia is that you are actually trekking from village to village so you will meet local families, visit schools, shop at a local market and even receive a blessing from a local monk. If you are concerned about the hiking abilities of all of your family members, we offer modified itineraries with shortened days and more down time. We crafted our Christmas Trek in Nepal with families in mind and have designed the trip to work with school schedules. December is a great time to visit Nepal because it is the sunniest and driest month in the Everest region!
Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal
Trekking to Base Camp
We are frequently asked about children at altitude and from our experience children are not affected any differently than adults. If anything children and young adults do better at altitude! On both Kilimanjaro and at Everest Base Camp we have had kids as young as 11 and adults as old as 75+ complete the climb/trek. If you’re not interested in an altitude climb, Patagonia is a good option for you as the highest point on the trek is only at about 3,000ft/915m.
As is the case with all of our trips, if you do not see dates that fit your schedules we are happy to create or alter trip dates to better suit your family. Contact our office to start planning your family trip today!
Berg Adventures guide, Karina, had a baby boy last month.
Karina is still doing all the logistics and permit work for Berg Adventures Elbrus Expedition and she has told us that she will see us most days during our acclimatization hikes and that she will probably bring her son up to Garibashi, the “Barrels”, with our group so that the little boy can begin to get used to his life in the mountains
The boy’s father, Karina’s longtime partner and Berg Adventures guide Vladimir Kopylov will be guiding with our group along with Wally Berg and Vladimir Bakhmutov, the regular guiding crew will be together. Our newest member will probably spend a bit more time in the valley with his mom, however.
Congratulations Karina and Vladimir!
Safari season is upon us and to get excited about it, we chatted with Berg Adventures safari guide, David Mushi. Find out more about Berg Adventures safaris here. It isn’t too late to start planning your 2013 safari adventure!
Berg Adventures safari truck leaving Tarangire National Park
Where are you from?
I am Tanzanian and I grew-up near Kilimanjaro in the village called Machame.
Why did you decide to become a safari guide?
I decided to become a safari guide because I love a wildlife.
Safari Guide David, right
What kind of training did you do to become a safari guide?
To become a safari guide, you need to attend a wildlife college. There you will learn about both the fauna and flora.
How long have you been a safari guide?
I have experience as a safari guide for about 15 years and I have been working with Berg Adventures for about 8 years.
What is your favorite animal?
The animal called the Serval Cat is my favorite.
A serval cat, David’s favorite animal on the savannah (Photo credit: Picasa Web Albums)
Do you ever get tired of going on safari?
I never get tired of watching the animals, because every time you get go on safari it is different and you get excited.
What is your favorite place to visit while on safari?
Serengeti National Park is my favorite place to go with my clients.
Lions playing in the Serengeti
Are these hippos kissing or fighting?
What is the most memorable thing that has happened to you on safari?
Once there were two male elephants chasing my car and I had clients with me. They chased us towards the river for about 3 kilometers and when we were close to the river, they sped up to catch us. We were very lucky; we found a little path, and I drove the car down to the river safely. I will never forget that.
Why should everyone who climbs Kilimanjaro also go on safari?
Killimanjaro climbers should also go on safari while in Tanzania because the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are commonly called the best wildlife areas in Africa.
Have you ever climbed Kilimanjaro?
I climbed Kilimanjaro when I was in school and I used to be a porter.
What is a Tanzanian food every visitor should try?
Ugali.
Ugali, a classic East African dish made of maize flour (Photo credit: Mark Skipper)
What do you do during the off season when there are not many safaris?
During the off-season, I stay home with my family and I attend awildlife course for about two weeks.
Travel with us to Bolivia for an ultra adventure that encompasses both high mountain endeavors and rich cultural experiences. Enjoy time in La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, where we will visit markets and soak in the rich culture and history of the city. The city sits at 12,000ft/3,650m, making it the highest capital city in the world. Then we head to Copacabana, a picturesque town situated along the shores of Lake Titicaca. To acclimatize to the altitude, we will explore the Isla del Sol before heading to the Condoriri Mountains where the climbing begins!
A local woman and her child
A boat made of reeds on Lake Titicaca
The experience you gain from this trip will be invaluable on future mountaineering expeditions. While you can gain climbing experience close to home, you cannot replicate the high altitude which is certainly one of the biggest challenges climbers face on climbs above 14,000ft/4,266m. Knowing what to expect and how your body will react at altitude will help you with your future high mountain endeavors.
Getting roped up and ready for the climb
High Camp on Huayana Potosi
The razor edge ridge of Pequeno Alpamayo
Our climbing goals include attempts on the following peaks:
Join us August 3rd to 24th for a trip you will never forget.
Can’t get away for 3 weeks? That’s ok. Ask us about a shortened itinerary.
Contact our office today to learn more!
