BENEFITS OF TREKKING

 

Hhary, Hendrick. E   Bachelor of Tourism Management      Sokoine University of Agriculture

INTRODUCTION

Is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery It is usually takes place on trails in areas of great mountains ranges these are areas of interesting and beautiful attracting people to visit, they are often not served by the roads they can also be the most remote and difficult places to get to and the only way to see them is on foot, For some people the trekking may be an end in itself, for others it is a means to enjoy the scenery in mountains and to experience the peoples of the mountains with their culture, and traditions.

Before trekking a trekker has to prepare himself by doing minimum exercise and to choose a trek route suitable for him but also to carry a light daypack while in trekking. Trekking is affected by climatic conditions, for example the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is from June to September (long Dry season) and from January to February (short Dry season).

PERSONAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Improves Body Fitness

One of the major benefits of trekking is that it improves health immensely. spending  multiple   hours on the trails, climbing around boulders, rock hopping and ascending hills gives   strength, it leads to the whole body work out that helps in improving the healthy significantly, during trekking our body is constantly on move due to which muscles get stretched, like when a trekker tries to cross a river or climb a mountain. 

Lower stress level, and improved mood,

Since a trekker escape from mundane state his mind tends to change the mood as he goes to environment that differ from the normal environment and makes a mood improved, lower stress level as a trekker leave a stressful environment.

Cardiovascular strength

Because backpacking requires covering large distances, usually by walking up and down hills and mountains, the heart has to pump harder to keep up with the oxygen demand. Though trekking is not necessarily a highly intense sport, the heart rate does maintain a steady, increased rate, increasing blood flow to the muscles and the brain.

Weight loss

Climbing, around boulders and lights runs and sprints is common while on trekking tours.  These physical activities eventually help shed unwanted fat and water weight. In fact, weeks of trekking at a moderate level of intensity on a regular basis can lead to significant weight loss.

Builds strong bones

Trekking requires optimum effort from the human body, as it requires stretching, jumping, and climbing several intervals.  Such small   exercises at regular intervals during a trek help make bones stronger. Backpackers also have the added beneficial burden of carrying supplies, such as water, first aid kits, clothes and even camping equipment such as tents if they were camping which would mean added weight on the shoulders and spine. If carried properly, this weight training can help add on bone density thereby achieving overall fitness.

Mental benefits

Stress can disrupt everyday life, causing health problems and depression. Trekking is a great way to reduce the stress in life, because of the release of endorphins, which are known to make us happy, taking in the fresh air and nature around while trekking is a great way to help improve your mental health, and Breathing in the fresh air, as well as seeing plants and animals can also give a better appreciation of the world and a sense of calmness and joy.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF TREKKING

Trekking is a source of revenue,

Government earns revenue from trekking as the trekkers pays before starting trekking, the money they pay the government uses it for development of other sectors for example improving infrastructure and improving other social service to the people.

Trekking is a source of income,

During trekking the tourist, they were given services, such as lodging, restaurants, transportation, after getting this services they pay the money which contributes to the income of the people. 

Trekking creates employment opportunities,

 As trekkers need service in the trekking, therefore they need Tour guides for them to be guided, also they need chef to cook for them when they establish a camp during trekking, hence all these people get employed as result of trekking activities.

 

Social Bonding,

Trekking with other people can create lifelong friendship, while trekking, you are able to spend time bonding with members of the group, motivating and encouraging each other to keep going when times get tough, sharing the good memories and experience that come with trekking can also help to overcome differences.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The article found that, trekking has many benefits some of which are, improves body fitness, mental benefits, provide income and revenue. The trekking benefits should be taught to people in order for them to know the benefits of conducting trekking, but also First aid kits and handling emergence during trekking are important, For Tour guides knowledge and skills of interpretation of natural and cultural resources are of paramount importance during trekking.

CONCLUSION

The number of trekking destinations has increases the number of tourism; This article has found that Trekking tourism is a main contributor for many people get employed.

Furthermore, it should be noted that trekking brings about personal and economic benefits which boost personal and national development

All in all, the article helps people to be aware of the benefits of Trekking, which can be either personal, social or economic benefits. This will help to increase health fitness, lower stress level. But also Boost economy of the country through high flow of tourist and foreign currency

REFERENCES

Marc, F. (2013) The Health Benefits of Hiking, Certified Exercise Physiologist.

Philip D. (1989) World Leisure and Recreation Volume 31, Tylor and Francis.

Kweka, J. & Morrissey, O. et all, (2003) The Economic Potential of Tourism in Tanzania, Wiley online library.

Stynes, D.J. Economic Impacts of Tourism.

WWW. Australianwalkingholiday.com