10 Top Must-Know Facts About Kata Tjuta & National Park

 Kata Tjuta and National Park

Kata Tjuta, or called the Olgas sometimes, consists of a group of big, domed rock formations situated around 360 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs, Central Australia. To learn more about it, read my list of 10 top must-know facts of Kata Tjuta and the national park.

1.  How high is Kata Tjuta?

The highest dome of Kata Tjuta soars 546 meters over the plain, which happens to be the same height as New York's former World Trade Center.

2.  When did Kata Tjuta turn into a national park?

In 1950, Ayers Rock initially became a national park. In 1958, Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta were cut off from an Aboriginal reserve in order to form today's Ayers Rock - Mt Olga National Park. But in 1977, the park's name was revised to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. 

Then, after 35 years worth of campaigning, Anangu was recognized as the park's traditional owners and given the deeds of their homelands. Next, in 1993, the park once again was renamed officially to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

3.  How long have Aboriginal people resided in Uluru-Kata Tjuta area?

Aboriginal people have existed here for several millennia. Archaeological findings now prove that they have inhabited Central Australia for over 30,000 years. 

4.  Who were the westerners to first come to Ulura and Kata Tjuta?

An explorer Ernest Giles and his group saw Kata Tjuta in 1872 while journeying through Central Australia. The next year, explorer William Gosse was the first European to spot Uluru.

5.  Do the natives still reside traditionally?

The general Uluru-Kata Tjtua area is still a living cultural landscape. Anangu, the natives, are guided by Tjukurpa law to maintain their culture and keep the country strong.

If you visit this area, you might catch them dot painting, telling Tjukurpa stories, performing traditional song and dance, or gathering bush tucker.

6.  Is it always dry and hot in the park?

During summer, the temperature can soar really high, while in winter the nightly temperature could drop as low as minus 7 degrees.

7.  How many various kinds of animals live in this area?

There are many animal species found in this park, from 73 reptiles, 4 desert frogs, 21 different mammals to 178 birds.

8.  Do shrimps live at Uluru?

Only sometimes. After heavy rains, little, tadpole-resembling crustaceans known as shield shrimps hatch in rock pools and waterholes in the park. But when the water finally dries up, these shield shrimp eggs dry up as well and could remain dormant for many years till the next major rainfall.

9.  How many various kinds of plants exist in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?

There are over 400 different plants growing in this park, of which several serve traditionally as medicine and bush foods.

10.  How many people come to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?

Each year over 250,000 people visit from everywhere to experience the park's natural and cultural marvels.

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Top 7 Tips on How to Survive Kalalau Trail

 Kalalau Trail

How to remain safe and admire the vistas along Kalalau Trail

Kauali's Na Pali Coast is one of the world's most captivating natural attractions, and there exists no better way to fully experience it except through an engaging hike on the Kalalau Trail that encompasses 11 miles of untainted natural coastline.

Although this trail is stunning, it's also one of the world's most dangerous hikes. It's no small task but a rather big undertaking and one that does reward.

So, why hike Kalalau?

The factors which make the Kalalau Trail quite dangerous are the ones which make it an extraordinary area to observe and experience. The trail provides a beautiful combination of Hawaiian scenery, from tall mountain peaks, lush valleys, shining blue waters to streams and waterfalls.

Moreover, there's much wildlife to observe here, which consistently lures photographers. Because of the rugged and varying terrain, you will catch incredible views of gorgeous coastline while you hike.

Top 7 Survival Tips

1. Prep your perfect strategy to balance fun and safety

Although it's breathtaking, there is no question that the famed Kalalau Trail could be very perilous at certain points. Why? The trail itself is sometimes narrow, sometimes steep, sometimes rocky, and sometimes filled with natural dangers that range from falling rocks to powerful water currents. Steep drop offs into the water are particularly dangerous. This is not something to dismiss quickly, for a number of hikers have actually fallen from the trail's rocky heights and others have even died consequently. 

Suffering serious injuries along this trail is more life-threatening as compared to average hiking trails; why? There's usually no cell reception nor other ways of communicating to call in an emergency or accident, which means that somebody from your party will have to leave in order to bring back help for anyone injured. That mentioned and other unnamed hazards, this isn't a hike you ought to undertake alone, regardless of how experienced or seasoned solo hiker you may be.

Knowing the dangers and being fully prepared for facing them, and if you are physically in fair shape, you can enjoy some of the best vistas of the untainted Hawaiian coastline. You just have to do practical prep work to ensure you comprehend the dangers along the trail as well as how to avoid them. Having a modest prep routine, you could begin your hiking adventure on the Kalalau Trail confidently after arming yourself for a very successful trip.

2.  Review all available safety information prior to beginning the trail

You'll find a superabundance of safety information everywhere you surf online, and you are highly recommended to review before reaching the trailhead. In fact, the more research you conduct, the easier the trip will become and you'll know exactly where to stop to enjoy the best views. Among the information you ought to be aware of is a basic summary, a short safety video that Hawaii created outlining certain safety information for its trail. Plus, the video is a mandatory part of the overall trail hike-permitting process; it's available online for easy viewing. Each person in your party ought to watch it.

3. Create a safety plan

To avoid falling into a panic if anything goes wrong while hiking, develop a safety plan that everyone knows about and knows exactly how to seek assistance in an emergency.

4.  Pack smart

You and everyone in your group must be hydrated, fed, dry, and cool during the hike. To achieve this end pack in as much food, some rain gear, and a cap or hat. Bring some warmer layers to be prepared for fast changing weather conditions. In addition, bring water bottles so you can fill them with freshwater, and you'll want to have water treatment or water filtration equipment as well. Although you do not usually hike with poles, you might wish to take some with you in order to test out possibly unstable ground without having to step on it. 

5.  Build up & Train

If you are already in fair shape to easily manage an 11-mile hike with an 800-foot altitude gain, perhaps you do not need a full-scale preparation to be ready for the hike. But if you haven't gone on any hike for a while, give yourself enough time to shape up prior to heading out for Kauai. If you are accustomed to hiking only 2 or 3 miles and can't possibly do more, your option over there on the Kalalau Trail will be to quit and return. So be very realistic and honest about whether you're really up for the task. 

6.  Get your gear right

If your old boots are not totally waterproof, buy a new pair. Why? Because the trail could be wet and can require water crossings. But do not wear new and unbroken boots on the hiking trail. Here's the key: wear them and break them before departing to the target trail to prevent blisters and other issues associated with new boots.  

Try on as well as adjust your backpack to ensure it sits on your hips and not on your shoulders; take it out on a trial run to know exactly how to distribute the weight ideally in your pack for the best balance. This last consideration could be especially important when making your way through a narrow and barrier-filled trail.

7.  Do not ignore rules & warnings but take them seriously

Safety rules exist in order to assist you to avoid several perils along the Kalalau Trail. In a way, such rules can act as a shortcut which do a lot of the safety planning for you. For example, if you come across a sign post warning of potential flash flooding, do not stay in that part too long but move on. Also, there's a rule against rock climbing on the trail, and with several other chances for safe climbing somewhere else on Kauai, you ought to obey this warning. The coastline's rocky cliffs tend to be unstable and fragile and could give out suddenly.

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