Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is one of the ultimate challenges
for both first time and regular climbers. Kilimanjaro has a
range of different climates and you need to be equipped so that
you are comfortable at the different altitudes. In the lowland
of Moshi and around Marangu and other entrance gates the weather
is tropical (the temperature ranges from 20o c - 30o c) and
sunny. As you climb the altitude changes and here is when the
drama starts (at the summit 5o c and below).
As you ascend, Kilimanjaro weather gradually changes and gets
colder and the increasingly thinner air can bring about altitude
sickness. Altitude sickness is caused by the failure of the
body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen
in the air as one gains altitude. It is likely that you will
experience some form of mild altitude sickness during your climb.
While attempting to climb Kilimanjaro climbing you may experience
different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness,
nausea, sleeplessness and a loss of appetite, loss of balance
and dizziness. In most case these sickness are controlled by
taking a painkiller such as panadol or similar.
All climbers are advised to countercheck their body conditions,
and should make our professional Mount Kilimanjaro guide(s)
aware of any abnormalities. Our guides are experienced and trained
to spot acute mountain sickness. Kilimanjaro Guides Expeditions
carries oxygen on all climbs and we provide free pulse oxymeter
checks at altitude which measure both your heart rate and the
percentage of oxygen in your blood. This is to help us to ensure
your health and safety at altitude.
You must take out travel insurance for your trip and ensure
that the policy covers you for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. This
is important. If you need to be taken down to a lower altitude
as a matter of urgency, there are two options. Steel framed,
mobile stretchers can be pushed by porters and can be used to
take you down quickly. Furthermore, there are emergency helicopters
based in Moshi. As there is full mobile phone coverage on the
mountain, the guides are able to call the emergency base at
any time to arrange for an emergency medical evacuation. The
helicopters are available and are always on standby. and can
reach evacuation points in less than 10 minutes once that have
been called by the guide. With a helicopter evacuation, the
aircraft will fly you directly to an emergency hospital in Nairobi
/ Kenya (just across the border).
If in doubt, seek a doctor's advice before you travel and on
your arrival listen to what your chief guide advises you. Some
clients usually take Diamox before attempting Kilimanjaro and
others take it when they are on the mountain. We recommend that
you allow your body to acclimatize itself and only if there
is a need, should you then take medication.
What to do while on Kilimanjaro
Drink plenty of water and eat good sized meals. You should drink
as much water as you can can - a minimum of 3 litres per day.
Also reduce or eliminate caffeine intake - as it has a diarrhetic
effect which can increase your dehydration. Minor altitude sickness
on Kilimanjaro also causes most climbers to lose appetite. It
is important to try and eat as well as you can in order to generate
more energy. Our mountain cooks are well trained and prepare
tasty food for all diets.
Accommodation: With exception of the Marangu
route where accommodation is in huts, you will be staying tents
every night. It is important you wrap well up and stay warm.
Wear a beanie on your head at night. Walking pace should be
slow and steady. We recommend you take your time and walk slowly
from one camp/hut to give yourself the best chance of fully
acclimatizating as well as reducing tiredness for the next day.
Trekking high and then descending to a slightly lower altitude
to sleep is the best technique to help your body acclimatize.
All Kilimanjaro Guides Expeditions climbing itineraries have
been prepared to follow this to give you every possible chance
of success to reach the summit. Finally, don't smoke or drink
alcohol when attempting to climb this mountain as it might bring
about a loss of energy and prevent you from accomplishing this
adventure of a life time.