Altitude sickness during Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Things to Do - Mountain Climbing

One of the important prerequisites of a successful summit attempt is being properly equipped.

Ensure that you are well equipped - read and print our Suggested Checklist below and mark it off, it will be an essential part of your preparation for the climb.

Altitudes are generally defined as ...

High altitude 2,400m - 4,200m
Very high altitude 4,200m - 5,400m
Extreme altitude above 5,400m (Uhuru Peak is 5895m)

During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude.

There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swelling of the face, ankles and fingers. These symptoms in a mild form are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours, the result of poor circulation or a small leakage of fluid within the body. In serious cases, the leakage can become large and start to fill up the brain cavity (Cerebral Oedema) or the lung cavity (Pulmonary Oedema). Cerebral Oedema is recognised by severe headaches, loss of balance and dizziness leading to coma. Pulmonary Oedema results in the coughing up of pink sputum. Both conditions, if left unchecked, will lead to coma and death unless a rapid descent is made.

Six factors that affect the incidence and severity of altitude illness :

1. Rate of ascent.
2. Altitude attained.
3. Length of exposure.
4. Level of exertion.
5. Hydration and diet.
6. Inherent physiological susceptibility.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) :

The illnesses is commonly encountered at exceptional high altitudes, such as the summit area of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once apparent, can be most effectively treated by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude.

The symptoms of AMS include in the order normally experienced; headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the hands and feet and reduced urine output. Climbers can take precautions to at least minimize the severity of the illness, by maintaining a slow steady pace from day one, include an extra day of acclimatisation at a high altitude and by drinking at least 3-4 liters of water every day.

Preventative medicine is also available and you should consult your physician for specialist advice.

Fluid build-up may cause a condition known as edema, which can affect the lungs (pulmonary), preventing effective oxygen exchange, or effect the brain (cerebral) which will result in the swelling of the brain tissue. The latter can be lethal if not treated immediately or if symptoms are ignored.

Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarise yourself with this condition and take preventative care.

Hypothermia:

Hypothermia or exposure is the lowering of the body's core temperature. Once again prevention is the best cause of action. The correct equipment and clothing is critical in the prevention of Hypothermia. Do not allow your clothing to get wet from either rain or perspiration.

Please visit our Suggested Clothing Sections, for more information on the proper layering of clothing to prevent hypothermia.

Sun related injuries:

About 55% of the earths protective atmosphere is below an altitude of 5000m. Far less ultraviolet light is being filtered out, making the sun's rays much more powerful, which could result in severe sun burning of the skin. It is strongly recommended to use a 20+ sun protection cream at lower altitudes, and a total block cream above an altitude of 3000m. It is also important to wear dark sun glasses preferably with side panels above 4000m in daytime and essential when walking through snow or ice.

6 days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, lies just three degrees south of the equator and is permanently snow-capped. It offers one of the best opportunities in the world to climb a peak at high altitude without the need for technical cli $1,150 Product unit:piece

Date of Travel :

Quantity:: 

Customer Reviews:

Rating:

Ik heb 16 dagen gereisd met Bobby Tours; de Kilimajaro beklommen en op safari geweest in Ngorogoro, Serengethi en Lake Manyara. Bobyy Tours is een
goede betrouwbare partner. Alle afspraken worden nagekomen, men zorgt goed voor je en men heeft goede gidsen: Abbas op safari en voor de berg kunnen
wij Simon Mayunga (incl. Saffiri en Bruno) van harte aanbevelen. De lodges tijdens de safari waren geweldig!! Martin van Alfen

My Cart >> Read more >>

6 Days Kilimanjaro The Machame Route Often called the Whiskey Route this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatisation by having shorter walking days during the trek. $1,150 Product unit:piece

Date of Travel :

Quantity:: 

Customer Reviews:

Rating:

We climbed the Kilimanjaro. It was a wonderfull experiance. We enjoyed it very much. It was very hard but we made it to the top. we had a good guide :
Phillip/ Dotto.

My Cart >> Read more >>

6 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb 6 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb, this is the third popular route on Kilimanjaro and involves much shorter approach to Kibo than the Marangu Route. $1,150 Product unit:piece

Date of Travel :

Quantity:: 

Customer Reviews:

There are yet no reviews for this product.
Please log in to write a review.

My Cart >> Read more >>

Kilimanjaro Climb and Tanzania Camping Safari This Wildlife tour features the safari to the Kilimanjaro Mountain, Ngorongoro Craters, Lake Manyara Wildlife Park and Serengeti Safari Plains. It is based on Budget Camping with Custom built stretch Safari 4x4 Landcruisers. $2,200 Product unit:piece

Quantity:: 

Customer Reviews:

Rating:

we are Annamaria - Giuseppe (Italy). We had a beatiful travel and we want to thank you for all.We were also satisfied with our guides ( Nuru for
Kilimanjaro trekking, Germano and Gaspar for safari): They were always very kind and available with us. THank you for all. We will recommend your
Agency to our friends and we hope to come again in Tanzania.

My Cart >> Read more >>