For each trek on Mount Kilimanjaro a dedicated cook will be part of the logistical team
Below are typical foods from our standard menu that you can expect to eat during your climb (sample menu)
Breakfast: Eggs, sausages, bacon, French toast/pancakes, bread/toast, cereal/porridge, fruit. Margarine, jam, honey, peanut butter. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit juice.
Packed Lunch: Carrot and cucumber strips, avocado slices, boiled eggs, chicken, meat cutlets, sandwiches (egg, cheese, tomato, meat, tuna, or peanut butter), and fruit. Meat sauce and bread.
Dinner: Soup of the day, bread, salad, meat/chicken/fish, rice/pasta/potatoes, vegetables, lentils, fruit. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Snacks: Peanuts, popcorn, crisps, cookies.
We recommends you bring some of your own trail snacks to eat, especially for your summit night.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a great adventure in a life time. So one of the most important choices to make when planning to summit Africa’s highest mountain is obviously which is the best route to take? To get a sense of what route might work best for you, read through our Kilimanjaro Routes.
Around 80% of climbers choose the Marangu route (5 or 6 days), which is commonly referred to as the “Tourist” or “Coca cola” route because it is easy to climb compared to other routes. The rest usually goes for Machame route (6 or 7 days). The Six routes (Umbwe, Rongai, Shira, Northern Circuit, Kilema and Lemosho) are far less frequented. Please note that many of the routes meet on a mid-way point and there are only three routes to the summit.
To make your trek safer, please bring the following prescription medications, which your medically qualified guide is familiar with.
The information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist
MALARON: Generic name: ATOVAQUONE 250mg, PROGUANIL HYDROCHLORIDE 100mg. This medication contains 2 medicines: atovaquone and proguanil. It is used to prevent and treat malaria caused by mosquito bites in countries where malaria is common. Malaria parasites can enter the body through these mosquito bites, and then live in body tissues such as red blood cells or the liver. This medication is used to kill the malaria parasites living inside red blood cells and other tissues. In some cases, you may need to take a different medication (such as primaquine) to complete your treatment. Both medications may be needed for a complete cure and to prevent the return of infection (relapse). Atovaquone/proguanil belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials.
DIAMOX(Acetozolamide) -2 x 125 mg per day. This drug is prescribed for altitude acclimatization, and should be started 2 days before your climb, and stopped after you reach the highest elevation on the trek. We advise you to start 2 days prior to climbing in order to ascertain whether you have any adverse reaction to it.
DECADRON (Dexamethasone) – 4mg x 8 tablets. Your guide may ask you to take this medication if you develop a severe headache due to Acute Mountain Sickness, and must descend urgently. You do not take this drug during the ascent. This steroid reduces inflammation of the brain, which is the cause of headaches resulting from Acute Mountain Sickness. You will only be using this medication in conjunction with your descent due to severe headache. If a climber does not acclimatize naturally and continues to suffer the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness, then it is our policy for you to descend immediately.
ZOFRAN (Ondansetron) – x 12 dissolved tablets. Or bring Phenegan. In the event you develop severe nausea due to acute Mountain Sickness, this drug reduces nausea without any side effects. We may use this once on the ascent, to gain a few hours to allow you to acclimatize. If a climber does not acclimatize naturally and continues to suffer the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness, then they will always descend.
TINDAMAX (Tinidazole) – 1 complete course for protozoan diarrhea. Tinidazole is an anti-parasitic drug used against protozoan infections. It is widely known throughout Europe and the developing world as a treatment for a variety of amoebic and parasitic infections. A derivative of 2-methylimidazole, it is a prominent member of the nitroimidazole antibiotics.
CIPRO ANTIBIOTIC – 1 complete course for traveler’s diarrhea.
AMBIEN:Generic name: zolpidem tartrate 5mg .Zolpidem is used to treat sleep problems (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, it helps you fall asleep faster, so you can get a better night’s rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. (As a professional medical guide not advice to use this during your climb because may slow your breathing system)
IBUPROFEN- is a medication in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation
Prices are for the entire trek in US dollars, payable in cash in Moshi. It is best to come well outfitted. Rates update on January 2018.
| EQUIPMENT | PRICE IN US$ |
| Rucksack/Daypack | 15 |
| Balaclava | 7 |
| Mont bell sleeping bag (-25-35Temp) | 40 |
| Ponchour-Heavy/Western/Europe | 20 |
| Ponchour-Light/Local | 15 |
| Socks | 5 |
| Duffel Bag | 10 |
| Hiking Poles (one pair) | 15 |
| Gaiters | 8 |
| Torch/Flashlight | 10 |
| Gloves | 6 |
| Sweater | 5 |
| Sunglasses | 10 |
| Long under wear | 10 |
| Raincoat | 10 |
| Rain coat-G.T, Water proof | 12 |
| Rain Pants | 12 |
| Hiking Boots | 10 |
| Water Bottle | 5 |
| Fleece Pants | 7 |
| Warm Jacket G.T | 15 |
| Warm Jacket/Down Jacket | 10 |
| Hat or Neck Scarf | 6 |
NOTE;
Are you thinking about how you ‘do your businesses on Kilimanjaro? Look no further, here is all the information you need about toilets on Kilimanjaro.
The long drop
While climbing Kilimanjaro, there are always going to be public toilets at each camp site. These are known as ‘long drop’ toilets. They are wooden permanent buildings that look like. Well normal public restrooms.
Long drop public toilet facilities are provided and maintained by the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Private portable toilet
The second option is a private portable toilet. This is a simple chemical toilet or in some cases a bag attached to a toilet drum and seat that sits inside a private toilet tent
Private toilets are just for you and your group. A porter is tasked with carrying the toilet and toilet tent from camp to camp, and makes sure it is clean and sanitary! This are available for the $20 per day for the whole group.
Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest mountain, but it is also home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro is made up of five distinct climate zones. They are as follows; Cultivation, Forest, Heather-Moorland, Alpine Desert and Summit climate zones. Below we will look at each zone and what makes them unique. You will pass through all of these zones on your ascent of the tallest mountain in Africa.
Cultivated zone it is approximately 2,600 ft to almost – 6,000 ft (800m – 1800m).
This region of the mountain receives the greatest annual rainfall. It also has many rivers formed by glacier run-off from the top of Kilimanjaro. This zone is made up of farmland and small Chagga villages. These villages are where many of the porters and guides you will see on the mountain come from. You will drive through these villages on the way to your climb.
The farmland in this region is mostly used for coffee production. Some of Africa’s best coffee comes from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Bananas, avocado, mango and other fruits are also grown on the lower mountain. You will walk through fields of them if your trek exits through Mweka Gate.
Forest or Rainforest zone it ranges in elevation from 6,000 ft to just over 9,000 ft. (1800m – 2800m).
This rainforest circles a majority of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, most of the rain on the mountain falls on the south and the east side. The forest is much thicker here than to the north on the Kenyan side of the mountain. The flora and fauna are diverse but the animals are very elusive. Monkeys (both Blue and Colobus) are prevalent on certain routes and while olive baboons, leopards, mongooses, elephants, bush babies, black rhinoceros, giraffes and buffaloes are known to visit the mountain’s slopes they are rarely seen. If you do see some good wildlife take lots of pictures, you’ll be one of the few people who have! The best places to see wildlife are just above the thinner jungle on the Rongai Route and on the edges of the Shira Plateau.
The rainforest jungle is simply amazing. The colors seem more vibrant than any forest you have ever seen. The trail is flanked by deep gorges of emerald blankets of every shade of green imaginable. Rising majestically out of the forest floor are twisted, ancient trees draped in coats of moss. When there is a break in the foliage, you get views of the clouds weaving their way through the tree tops. The temperatures in the forest are usually mild and if it’s going to rain on your climb, it will be here.
Heather zone and ends with the Moorland zone. The elevation starts around 9,000 ft and tops out around 13,000 ft. (2800m – 4000m)
The rainforest quickly gives way to the Heather zone. The temperatures here are erratic. The daytime temperature can soar above 100° F (40oC) yet drop below freezing (32° for 0° C) at night. These temperatures combined with less rain, gusting winds, giant heathers, wild grasses and a rocky trail replaces the rainforest very quickly. Some of the heather shrubs can grow to over 30 ft. high. As you climb tall grasses replace the heather as you enter into the Moorland zone. Large fields of wild flower cover sections of the mountain and you will often see clouds floating at your eye level. Expect amazing blue skies at the upper end of this zone. There will be little cloud cover to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. Brings lots of sunscreen.
Now that you are above the cloud line the views of the rainforest below and the top of Kilimanjaro 7,000 ft above are simply breathtaking. Once the sun sets, the stars are overflowing in the night skies and create a truly peaceful environment.
Highland Desert zone it’s elevation begins around 13,000 ft. and continues up to 16,000 ft. (4000m – 5000m).
This region of the mountain is a strange place, truly deserving the title of Desert. The annual rainfall is less than 8 inches a year and what plant life exists at this altitude has to put up with the oppressive sun and sub-zero temperatures—all in the same day. This area also shows off its violent past with fields of volcanic rock of all shapes and sizes. You are now close enough to the cone of Kibo to see the vast glaciers that cling precariously to its steep ledges. It has deep gorges on the slopes and breaches in the crater rim where molten lava blasted through during prehistoric eruptions. The landscape is barren and stranger than anything you may have seen before.
Make sure to bundle up at night. at this altitude, the mercury dips well below freezing and you may wake up to frost on the ground in the morning.
Arctic zone the elevation begins around 16,000 ft. and continues to the top of Uhuru Peak at 19,340 ft. (5000m – 5895m)
The lower section of this zone is made up of loose dirt and gravel known as scree. Scree is quite difficult to climb. That is part of the reason the summit attempt begins at night when the evening dew has settled and frozen. This allows the scree to knit together making it a more stable path. As you climb, ice will begin to appear in patches and soon in large fields as you approach the lower reaches of the summit glaciers. The traditional summit route takes you up to the rim of the volcano at Stella Point then heads west for one last push.
You will follow the crater rim as it rises beside a massive glacier to Uhuru peak, you finally approach the sign that signifies the feat you just accomplished. You have made it to the Roof of Africa. To the east, the peak of Mawenzi is just visible behind the crater rim and to the north, Kenya spreads out on the horizon.
The Crater is a fascinating place and if you still have some energy in reserve, it’s well worth making the short trip. Inside the inner crater is the Ash Pit and at 1,1oo ft. (360m) across by 393 ft. (120m) deep, it’s one of the largest in the world.
It is getting big in demand to plan your climb of Kilimanjaro so that you climb to summit around the time of the full moon.
Under a full moon on a clear night you could get away without using a head-touch since it illuminates your path. It is very beautiful but certain not necessary for summiting the mountain. To summit on a full moon you will want to start a 6 day trek 4 days before the full moon or 3 days before doing a 5 day trek.
At the summit Uhuru peak, the night time temperatures range to different degrees. Due to the great height of Mountain Kilimanjaro, the mountain creates its own weather, hence it is extremely variables and hard to predict.
View detailed snow forecast for Mount Kilimanjaro atsnow-forecast.com
Proper equipment is real extremely important to the success, comfort and safety of your trip.
Recommended clothing has four features; Manages moisture – Wicks perspiration from your skin, use for the base layers. Should be a durable – comfortable, insulating, breathable, soft fabrics are polarity wind, Gore-Tex wind stopper. Windproof – waterproof and breathable like Gore-Tex or similar (outer layers) Insulating material – should be down fill or synthetic-fill and fit cover all layers like, down, prim aloft and polar guard.
3-4 season sleeping bag and silk liner(optional), on the mountain temperature can get down to zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18° C) at night, so bring a warm bag. Sleeping pad, a closed cell form camping mattress is OK; an inflatable Thermo-Rest is more comfortable.
Although you will have a team Medically Trained Guide in your trip, it is advisable bring along a small personal medical kit.
Dexemethasone (Emergence medicine)
Note: Malaron, Dimox and Dexamethasone are prescription medicine we highly recommending you to discuss with your Doctor. We are not carrying this medicine in our First Aid Kit. Hiring any additional clothing upon booking we will provide equipment hiring price list, upon arrival in Moshi we will check over any clothing/equipment you have. COTTON clothing must be avoided, because its dries very slowly, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that wicks the sweat and moisture from your skin.
Note: Malaron and Dimox are prescription medicine we highly recommending you to discuss with your Doctor. We are not carrying this medicine in our First Aid Kit
| Drug Type | Drug | Side Effects |
| Mild diuretic | Diamox (acetazolamide) | Dehydration, tingling in fingers & toes, change in taste, loss of Appetite, drowsiness. Diamox is a sulphur drug only available on prescription. Consult your physician before use. |
| Anti-diarrhea | Imodium Cipro Bactrim Pepto-Bismol(Pb) | None None None None |
| Pain killers | Aspirin Tylenol Paracetamol Ibuprofen | Stomach upsets None None None |
| Dehydration Salts | None | |
| Nausea drugs | Phenegan Zophran | Fatigue, Sleep None |
| Sun block | High factor (SPF 30+) sun block | None |
| Malaria pills | Malaron Lariam/Dox | Diarrhea Sensitive with sun |
| Emergence | Dexemethasone | None |
Note: Malaron and Dimox are prescription medicine we highly recommending you to discuss with your Doctor. We are not carrying this medicine in our First Aid Kit
The importance of having competent, high quality guides and porters cannot be overstated when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Exposed Africa uses local guides, all of whom have received extensive training in first aid, mountain rescue, flora, fauna, and geology. All are registered with Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA). Our Kilimanjaro guides are very experienced, with most having climbed more than 100 times! They are professionals who intimately know the mountain.
You can expect the following from our Kilimanjaro guides and porters
Exposed Africa employ, empower, and reward local guides and porters
Exposed Africa exists to uplift the people that will take you to the top. Tanzania is among the poorest nations in the world with a per capital annual income of only 700 USD. Guides and porters are some of the least paid workers in our society. Many other trekking operators take advantage of this and pay their guides and porters very minimal wages. We however exist to empower each other. Trust that we pay at least twice the average local salary from the fees you pay us without charging you more. Let us take you to the top and at the same time feel great about providing for those in need
When choosing the most suitable time for climbing Kilimanjaro you should consider several factors;
The main factor that affects all the rest on the Mount is weather. Mount Kilimanjaro lies in equatorial climatic zone, as opposed to habitual summer, winter, spring and autumn, has wet and dry seasons only. Wet seasons are in April-May and November. Similarly to other tropical countries predicting when the rain starts and stops is nearly impossible. All other months are the dry season, when most of the days are sunny, but still it does not mean a 100% guarantee of clear skies.
There are two main climbing seasons: July -September and January-February. Many travelers have their summer or Christmas holidays at the time, weather conditions for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are perfect. Rain seasons scare off the majority of climbers. In April, May and November the probability of trekking under the drizzle is very high. Rain softens the soil and makes the rocks slippery, turning your climb into a slower and more risky adventure. However, landscape photographers are particularly addictive to the rainy season. More precipitation means more snow on the peak, which makes it possible to shoot the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro. Moreover, it is the only time when you can avoid the rush hours on the routes, and enjoy some privacy walking virgin-snow-covered treks.
April – May . The big rainy season starts at the end of March and continues until the middle of May. April marks the beginning of the coldest time of the year in Tanzania. These months are so dank and drizzle that some operators simply do not offer climbs in April and May at all.
June – July. The frequency of rain gradually decreases. The weather on Kilimanjaro is fairly dry and clear but the nights are still bitter cold. June is usually quiet, sunny, and, in our opinion, much underrated in terms of climbing. It is an excellent idea to choose June for your adventure because of great weather and almost climbers-free routes. The number of climbers will be increasing as the year progresses. Starting from July the majority of the routes will be quite busy.
August – October The peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro is on August to September. The weather is particularly good for climbing.The days are clear and somewhat warmer than in June and July. At the same time it may be cloudy in the forest/moorland zone, as well as it may be rainy on the southern routes (Machame and Umbwe). However, once you leave the rain forest behind it will be sunny. October is another unfairly ignored season, nice weather conditions last into mid-October and the number of climbers drops dramatically, giving you a good chance to enjoy Kilimanjaro treks almost alone. At the end of October, the weather becomes more changeable. As long as you are equipped to withstand the occasional shower, this should not present any major challenges.
November November is the small rainy season. The rainy weather may last into mid-December. The temperatures have dropped and the moisture mist covers the Mount, making your climb more tricky and risky, yet more challenging and exciting. November might not be the best pick in terms of weather, but gives a great opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of misty-covered Mount with its snow-capped peak, and to make some terrific pictures.
December to January Christmas and New Year are the second peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro. The climber’s traffic is extremely high, although there is a high chance of raining and thick clouding in the lower altitudes of Kilimanjaro.
January to March Mid-January to mid-March are very popular among climbers. The weather is perfectly balanced, it is neither too cold, nor too wet. The days are generally dry, though occasional rains may happen. The possibility of rain increases in the second half of March because the big wet season advances.
The temperature on the Mount Kilimanjaro correlates with the four distinct climatic zones;
The rainforest zone (800m-3,000m) is warm and humid. Densely covered with green vegetation this zone temperatures average 12-15 °C (20-25 °C during daytime) at 2,900 m. This is where you are going to spend the first one or two days of your climb, depending on the route. The low alpine zone (3,000m-4,200m) is a semi-arid area. The higher you climb the scarcer the vegetation becomes. Depending on the route, here you will spend one or two days with average temperatures range 5-10 °C (15-20 °C during the daytime) at 3,600 m. The high alpine zone (4,200m-5,000) is desert-like. You will spend your fourth and fifth day on the Mount here, as well as the final arrangements for summiting will be at those altitudes. Here the temperatures average is around the freezing point at 5,000m, but during the daytime, when the sun is shining, it is still quite warm and comfortable. The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the glacial zone (above 5,000m) and its temperatures average around -6 °C. However, keep in mind that all summiting attempts usually start at midnight in order to reach the Uhuru peak by dawn. You will be trekking at night when the temperature can drop to – 20°C. When the harsh gusts of wind are torturing you, you will be likely to feel as if the temperature is below -40 °C. However, it’s totally worth, because on the top you will see one of the best pictures you have ever witnessed in the light of the uprising sun.
There are a few more things worth mentioning about the weather on Kilimanjaro. You may decide to climb at a less than perfect time, because you want to avoid the main rush or because that is the only suitable timing for you holidays. If you do so, consider Northern Circuit Route or the Rongai Route. The northern side of the mountain is much drier than the other Kilimanjaro routes. Moreover, if you want the best weather on Kilimanjaro but hate crowds, the same applies. Choose your route wisely. There is less traffic on Rongai, Lemosho and Northern Travers Route than on the popular and always busy Machame and Marangu routes. We believe that you can enjoy the Mount Kilimanjaro all year round and will do our best to make your Kilimanjaro climb the journey of a lifetime!
Tipping on Kilimanjaro is not a local custom in Tanzania, it is common only among Kilimanjaro tourists and expatriates who live in the country. Giving monetary gifts to friends or relatives is common, however both in the city and in the countryside. As tourism is growing in the country locals who work in the tourism industry are getting used to the notion of tipping and sometimes even expect a tip from clients. On the Kilimanjaro we highly suggest tip at your own free wheel but think about good tip regarding good services you’ve got. We recommend tipping from $20 head guide per day, $15 per assistant guide per day, $15 per cook and $10 per porter and all this is based on a daily unit. This can be shared between each Client in the climb)
Please be on your option on this unit. I mean think your budget and what tip you can offer.
This may vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of days, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience
Exposed Africa has the most comfortable Kilimanjaro camps, custom-designed to go above and beyond what other outfitters provide. And the quality of your camp is very important, keeping your body healthy and rested is absolutely essential to summit success.
We take our equipment very seriously and make sure everything is in good working order. Equipment is selected to provide a comfortable experience on the trek.
Marangu route is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
The Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular – mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
The first point is very important for avoiding altitude sickness and your guides will likely keep reminding you;
Keep drinking! It’s VERY easy to dehydrate at altitude without noticing. The air is very dry so you breathe off more moisture. Also, your body adjusts to the high altitude by eliminating more water. Keep replacing it.
Also make sure you eat plenty! Most people lose their appetite at altitude, but the cold weather and the long days mean your body burns through a lot of calories. Keep replacing them. You will need them. High carbohydrate foods are better than fatty foods. ( we consider this in our shopping and meal planning.)
And keep warm! The correct gear is a must, not just because shivering isn’t nice and hypothermia dangerous, but also because staying nice and toasty will lessen your risk of succumbing to altitude sickness.
Keep your day pack light. Only take what you really need. Every extra kilo needs extra oxygen to carry.
And last but not least, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and most definitely do not touch sleeping tablets! Or you may not wake up again…
And that’s about it. Even if you are not in a position to afford extra preparation for the altitude (e.g. a Mt. Meru climb), if you are healthy, pick a good route and operator, arrive a couple of days early and take on board all of the above tips, you have a very good chance of making it to the summit.
Most people prepare for Kilimanjaro climb with fitness training. While getting reasonably fit makes sense, the gym work outs or sprinting up flights of stair etc. will not prepare your body for the demands of a Kilimanjaro climb.
You need to get your body used to walking for several hours in uneven country, for several days. But any fitness training beyond that will not increase your chances to reach the summit.
It’s the altitude that will get you, not your lack of fitness. So expose your body to some altitude before you tackle Kilimanjaro.
If you are living somewhere near mountains, climb them! If there is a chance to overnight at higher altitude, do it. (Note that for this to make a difference it needs to happen right before your Kilimanjaro climb.)
Some people do acclimatization treks on Mt. Meru before they climb Kilimanjaro. We have been doing and can recommend it, but only for people with some previous trekking experience. Otherwise it may backfire…
There are other options: some operators offer cultural tours in the Kilimanjaro foothills, there are walking safaris in the crater highlands…
The Ngorongoro crater rim is over 2200 metres high and even the crater floor is at 1700 metres. If you think of doing a safari while in Tanzania, why not plan it so you can spend a night or two on the crater rim before transferring to Kilimanjaro?
Look at where you will be spending the night(s) before your climb. Some agencies will put you up in Moshi, some in Marangu.
No matter where you will be staying, definitely fly in a couple of days early!
Give your body time to adjust to the different climate, the food, to recover from the strains of a long haul flight and to get over the jet lag if you came from a different time zone.
Arriving early can improve your CHANCES of reaching the summit by five percent or more.
If you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you will sooner or later hear about altitude sickness. For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of altitude illness, here are answers to the most common questions regarding mountain sickness.
Altitude sickness is a range of symptoms that can occur when someone ascends to a high altitude too rapidly, without sufficient acclimatization. The body can adjust to reduced air pressure at higher altitude, but only at a rate of about 300 m (1000 ft) altitude gain per day. If you ascend faster, and everybody climbing Kilimanjaro will, then you may develop altitude sickness.
There are three main forms of altitude sickness:
Both HAPE and HACE are potentially fatal but are thankfully rare during a well-planned Kilimanjaro climb. What exactly causes the individual symptoms of altitude sickness is still not fully understood.
There is also a range of other symptoms you are likely to experience during a Kilimanjaro climb due to the altitude. They are considered normal and shouldn’t worry you:
None of those symptoms are altitude sickness.
The symptoms of AMS are headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, fatigue, dizziness. Everybody can expect to experience at least some of these symptoms in a mild form. The most obvious symptoms for HAPE are extreme breathlessness, even at rest; rattling breath, coughing with pink froth and blue lips or finger nails. HACE becomes apparent as a lack of coordination, inability to walk in a straight line, confusion and irrational behaviors (to the point of not acknowledging the symptoms).
The symptoms of acute mountain sickness as described above are self-limiting and not dangerous. In fact, your guides may tell you during the briefing not to worry, that it is totally normal to be vomiting repeatedly during that last final push top the summit. However, if you do experience symptoms, your guides should also keep monitoring you, because AMS can progress to one of the more severe forms of altitude sickness.HAPE and HACE are potentially fatal! Make sure that you always remain in contact with your guides and let them know exactly how you are feeling. Also keep an eye on your climbing partners, since people suffering from these severe conditions may not be able to correctly assess their own condition. Anybody experiencing symptoms that could indicate HAPE or HACE needs to DESCEND IMMEDIATELY or they will die. But please don’t panic now. As I said above, these conditions are rare, provided you act sensibly when on the mountain.
Anybody can get altitude sickness. There is no way to predict how your body will react if exposed to high altitude without proper acclimatization. Susceptibility to altitude sickness is random. Fitness is no protection. People who are extremely fit and exercise a lot get it just as easily as couch potatoes. There are many stories that indicate they may be even more susceptible! Men appear to be more susceptible than women, especially young, fit men. (Competitiveness and the desire to show off plays a part in this. Men will often ascend faster. Too fast.) Older people seem to be less susceptible. (Older people will ascend more slowly, and nothing protects you better from altitude sickness than ascending slowly.)
Highly susceptible people can experience symptoms from 2500 m (7000 ft) onwards, in rare cases even below that. The chance of developing AMS increases with the height but the rate of altitude gain is even more important. Mt. Kilimanjaro is 5895 m (19340 ft) high, so pretty much everybody on a Kilimanjaro climb will experience some symptoms of altitude sickness during that last push to the summit. There are other factors that increase the likelihood of altitude sickness apart from the absolute height itself:
Symptoms of acute mountain sickness typically take one or two days to disappear. If you keep ascending, they may not go away. For most people the symptoms come and go during the day, disappear overnight, only to come back the next day as the climb continues. AMS can be very unpleasant, but with the right preparation and at a sensible pace, most people can climb to at least the last camp below the crater rim (around 4700m). It’s that last push to the summit where AMS becomes the make it or break it issue.
Climb Kilimanjaro with knowledge that every detail of your trip has been designed by a professional mountain guide and high altitude experts. Your safety is our paramount concern on your Kilimanjaro trek. You leave home with the comfort of knowing that during your trek all you have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other.
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