Successful altitude acclimatization is key to climbing Kilimanjaro safely.

Kilimanjaro trekking 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 on a high mountain trek.

There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, sleeplessness and a loss of appetite. These symptoms can be considered normal for climbing Kilimanjaro. However, complications can develop on Kilimanjaro, and every one attempting to climb the mountain must be aware of the risks involved.

Serious altitude sickness very rarely develops for climbers. Cerebral edema is caused by fluid leakage from the brain. Cerebral edema is recognized by severe headaches combined with severe loss of balance and dizziness. Pulmonary edema is caused by fluid build up in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is characterized by crackling noises from the chest and the coughing up of pink sputum. Both conditions lead rapidly to death unless immediate descent is made.

Our practical experience is that there are three primary steps to achieving successful acclimatization. You will probably still suffer some mild symptoms of altitude sickness before adapting to function normally with reduced levels of oxygen.

Drink lots. We recommend fluid intake of 4-5 liters daily. Fluid intake improves circulation and most other bodily functions. Fluid intake does not add to fluid leakage from the body. Our menu contains lots of soup, hot drinks and fresh fruit. And you need to drink 3 liters of water per day too! If your urine is clear and copious, you are drinking enough.
Walk slowly. It is vital to place as little strain as possible on the body while it is trying to adapt to a reducing oxygen supply. Unless there is a very steep uphill section, your breathing rate while walking should be as if you are walking down the street at home.
Climb high sleep low. This means climbing to a higher altitude during the day and the sleeping at a lower altitude at night. This is done through well planned itineraries that include afternoon acclimatization hikes to a higher levels (climbing high) before descent to camp (sleeping low). All our itineraries have this feature, although due to time and distance to be covered the longer 8 and 9 day climbs have more acclimatization walks.

Our guides are experienced in treating altitude sickness.

Mild forms of altitude sickness are best treated by rest, maintaining fluid intake, and by a painkiller such as paracetamol. Mild symptoms which have lasted for 24 hours or more can be treated with Diamox which aids acclimatization. Some people take Diamox before the climb as prescribed by their doctor. The use of Diamox in this manner is a personal decision. We as a company think it is better to listen to your body and give it a chance to acclimatize naturally before resorting to the use of Diamox. Serious cases of altitude sickness can only be treated by immediate descent.

The chief guide on the trip has received first aid training from both Kilimanjaro National Park and The African Walking Company. Our guides are all experienced in dealing with the problems of altitude and their decision will be final. If there is a potential problem, the guide will take precautionary action and inform both the national park and our office in Arusha. Contact is usually made by mobile phone, as there is network coverage somewhere on each day while climbing Kilimanjaro. There are a number of national park ranger posts on Kilimanjaro and they also have radios to contact park headquarters in Marangu.

Evacuation from Kilimanjaro is initially either on foot or wheeled stretcher. This is until the highest access point that the national park rescue car can reach - either Shira Plateau, below Mandara Hut or Rongai Gate. The rescue car will transport the sick client off the mountain but often it is necessary for our vehicle to meet the rescue car to complete the journey. During the rescue an assistant guide would accompany the sick client. If the client is very sick the chief guide would accompany the sick client, and leave the group on Kilimanjaro under the charge of his assistant. The client is taken to either a doctor (KCMC Hospital in Moshi, or AAR Clinic in Arusha) or as in many cases the client has recovered due to losing altitude, and rests at a hotel.

During the rescue the sick client is accompanied by one of the guides and looked after carefully. On the morning after the rescue the guide would meet the client again. At this time there is a telephone communication from executive staff to ensure that the correct medical care is being offered and the client's wishes are being taken care of. This guide is then available to help the client in any way, whether they need to go to the doctor or do a short walk around town. medical kit

The trip coordinators of The African Walking Company are also involved in looking after the recovery of sick clients as they are conveniently based in Arusha and Marangu. In serious cases, one of the senior management of the company would visit the client to ensure the treatment and other arrangements are the best possible.

Group medical kits with instructions are provided on all climbs and looked after by the chief guide. All guides have had first aid training. We do not carry Gamow bags or oxygen on our standard climbs. We pay special attention to avoid altitude sickness by maximizing acclimatization. And the guides training means they can recognize the symptoms of serious altitude sickness and organize and immediate descent, which is by far the best treatment, on the occasions when this is necessary.

Kilimanjaro Routes

Rongai Route

Quiet and remote, this 6 day route is preferred due to its gradual ascent and unspoiled wilderness.

Shira Route

Spectacularly scenic, this 8 day route is for those seeking a more challenging adventure.

Northern Circuit

Traversing nearly the entire mountain, this 9 day route is the most amazing journey on Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho Route

Sometimes referred to as the "Shira Plateau Route," this difficult but beautiful 7 day route approaches from the west.

Machame Route

A beautiful yet short 6 day trek, this popular route is called the "Whiskey" route.