Climbing Kilimanjaro & Tanzania Safaris

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing,trekking,hiking planning.

When coming to Tanzania and think of  climbing mount Kilimanjaro then first consider about precautions and things which will make your trip success.

One of the precautions to consider is how to avoid problems. One of the problems which might occur is High Altitude Sickness (HAS) or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). How ever if you have proper information about HAS/AMS then you will climb Mount Kilimanjaro successful and with comfort. Mountain climbing guides on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru know well about HAS/AMS.

All mountain guides are well trained and most of them have experience of 5 to 20 years trekking mount Kilimanjaro. So When hiking up Kilimanjaro tell the Mountain guide how do you feel and also follow advise.

High Altitude Sickness (HAS)/Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

What is Altitude Sickness?

Occurs when symptoms associated with altitude sickness result from the body's inability to adjust to lower levels of oxygen in the blood. It happens when somebody climbs up high altitude abruptly.

At sea level, the concentration of oxygen is about 21% and the barometric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As altitude increases, oxygen concentration remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced due to lower barometric pressure. In order to increase oxygen levels in the blood, your body responds by breathing faster. Although oxygen levels increase, sea level concentrations cannot be reached. The body must adjust to having less oxygen. This adjustment is called acclimatization. At elevations above 5,500 meters, acclimatization is not possible and the body begins to deteriorate.

There are many ways to acclimatize, one is before start kilimanjaro trekking. While around slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, a Tourist can take day hike to some altitude high level and some walking around.

High Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travelers who ascend too rapidly to high altitude, typically above 8000 feet or 2400 meters. The risk is higher for persons who normally reside at or near sea level. Anyone is at risk, no matter what age or level of fitness.

The reduction in atmospheric pressure and a lower oxygen concentration at high altitude are the cause of the illness, which can affect lungs, nervous system, muscles and heart.

Symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.

Mild symptoms (most cases):

Be close to Mountain climbing guide and tell him how you feel.He may recognise of of the symptoms and know what to do. Please follow guide advise.

-Headache, difficult in sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, fatigue, dizziness or light –headedness, rapid pulse, shortness of breath with exertion.

Severe symptoms (can cause death if not treated early).

-Continuous cough with shortness of breath at rest, chest tightness or congestion, coughing up blood, bluish color of skin, inability to walk in straight line or to walk at all, deceased consciousness, confusion, gray or pale completion: in these cases there is edema in the lungs (HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or in the brain (HACE or High Altitude Cerebral Edema).

The risk and severity of AMS is higher as the rate of ascent is increased, the higher altitude attained and higher levels of exertion. It takes about 8 hours to develop, which is why skiers usually don’t suffer too much.

At altitude below 3000 metres, about 20% of the people develop symptoms, but above 3500 metres most people will experience at least some symptoms, while at altitudes below 5000 metres, virtually everybody will suffer symptoms, especially if enough time is not taken for acclimatization.

Considering the altitudes of the peaks of Mount Meru (4667 metres) and Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 metres) and the short time span generally taken in climbing these mountains, most climbers will develop some form as AMS ,if they do a rapid ascent without sufficient acclimatisation. For Marangu route you can climb for 5 days successful to the top, because Marangu route is easier and gentle. How ever it depends how fit you are and 6 days is recommend so that yourself enough time while climbing Kilimanjaro.

Other routes mostly need 6 days or more like Machame, Rongai, and Umbwe; while Lemosho and Shira need 7 days or more for Kilimanjaro trekking expeditions.

How to prevent (serious) AMS:

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a period of year (months) in which weather is friendly. 

When to go:Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.

Make sure you have made enough acclimatization.When climbing above 300 metres ,sleeping elevation should not increase more than 300 metres per night and spend a second night at same elevation for every 1000 metres. That is why we recommend to take an extra day for acclimatization so that your Kilimanjaro climbing holiday goes and finishes with success.

Recognize early symptoms of AMS, so you can return if needed. Experienced guides will monitor you and warn you in time. All guides are experienced and have taken many Kilimanjaro trekking adventure trips to the Kilimanjaro snow.

Go slowly! This is special warning for extra fit climbers who have a tendency to go too fast and increase their risk for AMS. Please take advise of Guides and surely you will be safe and success in your Kilimanjaro trekking expedition.

Mount Kilimanjaro National park authority always have principles of maintaining group of 6 or less and at least 3 guides to take care of every Tourist climber. Mostly these guides are local born at base slopes of mount Kilimanjaro, well educated and trained. They have local knowledge useful for Tourists and adventures.

Drink as much water as you can, and enough water is provided by Travel Agencies/Kilimanjaro climbing outfitter. Acclimatisation and the exertion of the climb caused fluid loss. You will need to drink 3-5 litres per day! Monitor your urine color (should be clear).

Don’t over –exert yourself when you first get up to altitude, but light activity is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, making AMS symptoms worse.

Avoid smoking, alcohol and tranquillizers as they further decrease the respiratory drive during sleeping-resulting in worsening symptoms.

Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of calories from carbohydrate).Oral rehydration salts and energy bars are recommended. Ask the Travel agency or Kilimanjaro trekking for Menu daily time table and demand what you need.

Strongly consider the use of Acetazolamide (Diamox) to speed acclimatisation with a factor 3-4.This drug was introduced in the mid 1990’s; it makes the blood more acid and stimulates the frequency of respiration. Side effects: incease of urine output, tingling of fingers and lips. Mild drowsiness and a possible allergic reaction as it is sulfa based.If considering taking the drug, try it before the trip. The most recent advice for the dosage: 250 mg in the morning (whole tablet), 125 mg in evening (1/2 tablet).Start the day before or the day of the ascent and continue 3-4 days, as normally acclimatization takes 3 days.

People suffering from cardiac or severe pulmonary diseases and pregnant women should avoid high altitudes.

How to treat AMS:

-The Mountain Guide will help you descend to lower altitude and you may recover soon. That is why we say tell the Guide how you feel.

-The principle is to descend to lower altitude as rapidly and safely as possible. Usually there are Emergency Mountain Rangers who are standby for taking rescue of any ill person. Mountain rangers work hand in hand with your guides.

-Oxygen and drug as Acetazolamide, Nifedipine and Dexamethasone can be used in more severe cases but need good medical supervision (not always available!).

-For severe cases as HAPE and HACE-hospitalisation is required,but facililities such as mechanical ventilation are usually not available. This refers to such devices as the Gamor Bag-standard equipment on mountains like Everest. With the ever increasing amount of climbers on Tanzania’s peaks (1000’s per year) one would hope for some investment in improvement of medical facilities on these mountains

Take precautions and follow advice so that you avoid this sickness. Wish you well planning and Kilimanjaro trekking expedition and climbing adventure successful.

Let us help you plan Mount Kilimanjaro, contact us now:

info@kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

Mount Kilimanjaro.

Introduction

Read about Tanzania wildlife safari tours

Mount Kilimanjaro is within Tanzania Northern Part.

Kilimanjaro is located just (Location: 3.07 S, 37.35 E) near the equator, in the Tropical Country yet its peak covered by snow throughout the year. Rising abruptly from the open plains, capped by snow and frequently fringed by clouds, it is one of Africa’s classic images.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest Mountain in Africa 5895m/19340 ft. is the only Mountain in the World with the perfect symmetrical crater. Is the highest free standing Mountain in the World?

Is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa? Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summits on the planet, a beacon for visitors from around the world.

KILIMANJARO is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain known to man. It is a mountain where you can hike for more than 90 kilometers, gain 4 000 meters in altitude, traverse rain forest, moorland, alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs, all virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure.

The Topography

Kilimanjaro rises from plains at approximately 2000 meters, right up to 5 895 meters. An ancient volcano, it now lies dormant except for some tell tale signs of fumaroles in the ash pit. Two other peaks, namely Mawenzi and Shira, flank the main peak of Kibo. These peaks form spectacular photographic backdrops when viewed from various vantage points along the routes to the summit.

The different routes to the summit pass through five ecological zones, being the cultivated lower slopes, Montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the ice capped summit.

The lower slopes of the mountain are mainly used for agricultural purposes.

The climate here is ideal for the production of coffee, an industry that Tanzania is famous for. Further up, a rain forest belt encircles the mountain up to about 2 00 meters. As you proceed higher, you pass through the heath which changes into moorland, semi-desert at altitude, progressing into total desert and finally into an alpine region with permanent ice glaciers. The higher slopes are covered with scree, loose stones resembling gravel, making it more difficult to negotiate. The main glaciers edging their way down the slopes of Kibo are Heim, Rebmann, Decken, Arrow and some smaller ones. These glaciers form the permanent ice cap of the mountain, although they are, as a result of global warming, believed to receding each year.

The Climate

Being only 3 degrees south of the equator, Kilimanjaro is influenced by the passage of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone. There is a constant feeling of summer, and there are two rainy seasons to keep in mind. The highest rainfall occurs from March lasting until about the end of May. This is monsoon time. Slightly less rain falls during the short rainy period, which occurs from around October to November, but can extend into December. Apart from these factors, climbing Kilimanjaro remains fairly constant throughout the year.

The maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt, where it can reach up to 2000 mm per year. At the summit, which can be, describe as a "high altitude desert", the rainfall reaches less than 100 mm per year. Rain (and snow at higher altitudes) can however be encountered at any time of the year.

The average temperatures at the foot of the mountain is 25°-30° C and on the summit, it can range from minus 10° -20° C. At 3000m the day temperatures range from 5°-15° C, and at night frost is normally encountered. Clearly a large variation, making it more interesting to summit the mountain.

How difficult is the climb-can I do it

About 22,000 climbers set out every year to conquer the Kilimanjaro peak. Several well-marked hiking routes lead to the summit of the mountain. To use the word "climber" is not always correct. Although none of these hikers routes really requires mountaineering skills, hiking to the "roof of Africa" is physically and mentally demanding and should not be under estimated. As much as 40% of those who set out to climb Kilimanjaro turn back before they reach Uhuru peak.

Today, hikers make up the bulk of all those who conquer Kilimanjaro, and the mountain is in fact one of the highest peaks accessible to hikers in the world. Of course there are extremely severe climbs available, including some grade 3+ climbs, but those we leave to the professional alpine climbers and experienced mountaineers. The information on this website is primarily concerned with the hiking routes, which "the average hikers" can follow successfully.

With the adequate preparation any reasonably fit person above the age of 12 years can reach the summit successfully, in fact the oldest person to date to reach the summit was a Frenchman Valtee Daniel at an age of 87!!

Preparation both physically and mentally is the keywords for success-- this web site contains valuable and comprehensive information obtained from 9 years of experience and through the feedback from more than 4300 clients. We believe it will positively contribute to your chances of successfully conquering Kilimanjaro.

Best Season to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow.

June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months, are November and early December, where snow falls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year.

Many people like to arrange their summit around a full moon and Christmas and New Year are very popular.

Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

Kilimanjaro trekking routes are; Machame route mostly 6 days, Marangu can be climbed 5 and 6 days, Londorossi/Lemosho 7 or 8 days, Umbwe 5 day or 6 days,Londorossi/Western Breach 8-10 days, Rongai 6 days , And 8 days Shira Exclusive fantastic route-through Shira Plateau from Londorossi gate is the most fascinating and scenic route up Kilimanjaro.

Machame Route

This is probably the most scenic and most beautiful route to the summit. The 6-day route is however physically more challenging than the Marangu route. The day walks are longer and steeper, however the summit night is one hour shorter. The scenic traverse of the Western Breach offers some stunning views! Only tented accommodation available, which can be less comfortable and will require a good sleeping bag and hiking mattress.

Umbwe Route

This route is one of the shorter but also one of the more difficult routes to reach Uhuru peak--but quiet spectacular. Umbwe is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited on route the following day. Also sometimes used as a descending route.

Shira Route

The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to within a 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut (4000m). Even this drive is very spectacular indeed and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatisation, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.

Mweka Route

This route can only be use as a descending route for all the western routes.

Lemosho Route

It is a remote, unspoiled and very beautiful route to the Roof of Africa. The forest around the Lemosho Glades is rich in big game animals such as elephant and buffalo, which may sometimes require a game ranger to accompany climbers on the first day. This route is however a long route which requires 7-days for a comfortable completion, which also makes it more expensive.

Rongai (Naro Moru) Route

Rongai is the second easiest and gentle to climb Mount Kilimanjaroafter Marangu

You can start this route from both the Tanzanian side of the border or from Rongai in Kenya, but all park fees and arrangements must be made at the Marangu gate. The route may only be used for ascend and the Marangu route must be used for descend. There are several big caves along the route, which are used by the porters to overnight for the first two nights.

Western Breach / Arrow Glacier

An alternative final ascend route which can be taken from all of the western routes, sleeping at magnificent Arrow Glacier on your summit night. The western Breach poses a very difficult walk up steep scree with some rock scrambling occasionally required. Snow cover makes scree easier but an ice axe is then required. It is also possible to sleep an extra night inside the Kibo Crater!

Day to Day activity on each route will be provided, kindly contact us. All information about accommodations, food and trekking duration/distance will be provided if you like.

This is another page/paragraph about Kilimanjaro trekking which is very useful to Travelers.

Email: kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

Important things that Help climbers Reach Mount Kilimanjaro Summit.

-Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximise your chances of reaching the summit.

To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

-Use Mountain Climbing Outfitter (Tour Operator) which is licensed. The Legal company have employed Well trained and experienced Mountain Guides. These Professional Mountain Guides are trained and licensed by Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. They understand all safety conditions in the Mountain for care taking of Tourists.

-There are also Mount Kilimanjaro Rangers, these are employed by Tanzania National Parks and they work hand in hand with Mountain Guides mentioned above in cases of Rescue if any case arises.

-Since these Mountain Guides are well trained and experienced, please trust them for your safety. Listen to them and will enable you reach Mount Kilimanjaro summit. These Guides are Friendly and will tell you various stories and knowledge about Mount Kilimanjaro, they are so friendly.

-Take Enough Bottled Water with you. Water is very important.Kilimanjaro Travel and Safari Adventure Services will buy mineral Bottled Water enough for you.

-Also Chocolate and Biscuits with Glucose will help you on Summiting day. Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris LTD will provide you with all these plus Rich enough food, including vegetables and Fruits. Our Porters and cooks will take care of you on Supervision of Guides.

-First Aid Knowledge and KIT is very essential. Our Mountain Guides and Porters are well equipped.

-We have enough Facilities to handle a traveling group from 2 people up to 48 people.

-Our Professionalism, experience and Reliability always is keeping improving as we serve more customers. Our % success is increasing as Many Tourists are satisfied with services and meet their dreams of going to Mount Kilimanjaro summit.

Email: kili-tanzanitesafaris.com