Mount Kilimanjaro climbing,trekking,hiking planning.
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Kilimandzaro treks, kilimandzsaro,kilimandszaro,kilimandscharo,kilimandjaro in Tanzania.
When the idea of climbing mount Kilimanjaro,trekking,hiking then
first think about precautions and things which will make your trip success.
Expert mountain climbing guides from Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris Co.Ltd explains and takes care of Tourists when climbing mount kilimanjaro. Guides takes care of food, guiding to kilimanjaro summit, nature lecture,snow and volcano tours on Mount kilimanjaro
One of the precautions to consider is how to overcome or 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).
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):
-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:
Take as much time as possible to
acclimatise.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 trekking adventure is fun and 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 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
KILIMANJARO TANZANITE SAFARIS CO.LTD is a reputable tour operator in Tanzania and organize climbing mount kilimanjaro trips and wildlife safaris.
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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:
Email: info@kili-tanzanitesafaris.com
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