Kilimanjaro’s High Altitude
Pre-acclimatization is the process of gradually exposing oneself to the altitude and conditions of a high-altitude environment prior to attempting to climb a mountain such as Mount Kilimanjaro. This can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness, which can occur at high elevations due to the reduced amount of oxygen in the air. Pre-acclimatization can be accomplished by spending time at high elevations, doing high-altitude training, or taking medication such as acetazolamide. It’s also important to note that physical fitness and proper acclimatization are key to a successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pre-acclimatization through altitude training systems produces long-term adaptations, such as an increase in red blood cells, blood volume, and efficiency of oxygen absorption. These adaptations help:
Reduce the Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the main reason climbers fail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people will experience some symptoms of AMS. Pre-acclimatization can reduce or eliminate symptoms of AMS.
Increase performance on the mountain. Pre-acclimatization significantly improves the body’s mechanisms for delivering oxygen to the muscles. The result is increased aerobic and anaerobic performance on Kilimanjaro, such as hiking strength and endurance.
Increase recovery on the mountain. Breathing rates and oxygen intake decreases when the body is asleep. In an oxygen deficient environment, many people have difficulty sleeping. Pre-acclimatization enables people to sleep well, and thus, recover after physical activity.
Our itineraries, especially those that are 7 days or more, are designed so that an average person can successfully and safely make it to the top without any prior high altitude exposure.
HOW IS DRINKING WATER CARRIED UP THE MOUNTAIN?
All water is drawn from fresh water streams and purified. You should therefore bring water purifiers that can deal with at least 3 litres a day. We boil water at night for teas and coffee, and you can fill up your water bottle the night before with the same boiled water.
WHAT ARE THE MEALS LIKE?
It is important to have healthy and safe meals while on a trek to maintain energy levels and overall well-being. Having chefs that can cater to specific allergies is also important for the safety and comfort of the trekkers
Pro-tip:Â bring some of your favourite snacks with you, they’re a great motivator during the trek!Â
Below is an example list of foods served in the mountains:Â
- Dinner
Irish Potatoes, pumpkin, rice, meat, mixed vegetables, chicken, spaghetti, pasta, noodles, kraft cheese and Cheddar cheese, peas with mixed vegetables, beans with mixed vegetables, mushroom/onion/tomato soups
- Breakfast:
eggs, beef sausages, bacon, potato patties, bread, toast, milk, oat/millet/rice porridge, teas, coffee, hot chocolate, pancakes with syrup, baked beans on toast
- Lunches:
chicken salad sandwich, cheese and tomato sandwich, 300ml juice (apple and banana), tuna salad sandwich, potato salad, egg sandwich, chapati and jam, vegetables (tomatoes, onions, French beans, cabbage, eggplants, green pepper)
ARE THERE MOSQUITOES?
Yes, that is correct. Mosquitoes typically thrive in warm, damp environments and are less likely to be found at high elevations where the temperatures are cooler. However, while on a safari or in Zanzibar, it’s still a good idea to bring insect repellent as mosquitoes and other insects can still be present in those areas
WHAT VACCINATIONS, IMMUNIZATIONS DO I NEED?
It is recommended that travelers to Tanzania be up to date on their routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
In addition, it is also recommended that travelers to Tanzania be vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
It is also recommended that you check with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic for the most up-to-date information and recommendations, as well as any other vaccines that may be recommended based on your specific travel plans and health history.
Covid
As of 2022, travelers arriving to Tanzania by air are now exempt from all vaccination and testing requirements. Therefore, there are no Covid-19 related requirements for nearly all of our clients, who fly in and out of Kilimanjaro airport for their trips.
TRAVEL ADAPTERS
Power outlets and plugs
Several different power outlet formats are used across Africa.
Although most lodges provide plug converters for the use of guests, we strongly recommend that you carry your own. These should be purchased in advance of travel as they are often not available in country and are often out of stock at airports.
There are some excellent universal plug adaptors on the market now, some with multiple USB ports too, but most do not include the South African three round pin socket (type M) format, so you will probably need to buy that separately (that’s the one that is often unavailable at the airport when you need it).
In Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda the socket outlets are almost universally the British three rectangular pin variety (type G), 230V/50Hz
In Rwanda the socket outlets are almost universally the European two round pin variety (type C), although you may also encounter South African three round pin sockets (type M), both 230V/50Hz.
In South Africa the socket outlets are almost universally the South African three round pin variety (type M), 230V/50Hz
HOW IS THE WILDLIFE?
Yes, Africa is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, and different countries and regions within the continent have different seasons for peak wildlife viewing. Some popular destinations for safaris include the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Masai Mara in Kenya, the chimpanzee and gorilla in Rwanda/ Uganda and the Kruger National Park in South Africa. It is best to research the specific area you plan to visit and plan your trip during the peak season for the type of wildlife you want to see. Additionally, it is important to consider the weather, as some regions can be quite hot or rainy during certain times of the year.
During an 7–10 day safari in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, or South Africa, wildlife you are likely to see will include elephant, giraffe, lion, zebra, buffalo, jackal, hyena, warthog, chimpanzee, gorillas, hippopotamus, wildebeest, impala, topi, kudu, waterbuck, red lechwe, steenbok, duiker, baboon, vervet monkey, tree squirrel, mongoose, crocodile and a wide variety of colourful and interesting bird species.
Animals that you may see with a bit of luck and during some night drives include rhino, leopard, cheetah, sable and roan antelope, sitatunga, bush baby, African wild cat, bat-eared fox, side-striped jackal, African wild dog, honey badger, genet, caracal, aardwolf.
Are there opportunities to meet with local people or visit real African villages?
There are many opportunities for cultural interaction! East Africa contains one of the most diverse tribal and cultural heritages in the world. Kenya and Tanzania offer guests an unrivalled cultural experience from the Maasai, Kikuyu, Samburu and Turkana tribes in Kenya to Tanzania’s multicultural heritage with their Maasai herdsmen and approximately 120 tribal groups scattered throughout the country. Your guides, trackers, waiters and other employees in most of the East African safari camps we use are from the indigenous tribes. We are also able to arrange visits to authentic villages and settlements where you can observe and participate in celebrations, rituals and day to day tribal life – the options are endless
