Altitude and safety on Kilimanjaro

Many prospective climbers as the question "Why is it that a few tourists die on Kilimanjaro. What action should I take to avoid altitude sickness and make sure I am not one of them?"

Be fit and take your assent slowly whilst drinking a lot of water. Anyone is can get altitude sickness and your guide will watch for the signs.

Pre-climb try to stay as high as you can so your body is starting to acclimatize.

Most climbers feel the effects of altitude, a shortness of breath and headache. When these symptoms worsen then they become what is know a AMS, Acute Mountain Sickness. The most effective treatment is by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude, a drop as little as 500m will be usually be enough. The symptoms of AMS, in the order they normally present: headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the extremities and reduced urine output.

By drinking at least 3-4 liters of water every day you will give yourself the best chance of making it to the top. Preventative medicine such as Diamox is also available. You should consult your physician for advice before visiting a foreign country . Fluid build-up may cause a condition known as oedema. This can affect the lungs (pulmonary) by reducing oxygen exchange, or effect the brain (cerebral) which causes the swelling of brain tissue. The latter can be lethal if not treated promptly.

Acclimatization is critical. An extra acclimatization day spent on your climb is very worthwhile. I would recommend spending the extra money as it significantly increases your chance of success in reaching Uhuru Peak. Tell your guide if you: feel tired, vomit or if you are passing blood. These are all indications of Mountain sickness. If you begin to suffer seriously then you need to get to a lower altitude as fast as possible. Do not try to tough it out by hanging on thinking you will be fine, get down the mountain as quickly as possible or you could die.

Another potential risk on Kilimanjaro is hypothermia. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature. As with altitude sickness prevention is preferable to cure. There is no such thing as too cold, just the wrong clothing. Try not to allow your clothes to get wet. The treatment for hypothermia is relatively simple. Get the victim into a sheltered area as quickly as possible, remove all wet clothing and place the casualty inside a sleeping bags with another person to help heat them up.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.