Mount Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. The view of this majestic mountain's gigantic snow-capped summit dome, rising high above the surrounding savannah is one of Africa's classic images . At 5896 metres (19,344 ft), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from every corner of the world. The attraction is even greater because with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience.
The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice. The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman's Point, both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only. Kilimanjaro has been designated as a National Park by the government of Tanzania.
Altitude Sickness
We take your safety and comfort very seriously. Here are some tips regarding your health as you are ascending the mountain.
As you are ascending the mountain, the oxygen in the air is decreasing. Due to this, the shortage of oxygen in the blood results in difficulty in breathing. You are advised to acclimatize to adapt to the altitude by ascending slowly and maintaining the pace , avoid exertion, breath regularly and deeply.
Altitude/Acute Mountain Sickness:
Result as inability of human body to adjust to a rapid gain in altitude.
Symptoms:
Loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, lassitude, weakness, a rapid pulse even at rest, insomnia, swelling of hands, face and reduced urine output. When symptoms exist stop ascending and descend to a lower altitude. The drug DIAMOX helps reduce the severity.
Pneumonia:
This is coursed by the inflammation of the lungs.
Symptoms:
Rise in temperature, pain in chest, shivering, rapid breath and dry cough sometimes with red mucus. Cure involves keeping the patient warm, getting him to lower altitudes, provide warm drinks and antibiotics, and by beating chest to encourage coughing.
