| In brief this article covers a few questions commonly | | | | a fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly |
| asked about climbing Kilimanjaro. | | | | informed and equipped. I would say most guides |
| Q. We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and | | | | have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the |
| should be avoided? | | | | crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at |
| A. Marangu route must be booked in advance, this | | | | around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a |
| route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid | | | | bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of |
| overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or | | | | the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro |
| at least was the most popular route for first time | | | | without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be |
| climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame | | | | prepared and listen to your guide because he knows |
| route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro. | | | | best! |
| Q. Does an extra day help acclimatization? | | | | Q.How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro? |
| A. Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend | | | | A. The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; |
| an extra day during the Marangu route climb. | | | | at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, |
| Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for | | | | but it is possible to have temperatures as low as |
| or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every | | | | minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill |
| person I have ever spoken to who took the extra | | | | factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk |
| day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra | | | | across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has |
| day spent on the ascent is great because it makes | | | | been known for snow to stop climbing on the |
| the whole climb more relaxed and gives an | | | | mountain for short periods. |
| opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most | | | | Q.What should I know about altitude sickness? |
| important factor for success is the overall approach | | | | A. There are different types of altitude sickness. |
| to the climb, listen to your guide. | | | | "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as |
| Q. If there is a problem on the mountain what are | | | | frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are |
| the rescue procedures? | | | | headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not |
| A. The national park operates a rescue service, and | | | | everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, |
| the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each | | | | symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do |
| other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the | | | | not a climber may need to turn back, especially if |
| vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is | | | | vomiting is leading to dehydration. |
| altitude related and the solution is an immediate and | | | | A much more serious type of altitude sickness is |
| rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced | | | | called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, |
| at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers | | | | and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a |
| down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park | | | | serious condition develops which requires immediate |
| assistance | | | | action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, |
| Q.The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty | | | | where recovery is usually miraculously fast. |
| percent. Is this true? | | | | I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun |
| A. Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the | | | | near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have |
| climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they | | | | something to protect your lips as well and not |
| realize what they have let themselves in for. | | | | forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste |
| Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and | | | | & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and |
| fed; they then have a miserable time ending up with | | | | other personal hygiene items. |