| Every year a small number of tourists die climbing | | | | at a cost of usually US$120 per person. I would |
| Kilimanjaro. What action should one take to avoid | | | | recommend spending this extra money; it increases |
| altitude sickness? | | | | your chance of success in reaching the top of the |
| To be fit and ready to climb is essential. When | | | | mountain. If you feel tired, if you are vomiting if you |
| climbing take your assent slowly, this will be | | | | are passing blood tell your guide. These are all signs |
| emphasized again and again as you climb - in Swahili | | | | of altitude sickness. If you start to suffer then to |
| pole-pole [slowly slowly]. Anyone is susceptible to | | | | get to a lower altitude as quickly as possible is the |
| altitude sickness and your guide will be on the lookout | | | | best advice. Do not hang on thinking you will be fine, |
| for any tale tale signs. | | | | get off the mountain as quickly as possible. |
| Before you climb the mountain, try to avoid an | | | | Once you have succeeded in climbing to the top and |
| overnight in Moshi town. It is better to stay as close | | | | have taken your pictures then a quick decent is also |
| to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate as you can. As you | | | | advisable - there will be one night only on the |
| sleep in the mountain village, your body is starting to | | | | mountain during your decent. |
| acclimatize. If you can spend two nights before your | | | | To recap, a pre-night close to the park-gate helps |
| climb all the better. | | | | acclimatize. Spend an extra night on the mountain to |
| Acclimatization is the key. An extra day spent on | | | | help your body adjust; and most of all do not race |
| your climb is a worthwhile. It is offered as an extra | | | | up the mountain walk slowly and enjoy your climb. |