Climb Kilimanjaro health requirements
Who qualifies for a Kilimanjaro Adventure trip?
Kilimanjaro Health Requirements
It is compulsory for travellers to Tanzania to have a Yellow fever inoculation. This must be done at least 10 days prior to departure, however, if possible, try to have it done timeously to avoid any possible side effects that could negatively affect your climb . It is also highly recommended to take precautions against malaria. (Please check with your nearest travel clinic). Although no mosquitoes are found on Kilimanjaro due to the high altitude, it is still necessary as most Kilimanjaro expeditions will start from Moshi (closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro). Also, should you take the option of visiting Zanzibar Island, or one of Tanzania’s other National parks, you will be at risk. It is not compulsory to undergo a full medical check-up, that includes a stress ECG, prior to planning and hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro, but it is highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
It is compulsory for travellers to Tanzania to have a Yellow fever inoculation. This must be done at least 10 days prior to departure, however, if possible, try to have it done timeously to avoid any possible side effects that could negatively affect your climb . It is also highly recommended to take precautions against malaria. (Please check with your nearest travel clinic). Although no mosquitoes are found on Kilimanjaro due to the high altitude, it is still necessary as most Kilimanjaro expeditions will start from Moshi (closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro). Also, should you take the option of visiting Zanzibar Island, or one of Tanzania’s other National parks, you will be at risk. It is not compulsory to undergo a full medical check-up, that includes a stress ECG, prior to planning and hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro, but it is highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
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Who qualifies for a Kilimanjaro Adventure trip?
The Tanzania National Park Authorities requires that a person be at least 10 years old for a summit attempt up Kilimanjaro. Our recommendation however is to rather wait until your child is 15 years or older. A summit attempt puts a person under enormous physical and mental strain and young children are normally not yet developed to adapt to this challenge. There is no restriction as far as the maximum age is concerned and many people in their 70’s have in the past successfully summited Kilimanjaro with and without additional support. Kilimanjaro is a strenuous hike, but there is no climbing with ropes, so no prior experience is needed, meaning that it can be attempted by any fit and healthy person. We do however recommend that Kilimanjaro is given the respect that it deserves. Do not take any unnecessary risks and rather ensure that you prepare as best possible and ensure your health status by undergoing a full medical check-up, which includes a stress ECG.
The Tanzania National Park Authorities requires that a person be at least 10 years old for a summit attempt up Kilimanjaro. Our recommendation however is to rather wait until your child is 15 years or older. A summit attempt puts a person under enormous physical and mental strain and young children are normally not yet developed to adapt to this challenge. There is no restriction as far as the maximum age is concerned and many people in their 70’s have in the past successfully summited Kilimanjaro with and without additional support. Kilimanjaro is a strenuous hike, but there is no climbing with ropes, so no prior experience is needed, meaning that it can be attempted by any fit and healthy person. We do however recommend that Kilimanjaro is given the respect that it deserves. Do not take any unnecessary risks and rather ensure that you prepare as best possible and ensure your health status by undergoing a full medical check-up, which includes a stress ECG.
High altitude sickness, acute mountain sickness (AMS)
Most people that are not acclimatized can be affected by AMS. Altitude sickness is mainly caused due to a lack of barometric pressure and oxygen concentration in the air. The most effective way to increase your chances of not being effected by AMS will be to acclimatize adequately on your hike up Kilimanjaro. This is done by ascending slowly to a higher altitude and to drink enough water to avoid dehydration (around 3 ~ 5 litres per day). Apart from hydration being key to the acclimatization process, so is a slow pace, proper nutrition and maintaining a comfortable body temperature – here where correct equipment plays an integral part.
There is medication available from most travel clinics that will be able to also assist you to acclimatize, but unfortunately none that will be 100% effective. The most common first symptoms of AMS will be lack of appetite, headaches & nausea.
There is medication available from most travel clinics that will be able to also assist you to acclimatize, but unfortunately none that will be 100% effective. The most common first symptoms of AMS will be lack of appetite, headaches & nausea.
Looking for a comprehensive guide on how to climb Kilimanjaro?
Look no further than our Kilimanjaro online guide.
Climb Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa
Dream World Adventures specializes in putting together tailor made Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa. Our Kilimanjaro packages include all you need in order to undertake this African adventure – from flights departing from South Africa, to accommodation before and after your climb and all park fees, logistical mountain teams and meals on the mountain.
For more information on our Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa please following this link.
Climb Kilimanjaro packages starting from Tanzania
Dream World Adventures can also provide tailor made Kilimanjaro packages that will have you start your adventure from either Moshi in Tanzania, or from Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
The package prices will be quoted in US$ for clients not travelling from South Africa.
The package prices will be quoted in US$ for clients not travelling from South Africa.
For more information on our Kilimanjaro tour packages from Tanzania please following the link.
The Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
The Marangu route was the route first used by Hans Meyer in 1891 to reach the top of Africa – Uhuru peak on Kilimanjaro. Many climbers these days opt for this route as it is the most comfortable route up Kilimanjaro, compared to all the other tented routes.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
The Machame route on Kilimanjaro
The Machame route we have found is definitely of the most opted for routes to consider for your adventure up Kilimanjaro. While it is not the longest route to reach the summit, the old adage for better acclimatization of “climb-high, sleep-low” comes to mind when using this tented route, with climbs to ridges and descents to valleys marking the approach days to Barafu Camp, base camp for summit, which will definitely aid hikers in their quest to reach the summit.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Machame route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Machame route on Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route is known as one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. The first couple days on this route are beautifully wild and usually have lower traffic on the way up to the Shira Plateau, where it merges with other routes to the summit via Barafu Camp.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route will have you start your hike on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, close the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The drive to the starting point of your hike, the Naru Moru Village, is a lengthy one, and winds through coffee plantations and rural villages.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe route, especially for the first couple of days before meeting up with the other routes at Barranco Camp, entails a steep ascent through lush forest and deep gorges. It is a challenging, but scenic route option and from Barranco camp follows the same path as the Machame and Lemosho routes to the summit via Barafu.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro