General Information

The big mountains of East Africa - Mt Meru (4566m), Mt Kenya (5199m) and Kilimanjaro - all involve high altitude climbing and acclimatisation.  Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain of the African continent and at 5894 metres, it is the world's highest freestanding mountain and one of the world's tallest volcanoes.  It attracts a lot of people from all over the world that come to climb it - for many a lifetime achievement - but Kilimanjaro high altitude climbing and acclimatisation is no 'walk in the park'. We plan our routes carefully, not only to gain altitude gradually and progressively, but also to build in rest days for helping with acclimatisation. In addition to altitude acclimatisation,  travellers also have to adjust early in the trip to the time difference as East Africa is three hours ahead of GMT.

We do not believe that the shorter treks available on Kilimanjaro, with less time to acclimatise and a faster ascent, offer trekkers the best opportunity for summitting and for optimum health, acclimatisation and enjoyment.  A shorter trek does cost less regarding price and park fees, influencing the total price of a trip: however, we believe that the number of days on the mountain is the most important element of a trekking trip, and we detail this separately under every mountain trip we offer.  Consequently, we will only operate Kilimanjaro treks with a minimum of seven days on the mountain: we will not run treks shorter than this.

Our trips are long enough to allow acclimatisation, with height gains of about 800 metres a day on average and walking at a slow pace, we do not gain altitude too fast.  All our treks on Kilimanjaro have a day spent around 4,200 metres to aid acclimatising (a rest day at Mawenzi Tarn - Rongai Route, spending a night at Karanga campsite - Machame Route, level trekking on the north side of Kibo - Kibo North Circuit route) to offer the most enjoyment and the best chance of making the summit.

Mt Meru and Mt Kenya are not quite as high and, whilst still reaching a high altitude, in general most people can climb them and, apart from the odd headache, not feel too bad.  The real benefit is when you combine either of them with an ascent of Kilimanjaro straight after.  This has got to result in the most enjoyable trek on 'Kili' with the highest chance of success.

It is not just luck that dictates whether you will have problems at altitude.  A little bit of knowledge about the causes, symptoms and preventative measures can benefit greatly in how you cope with the altitude. Trekking with reputable, experienced and qualified guides, being aware of the symptoms and communicating with the guides all increase your chances of enjoying the trip and reaching the top.

It is widely regarded that having a good level of fitness helps with the effect of altitude.  Whilst the younger and fitter someone is has no bearing on how the altitude affects them, being fit and strong enables your body to use more of its available lung space more efficiently.  Statistically, young fit males suffer more from altitude than older people: there seems to be no sound medical reason for this and it is not a hard and fast rule.

Expect to feel some sort of effect from the altitude - most people suffer to a degree, but if you are slow, listen to your body, stay hydrated and talk to your guide, then most people can reach the summit of one of the big East African mountains.

We appreciate that some travellers may have some concerns regarding the problems associated with high altitude climbing and acclimatisation.  For those wishing to learn more, we are reproducing for your convenience summarised current perceived wisdom in a very general form.  We are not medically qualified, so we do not give medical advice.  Responsibility is yours to take appropriate medical advice specific to your personal circumstances should you wish, and by clicking this link for more information, you agree to the above.