Mt Kilimanjaro climb Machame route ,Acomodation and
acclimatisation
Accommodation
Accommodation on the route is in roomy two person tents. The evening stops
are referred to as huts, but most of the buildings are decrepit. They are
used as shelters for the porters and for cooking. The tents are usually
erected for you when you arrive, although if you want a particular position
it's worth taking charge. In the mornings, it helps everyone get away early
if you lend a hand with taking the tents down.
Acclimatisation
Acclimatisation is extremely important, both to let you enjoy your ascent
but more importantly to avoid any serious complications. The route is
planned to optimise the height gain, but you may still get a headache
or
feel nauseous. There are two important preventative measures: to drink
copiously, even when it is really difficult, and to walk very slowly,
avoiding as far as possible increased heart and breathing rates.
A
drug is available, Diamoxs well proven to help with acclimatisation.
This is taken as tablets for a few days before and then during your ascent.
It is safe and has no serious side effects. It is important to remember
that one possible effect of altitude is light-headedness and odd behaviour,
which can lead to foolish decisions.
The danger here is of someone who is not well insisting on continuing.
Watch each other closely.
Other
Trekking details
Food and kitchen equipment will be carried by the porters and cooked by
an
experienced cook. It will be plentiful and wholesome, but may be limited
by
the circumstances. Your own supply of chocolate and high energy snacks
is a
good idea.
Water
is available at several points and should be purified before drinking.
All water in camp will be boiled and some provided for drinking the next
day. A comforting tip is to fill your bottle in the evening with boiled
water for the next day, and to use it as a hot water bottle overnight.
Check with your guide where the water points are.
Toilets
are available . Some camps have several and so it's worth checking
for the cleanest. If you are caught short during the walk, please find
a spot as far as possible from the trail and any water. Bury your faeces
and paper. It is often easiest to move a large rock and use the indent
as a hole.
Other details
Food and kitchen equipment will be carried by the porters and cooked
by an
experienced cook. It will be plentiful and wholesome, but may be limited
by
the circumstances. Your own supply of chocolate and high energy snacks
is a
good idea.
Treks
and climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro
At nearly 20,000 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa,
and one of the highest volcanoes in the world. For walkers, trekking up
Mount Kilimanjaro is particularly attractive because, with the right
preparation, it's possible to trek all the way to the summit without
technical climbing gear or experience.
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