HEALTH

Make sure you understand Altitude Sickness

Travel Doctor Consultation Vaccination Health Health Prevention

Get advice from a Travel Doctor

We believe you should be aware of altitude sickness (and symptoms) as a danger to your health and in certain circumstances can cause death. Altitude sickness can be common and your guides are trained to recognize and observe for these symptoms. We would strongly recommend you discuss the cause and prevention of Altitude Sickness with your Travel Doctor prior to departing your country.

Most people can ascend to 2,500 metres with little or no effect. Some people commence to display symptoms of altitude sickness after this height.

What is High Altitude?

High Altitude

2,500 to 4,000 metres
(8,000 to 13,000 feet)

Very High

4,000 to 5,500 metres
(13,000 to 18,000 feet)

Extremely High

Over 5,500 metres
(Over 18,000 feet)

Uhuru Peak (summit) is in the Extremely High category at 5,895 metres

Vaccinations

Please see your Travel Doctor for advice. You will be required to have proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination to enter Tanzania. This is a current requirement.

Other Vaccinations to consider:

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Diphtheria Tetanus Rabies Tuberculosis Cholera Measles

Malaria

Malaria is an ongoing concern in Tanzania. You need to be aware of this concern and take the appropriate preventative measures.

We recommend seeing your Health Professional/Travel Doctor regarding prevention well before you leave home. Some malaria medications need to be taken days before the trek commences. A good insect repellant containing DEET is also recommended to prevent bites. As you commence your trek, there are no mosquitoes on the mountain. It is still possible to get malaria before or after the trek or whilst on safari.

Diarrhoea

It is important to keep well hydrated, particularly whilst trekking Kilimanjaro. If you develop diarrhoea it is important to rehydrate with solutions such as Dioralyte or Hydrolyte. Hydrolyte added to your boiled water is actually very useful for staying hydrated even if you do not suffer from diarrhoea.

You may wish to discuss with your Health Professional taking an antibiotic such as Ciproxin with you in case you get bad diarrhoea. This is a prescription only medicine but may greatly assist in your recovery.

Preventative Measures

Some preventative measures are very important. Suffering from diarrhoea may jeopardise your chances of summiting.

Unless you are sure of the water supplies' purity, don't drink it. On trek you will be given 3 litres of boiled water per person per day.
If uncertain about water supply, use bottled water. Hot tea, coffee, bottled drinks are usually safe.
Eat cooked vegetables. Avoid salads prepared with local water supplies.
Boil un-pasteurised milk before use. Cook meats well and eat whilst hot. Be careful with local cheeses and ice cream.
Be careful of shellfish and fish. They can be harmful even if cooked well.
Peel all fruits including tomatoes.
Wash all dishes in clean hot water. Wash hands regularly and always before eating. Sanitising gels are recommended.
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