Tanzania Adventure | Frequently Asked Questions

First and foremost, choose a longer route. 7 days should be the minimum and 8 or 9 days is even better. Next, put effort into your training and do it for at least two months, incorporating some long hikes if possible. Third, assemble the right gear for your climb. Lastly, consider using a high altitude training system to pre-acclimatize

What is high altitude training system?

Altitude training systems work by simulating the high altitudes found on Mount Kilimanjaro. The altitude training system reduces the percentage of oxygen in the air you breathe. Through regular use, the body undergoes physiological changes to cope with the lower oxygen level.

Without pre-acclimatization, as climbers ascend on Kilimanjaro, their bodies respond with short-termadaptations. These quick-response adaptations are meant primarily to prevent sickness and allow for some semblance of normal cardiovascular and muscular performance in an oxygen deprived environment.

Pre-acclimatization through altitude training systems produces long-term adaptations, such as an increase in red blood cells, blood volume, and efficiency of oxygen absorption. These adaptations help:

Increase recovery on the mountain. Breathing rates and oxygen intake decreases when the body is asleep. In an oxygen deficient environment, many people have difficulty sleeping. Pre-acclimatization enables people to sleep well, and thus, recover after physical activity.

Increase performance on the mountain. Pre-acclimatization significantly improves the body’s mechanisms for delivering oxygen to the muscles. The result is increased aerobic and anaerobic performance on Kilimanjaro, such as hiking strength and endurance.

Reduce the Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the main reason climbers fail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people will experience some symptoms of AMS. Pre-acclimatization can reduce or eliminate symptoms of AMS.

There is a variety of technical clothing and equipment you will need for your climb as shown blow;

• Technical Clothing
  1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
  1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
  1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
  2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
  1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
  1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
  2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
  1 – Fleece Pants
  1 – Shorts (optional)
  1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
  3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
  2 – Sport Bra (women)

• Headwear
  1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
  1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
  1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
  1 – Bandana (optional)

• Handwear
  1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
  1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

• Footwear
  1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
  1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
  3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
  3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
  1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

• Accessories
  1 – Sunglasses or Goggles
  1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
  1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
  1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended

1 – Water Bladder, Camelbak type (recommended)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

• Equipment
  1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
  1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
  1 – Trekking Poles (recommended)
  1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
  1 – Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
  1 – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET

Nothing is required but many are recommended. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug.
• Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.
• Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
• Yellow fever, a viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (For country specific requirements, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country.). Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. · As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.