HEALTH ISSUES

There are a number of important things to consider when attempting to climb at high altitude, such as factors relating to the sun, altitude sickness, fitness levels and temperatures.

Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is something that can affect any one, at any age, even people who are physically fit.  Normally, as one climbs above an altitude of 3000m, the risk of altitude increases. Altitude climbs are often broken into 3 zones: 

:: High Altitude: 2400m to 3658m.

:: Very High Altitude: 3658m to 5500m. 

:: Extreme Altitude: 5500m to 8848m 

Early signs of acute mountain sickness include loss of appetite, headache, nausea,  insomnia and swelling of the hands, feet and sometimes, face and limbs. If vertigo, vomiting, staggering and fainting occur, one should immediately descend. In addition, a build up of fluid in the body can cause the onset of oedema, in the form of either pulmonary oedema or cerebral oedema. The latter, results in a swelling the brain tissue and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms normally appear during the first 36 hours at higher altitude and generally pass if one remains at that altitude for a few days, allowing the body to acclimatize.  

Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be used to help prevent mountain sickness when a gradual ascent cannot be guaranteed and should always be combined with a good fluid intake.  It should not normally be used in young children except under close medical supervision. 

Headaches can be treated with paracetemol. Sleeping pills should be avoided if possible, and sucking on a lemon can help with nausea. However, if the effects of cerebral oedema occur, immediate evacuation or descent of at least 1000 metres should occur. If oxygen is available, this is also recommend. Once off the mountain, one should consult a physician. If pulmonary oedema occurs, one should immediately descend.

Sun
The effects of the sun should never be underestimated. At higher altitudes, one is exposed to increasing effects of sun damage and the likelihood of burning is increased. It is essential to ensure that one had adequate sun protection, from the application of a minimum factor 20+ cream, a sun hat and appropriate clothing.  

Physical and Mental Fitness
It is important that all climbers are both physically and mentally prepared for the climb. Half of the climb is about mental preparedness, eg. our oldest climber to summit Kilimanjaro is 70 years old, and he has done it twice in consecutive years. The oldest person to do the mountain bike trail with us to date, was 65 and managed extremely well. 

Medical Complications
For people with heart disease or asthma, it is essential that a thorough medical examination and advice from a medical practitioner is sought, prior to attempting the climb.  Our climbers are provided with a fitness plan, well in advance of the climb.

Temperatures
On most high altitude mountains, temperatures can vary from 36 degrees C down to -25 degrees C overnight.  it is essential that climbers are adequately prepared for such extremes in temperature. As such, a good sleeping bag, thermal gear, fleece, gloves etc is essential.  Cotton is not recommended as it tends to retain the moisture and trap the cold against the body. People who plan to climb with us, are provided with a recommended gear list and informed on such issues, as layering of clothing.