Mountain Climbing Tips

GEAR- MT. CLIMBING / TREKKING
For most hikes accommodation will be in huts or tents. Cooking and eating utensils will also be provided. The following gear list serves as a general guideline; however certain routes or trails may have additional gear requirements due to weather conditions or terrain. Please check prior to departure if there are any specific requirements. If not sure please write to us for clarification.

- Well worn in, comfortable hiking boots and spare laces
- Gaiters
- Running shoes or sandals
- Shorts, trousers or skirts
- Socks & underwear including thermals for higher altitudes
- Wet weather raingear (Water proof trousers/ poncho)
- Fleece jacket
- Warm polar jacket
- Gloves, scarf and warm hat
- Sun glasses and sunhat
- Headlamp and torch
- Four season sleeping bag
- Back with waterproof cover
- Sleeping mat
- Small towel
- First and kit
- Water purification tablets

HINTS & TIPS – MT. CLIMBING & TREKKING
A good level of fitness is advised so that you can get maximum enjoyment from the trek.
The weather can be unpredictable at altitude make sure you have clothing for all seasons including warm polar wear and rainwear.

Altitude sickness is often experienced when summiting too fast. Being aware of your own physically ability and knowing the warning signs can prevent this from becoming fatal. Listen to your body and be prudent if you start feeling unwell.

Make sure your hiking boots are well worn in and use petroleum jelly to prevent chaffing and blisters and to soothe your feet after a long day’s walk.

SAFETY
Our first priority is your safety. Our guides and porters maintain a close eye on our clients in case anyone develops some of the health problems connected with high altitude climbs and treks. While most of our clients have a trouble- free climb, an awareness of the potential hazards is useful.

Although not as high as Mount Kilimanjaro, the pace of the ascent up Mount Kenya is faster, leading to rapidly decreasing levels of oxygen in the air.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS
This is the most common problem resulting from this reduction in oxygen levels. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, lassitude, muscle weakness a rapid pulse rate while resting, swelling of the hands and feet and reduced urine output.

The most extreme forms of altitude sickness are Pulmonary and Cerebral Edemas. Certain people have a predilection for developing edema- is not known why – but it tends to affect young, fit males who over exert themselves.

The guides and porters will move anyone suspected of having altitude sickness to a lower altitude. Sometimes, a drop of as little as 500 meters can relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness.
The best way of avoiding it altogether is to gradually acclimatize to the higher altitudes on the mountain by spending a day or two in the foothills of the mountain before making the ascent.

Use of the drug Diamox may prevent or relieve altitude sickness, but one of its side effects is dehydration so anyone taking this drug must consume more water. However we recommend that you inform the guide before using any un-prescribed medication to relief altitude related sickness.

DEHYDRATION
- This is another common problem.
- The temperature during the day on Mount Kenya can be very warm so walkers will sweat considerably.
- Cold weather at night increases urinary out put, further increasing fluid loss.
- The Symptoms of dehydration are thirst (which signals that the body is already short of 2 liters of water), headaches, muscle cramps and nausea.
- Climbers and walker should drink a minimum of 5 to 7 liters of fluid per day.
- Mountain water should be purified. Our guides will collect and boil water for you, but you should still purify the water using purification tablets.
- Exposure is the lowering of the body’s core temperature.
- Kit and clothing appropriate to temperatures that may fall to well below freezing is a must.

SUNBURN
About 40% of the Earth’s protective atmosphere is below an altitude of 4,000metres, so climbers are exposed to higher levels of ultra- violet rays. High factor sunscreen and sunglasses (to reduce the effects of sun glare) are a must.