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. |
