Tips for preparing to reach African roofs
The Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet/5,895 meters) may be considered to be “starter mountain” height by climbers, but combining “mountain of greatness” is no easy task.
No technical climbing skills, ropes, ice shafts, harnesses or other special equipment are required. Depending on the season and weather, if it is covered in snow, individuals reaching the upper slope may need microspikes.
The biggest challenge for most climbers to reach the pinnacle of Africa's highest peak is altitude.
“It is true that Kilimanjaro has access to a wide range of people, but proper physical preparation is essential, especially for those without a hiking background.”
“In Kilimanjaro, climbers usually walk six to eight miles each day. On summit nights, this can be extended to 10 to 15 miles, many of which are uphill. To achieve this feat, You need at least an average level of fitness,” he said.
Kilimanjaro rescue efforts by Global Rescue expert medical rescue personnel have been underway for years. This is a lot of rescue operations caused by breathing problems caused by altitude.
In 2011, Global Rescue was field rescue for doctors experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pain and other signs of shortness of breath, chest pain and other signs of life-threatening illness as they climb the mountains. I've done it.
About two-thirds of the road to the summit, Michele Donsky complained of extreme chest tension and difficulty breathing. The 55-year-old marathon runner could only speak one or two words at a time before he began wheezing. Eddie Frank, owner of her climbing guide, Tusker Trail, contacted Global Rescue and medical evacuations in the air have begun.
Donsky was taken to a nearby hospital, where her condition rapidly improved at low altitudes. She was assessed by local doctors and maintained regular communication with global rescue medical operations staff.
“It was very comforting to hear the voices of global rescue doctors on satellite phones and know that he was making healthy decisions for me,” Donsky said. “I had the greatest confidence and confidence in him and his team. I don't want to be without this kind of help in this situation. If you haven't signed up for global rescue, it's It would have been impossible.”
In 2024, US members required field rescue after experiencing shortness of breath and vomiting blood at Karanga camp in Tanzania for an attempt at the Kilimanjaro Summit. Global Rescue Medical Operations spoke with him and the expedition guide to confirm that the members' coughs produced bloody ph, and that his breathing difficulty began earlier in the day.
The severity of his condition led to global rescue medical operations officers starting helicopter field rescue. Members were diagnosed with pneumonia and were successfully evacuated and evaluated at a local hospital in Arusha where they were prescribed antibiotics. He was scheduled to return to the United States to continue his recovery.
Even legendary high-altitude climber Ed Viestles and his Kilimanjaro expeditions have been a common prescription drug to prevent symptoms of severe illness during his first Kilimanjaro summit in the early spring of 2024. I chose Diamox.
The Viesturs team climbed into the rain and made a quick four-day rise. “The Diamox was used proactively by the team and helped prevent altitude-related issues. This is not a recommended method to shorten the rise in high peaks, but we understood the risks. Ultimately Everything went well and there were no issues,” he said.
According to Altezza, the underestimation of Mount Kilimanjaro's altitude impact and physical challenges is one of the biggest mistakes new climbers make.
“Many companies sell Kilimanjaro as a simple climb, attracting individuals who are not properly prepared for mountain demands. This often properly prepares themselves physically for trekking. It leads to making impulsive decisions to sign up without doing it.”
Artessa, who has been leading the Kilimanjaro expedition since 2014, said the summit is a feat that “requires at least an average level of fitness.”
Despite the challenges, participation in mountaineering, trekking and other high-altitude activities has been rapidly increasing in recent years in the Rockies, Himalayas, Andes and Kilimanjaro.
Arteza's business records reflect the same escalation in the number of climbers in Kilimanjaro. His data also shows a steady increase in women's climbing.
“Of the 2,997 climbers surveyed in 2023, 40% (1,204) were women. This distribution continues to represent the majority of climbers, but the proportion of female climbers was the previous year. “It shows a steady increase compared to this,” Altezza said.
Are you thinking about climbing highlands?
Do you travel for trekking or mountain climbing? Include travel protection services membership. Are you already a member? Review the Quick Start Guide to learn how to use Global Rescue Membership.
Whether you're climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, heli skiing in the Andes, or trekking through Camino de Santiago, you can find 24/7 medical advisory services, outdoor rescue from the point of injury, and nearest medical care. You can access evacuation. The hospital of your choice or home hospital.
Are you planning on climbing or trekking in highlands? Make sure you obtain a high-altitude evacuation package that is available to members over the age of 16.
