Kilimanjaro, Serengeti & Zanzibar

Reality Check

GRADE C/D The summit attempt is a D grade walk because of the high altitude and the level of physical effort needed.

Please be aware many clients find the summit day on Kilimanjaro the toughest physical challenge of their life. The rest of the trek is a C grade more as a consequence of the high altitude and extended wilderness camping than the difficulty of walking; hence the C/D grading for the overall trek. We strongly recommend that you thoroughly read the Exodus grading system as outlined in the Walking & Trekking Brochure before booking this trip.

Walking Conditions This is a long and hard trek, which reaches an altitude of 5,895m. Even if you consider yourself fit, you might still find the climb very hard, depending on how well your body acclimatises to high altitude. There is no scientific way to determine how easily you acclimatise, and be aware that the acclimatisation process also can differ from climb to climb. Most of the trails on the Kilimanjaro trek are well defined and of good quality but some forest sections are often slippery and moorland paths can be very wet in poor weather conditions. The final ascent to Uhuru peak is almost exclusively on scree and loose rock without permanent footpaths but no technical skills are required. During the course of the trip we shall spend time at both high and low altitude, experiencing both extremely cold and quite hot conditions.

Please note that this is graded as a C/D trek in our Walking & Trekking Brochure; you will need complete confidence in your physical ability to attempt this trek. You should be prepared for an early start every day on Kilimanjaro.

Altitude The rate of ascent to high altitude on Kilimanjaro is rapid because of the shape and isolated nature of the mountain. Despite careful pacing and adequate hydration, it is probable that many trekkers will experience mild altitude sickness. Most recover quickly; but those affected by serious altitude problems will need to descend to a lower altitude with a member of the local staff and probably abandon the trek in the interests of safety. Please report any symptoms of altitude illness to our Guides immediately and be prepared to follow their advice.

The decision of the Senior Local Guide in such situations will be final. Over 30,000 people attempt the climb of Kilimanjaro annually and there are, on average, two or three fatalities from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) every year. These fatalities are always the result of the failure to undertake a rapid descent quickly enough. Our Guides have had formal training to recognise and deal quickly with the symptoms of AMS, whilst our medical box contains drugs to facilitate a rapid descent together with an evacuation plan from each campsite on Kilimanjaro.

Please note that thorough training and preparation still offer no guarantees in the remote and abnormal conditions that exist at higher altitudes on Kilimanjaro. Although rare, a number of medical conditions can also reduce your body's ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, we recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking. Female travellers please note there is some evidence to suggest that the regularity of the menstrual cycle is disrupted at altitude, this disruption has been known to bring on unexpected periods.