Mountain Health
While good physical fitness certainly won't hinder your climb, the ascent itself is mostly just a steep hike, if rough underfoot in parts. It's the altitude rather than the climb itself that may prevent you from reaching the top. Much more germane than the training programmes that some people embark on is giving yourself enough time to acclimatize, so your body has a chance to produce extra oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Above 4000m, you are likely to notice the effects of altitude , and the speed of your climb is critical. Physical symptoms are unpredictable; they vary between individuals, and appear to be unrelated to how fit you are - indeed, fit young males often suffer the most acute symptoms. Breathlessness, nausea, disorientation and even slurred speech are all possible, and headaches are fairly normal at first, especially at night. All this can be largely avoided by taking your time over the trek, as minor symptoms gradually disappear. You may consider bringing a tent for this reason, to avoid the sometimes rapid climbs between huts. Do not attempt to climb from the base of the mountain (that is, from the ring road) to Point Lenana in less than 72 hours; if you've just arrived in Kenya, allow five days for the ascent. Giving yourself a week for the whole trip is a good idea. Keeping your fluid intake as high as possible will also help (three to five litres a day is recommended) and it's best to avoid alcohol. If someone in your group shows signs of being seriously tired and weak, stay at that altitude. Should the symptoms develop into  © 2003 by Rough Guides Ltd. as trustee for its Authors. Published by Rough Guides. All rights reserved. Rough Guides name is a trademark of Rough Guides Ltd. Buy the book here!
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unsteadiness on the feet and drowsiness, descend immediately , whatever the circumstances. The effects of altitude are remarkable - especially on bodies tuned only to sea level - and can quickly become very dangerous, even fatal. Every year, dozens of climbers are struck by pulmonary oedema (when water collects in the lungs), accounting for almost half the cases worldwide. You may find Ibuprofen works against headaches and that Diamox is helpful against the general effects of altitude
Your Tips For Mount Kenya National Park
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