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Being a
Tanzanian, with a wealth of local knowledge and years of
mountaineering experience, my aim is to give you an exceptional
trek with a personal touch that you will not come across with
many other organised tours. There is no ‘middle man’ which
enables me to keep the costs minimal for all my punters without
jeopardising your safety, food and equipment on the mountain.
Phillip
Samwel Dotto.
POST BOX:
DOTTO TREKKING SAFARIS TANZANIA
P.O. BOX 16157, ARUSHA, TANZANIA
EAST AFRICA
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. MOUNTAIN SICKNESS OVERVIEW
Mountain sickness is an illness that ranges from a mild headache
and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the
lungs or brain at high altitudes.
Every trekker should be aware of the conditions that are likely
to occur on the mountain, so necessary preparation and steps
should be taken to avoid them.
Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is a condition where the normal body temperature of
37°C drops below 35°C. This may be caused by rain, improper
clothing, getting wet from perspiration, etc. It is
recommended you wear warm clothing that is waterproof and allows
for ventilation. Keep yourself active.
Frostbite:
Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue - usually skin but
sometimes deeper - and must be handled carefully to prevent
permanent tissue damage or loss. This is a result of low
temperatures. It is advisable to bring good warm gloves (with
insulation) for the fingers and thick wool socks for the feet as
temperatures can drop drastically on the mountain.
Acute Mountain Sickness: Headache, fatigue, undue
breathlessness on exertion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, difficulty sleeping and irregular breathing during
sleep are the common complaints. These are symptoms of Acute
Mountain Sickness (AMS), which usually develop during the first
36 hours at altitude and not immediately on arrival. This is a
direct result of failure to acclimatize properly. To prevent
this, ascend slowly and drink lots of water.
Pulmonary edema:
A more serious form of mountain sickness
is high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This illness occurs
when fluid builds up within the lungs, a
condition that can make breathing extremely difficult. HAPE
often comes on quickly. Symptoms include shortness of breath,
gurgling sounds from chest, production of frothy white sputum,
cough. This is a serious and dangerous condition, you need to
advise your guide about your situation and do not attempt going
any further up the mountain. Usually it is recommended that
you be taken to a lower position.
If left untreated, it can progress to respiratory collapse.
2. MEDICAL CONDITION
If you have cardiac problems, high/low blood pressure, pulmonary
/respiratory difficulties, it is recommended that you obtain
approval from your doctor prior to booking the trek.
3. TREKKING GEAR
It is important to have all necessary trekking gear and clothing
for your trek. Some of this can be hired at the park gates, but
it’s advisable you bring your own gear.
4. WATER
Avoiding dehydration, we recommend trekkers to consume 2-3
litres of water per day, this also helps with acclimatization.
5. TREKKING PACE
It is recommended that you walk at a slow pace throughout your
trek to minimize the risk of mountain sickness. This will also
help with
acclimatisation. It is important not to exert yourself.
6. FIRST AID KIT
It is necessary you carry your own small first aid kit.
7. BAGGAGE AND WEIGHT LIMIT
Waterproof rucksacks are recommended and the total weight
should not exceed 15 kgs. For excess luggage a separate porter
will be required, at an additional cost.
8. PARK REGULATIONS
All National Park regulations are to be obeyed at all times, as
both Mnt Meru and Mnt Kilimanjaro lie in National Parks.
9. MEALS
We recommend light foods especially carbohydrates such as rice,
bread and cereals. Citrus fruits and bananas are advisable too.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, fats, and rich foods.
We provide the following meals:
Breakfast: Fruit, fruit juice, cereal/porridge, eggs,
bread/pancakes, sausages, margarine, jam/honey,
tea/coffee/drinking chocolate.
Snacks: Popcorn/peanuts/cookies
Lunch: Boiled egg, sliced carrot and cucumber, sandwiches.
Dinner: Soup, bread, rice/pasta/potato, chicken/meat, mixed
vegetables, salad, lentils, fruit salad, tea/coffee/drinking
chocolate.
10. OUR PRICES
Inclusive:
Park
entry fees, camping / hut fees, rescue fees, transfers, English
speaking mountain guide, assistant guide, porters, cook, 3 meals
a day while on tour, camping equipment (tents, mattresses,
chairs, tables and mess tent).
Exclusive:
Personal requirements such as health insurance, accommodation
before/after the tour, hire of any clothing and equipment, and
tipping to the crew.
11. TIPPING GUIDELINES
It is expected for you to tip the guide, porters and cook. This
can be discussed prior to your trek with your guide, as he can
advise you on the recommended amounts.
12. RECOMMENDED ITEMS for trekking:
-Warm Sleeping bag
-Waterproof rucksack & daypack
-Woollen hat or balaclava
-Scarf
-Snow-goggles/sunglasses
-Gaiters
-Boots and light trainers
-Waterproof trousers and jacket
-Waterproof poncho is useful
-Long sleeved shirt
-Thermal underwear
-Several pairs of socks
-Gloves and mittens
-Sweaters/jumpers
-Small towel and wash kit
-Water bottle
-First aid kit and insect repellent
-Strong Sun protection
-Torch (head mounted preferable)
-Spare batteries
-Whistle
-Some plastic bags/bin liners
-Walking stick/ski pole
-Toiletries
-Roll mats
NB. We recommend that you take several
layers of clothing (synthetic materials preferable), rather than
thick layers. Boots/walking shoes must be well worn in and warm
enough for the cold conditions.
Good Luck and have fun! |
