Uhuru Point! To many this is one of the greatest physical achievements of their lives. The effort required to reach the summit can be supreme. Why? Simply the body is unable to work efficiently without adequate quantities of oxygen. This manifests itself in legs that feel like lead, an inability to breath, coughing, nausea, vomiting and pounding headaches. Fun? So why do we do it? Because it is a unique achievement, it is exceptionally beautiful up there, it is the conquest of ones self. You will descend to the world below in a state of self-contentment. Your success on Kilimanjaro will live with you for a long time and give you new energies. And most of the pain can be avoided.

Many experienced mountaineers tackle Kili, most know what they are up against and have a larger chance of success, also probably they are more likely to enjoy it. You need not be an experienced mountaineer however to enjoy and succeed on the mountain. The important keys to success are:

• Do not rush up the mountain - walk slowly.
• Take at least 4 nights on the walk-in to allow your body to adjust (acclimatise) to the altitude - the more the better.
• Drink plenty of fluid - this thins your blood allowing it to flow more easily round your body.
• Help your body to adjust - or at least overcome the worst effects of altitude: Diamox is a diuretic which has only minor side effects (parasthenia - tingling in the extremities) has helped many overcome the worst effects and have helped people sleep at night. If you arrive at a campsite and feel symptoms of altitude sickness appear consider taking a diamox before going to bed. When you are asleep the breathing is shallow and oxygen deprivation makes you wake up gasping and feeling quite ill - Diamox should reduce this effect.
• Maybe your main key to success will be your guide. He will be there behind you, encouraging and sometimes even pushing you. Listen to their advice - they know best (most of the time!).