Altitude Acclimatization
Altitude directly impacts the saturation of oxygen in the air. While the air we breathe at sea level is not pure oxygen, it is usually a combination of nitrogen, oxygen, a bit of carbon dioxide and traces of other gases. This air has enough saturation of oxygen to suit our needs, and our body has adapted to this.
At higher elevations, the air is ‘thinner’ or is less saturated with oxygen. The effects of lower oxygen can be fatigue or feeling out of breath. It requires more breaths to obtain the same amount of oxygen, especially noticeable during physical exercise.
Your trekking over the successive days will be pass the “High Altitude” marker, 8,000 ft, where most individuals begin to be affected by altitude sickness.
The peak of Kilimanjaro is within the “Extreme” category of elevation, however much of the climb will be within the “Very High” category.
At this elevation, the body will begin to adapt to a higher altitude, first with an increased heart rate and respiratory rate, and later – perhaps a few days later – an increase in red blood cells. More red cells mean more oxygen delivered throughout the body and is a sign of acclimatization.
