High altitude is any place above 5,000 feet. Between 5,000 feet and the summit of Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft) there are three different altitude levels.

• High altitude (5,000 - 11,500 ft.)
• Very High altitude (11,500 - 18,000 ft.)
• Extreme altitude (Over 18,000 ft.)

Different symptoms of altitude sickness occur at each level, and all the symptoms are a result of decreased oxygen pressure in the atmosphere. Everyone is affected by this decreased oxygen pressure in varying degrees. As you climb higher, the symptoms can and often do get worse. In fact, only about 40% of all the climbers on Kilimanjaro reach the summit. This is because they do not acclimatize to the lack of oxygen, and get too sick to continue. Because of Tusker's focus on safety and medical guide training, 98% of our climbers reach the summit.

Every Tusker guide carries a 623-liter tank of oxygen. Tusker Trail has been able to significantly increase our success rate and enjoyment of our climbs by carrying a large supply of oxygen. We carry 2 "Jumbo D" tanks for every 5 climbers. Not only does oxygen help you when you find it difficult to breathe, but it is a necessity if there is any emergency - and emergencies occur all the time.

But just carrying oxygen is not enough. Your guide needs to know exactly when and how to use it. Our highly skilled staff guides are well trained in the use of oxygen as well as the pulse-oximeter.

Because of Tusker's reputation as having the most highly trained and well equipped guides on Kilimanjaro, we often get called in to assist with other companies' emergencies.